Accompanying the students were teachers Malee Lipman and Bernie Cavanagh, and Bogan Shire Council representative Jim Hampstead.

This was the third school delegation to Tongling on alternate years to the Chinese visits to Nyngan.

The program of activities in China was full and varied, and included visits to the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Olympic complex and other cultural icons.

A highlight of the visit was the two days spent at the Tongling No 15 Middle School. Our sister school has an enrolment of 3000 students from Years 7 to 10. Our delegation participated in science, English, art and PE classes, getting an insight into the similarities and differences between our systems of schooling.

All were impressed by the energy, good humor and friendliness of the Chinese students and teachers. Any misconceptions about oppressive classrooms or restrictive discipline systems were quickly dispelled. It was clear that the Chinese teachers and students enjoyed a friendly and respectful rapport.

The Nyngan community can be very proud of the students who represented it.

All six of our young citizens displayed qualities befitting ambassadors of Nyngan. The adults were particularly impressed by the students’ willingness to try new food, engage in all activities and accept the generosity of the Chinese hosts with great courtesy. The adults remarked that the students were also very resilient during any stressful episodes of airport security checks, long flights and bus trips, and a very full itinerary.

Needing to raise a significant amount of funds to add to the Bogan Shire’s generous support, the students spent six months raising money before the trip. In hindsight, the group felt that this added a positive dimension to the trip.