From classroom to mission field: Vanimo students change lives in upper Sepik

Holy Trinity Humanities Academy [HTHA] in Vanimo has completed a transformative week-long mission trip to the remote village of Kasai along the Sepik River near the PNG–Indonesia border, marking a new chapter in how the school celebrates student progression.

The mission, which began on Monday, 24 November 2025, involved Grade 8 students travelling seven hours by road to Mahani and continuing a further five hours by boat to reach Kasai. The trip replaces the traditional graduation ceremony, following the PNG Department of Education’s shift away from national examinations.

The students were accompanied by two Catholic nuns from the SSVM congregation, two IVE priests – Fr. Martin Prado and Rector Fr. Christopher, their class matron and patron, four mothers who served as cooks, and Nurse Mrs. Danti from Vanimo Hospital, who also provided medical assistance to villagers during the mission.

The Kasai community welcomed the students with traditional dances, a string band performance and speeches from parish priest Fr. Frank and the parish chairman, creating an atmosphere of warmth and unity.

Throughout the week, students conducted youth and children’s activities, visited homes for prayer, and took part in daily village life. Medical services were also extended to villagers in need through the support of the accompanying nurse.

Spiritual activities formed the heart of the mission. Daily Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation were administered, while several villagers were baptized into the Catholic faith. Evening sermons delivered by Fr. Martin encouraged villagers to deepen their prayer life and faith, reminding them that true freedom is found through belief and prayer.

On Day 6, students prepared a mission cross and led a Eucharistic procession through the village, followed by a symbolic drama presentation titled “The Burning of Satan”, reflecting the spiritual impact of the visit. The powerful message delivered was that “Kasai belongs to Jesus, and Jesus belongs to Kasai.”
The mission ended on Day 7 with a farewell church service, with Kasai youth leader Vincent describing the visit as a blessing that transformed ordinary days into unforgettable memories. Parish priest Fr. Frank also presented Fr. Christopher with a cultural artifact symbolizing the Upper Sepik identity as a sign of gratitude.

As the students returned home, they left behind a strong legacy of faith, unity and service. One student described the experience as life-changing, saying it would remain in their hearts forever.