The pupils were given the opportunity through their school, Maitland Christian School (MCS), to participate in a trip to help people in need.

Kiri-Ana chose to join the street crew and work with Sydney’s homeless.

“The biggest thing I got out of the Sydney mission trip is to appreciate the littlest things no matter what the circumstance,” she told Hunter Valley News.

“There were people I met who had been through the worst things that someone could ever possibly go through, yet they still appreciated the person who spared them $2.

“On the Friday night there was a church service for the homeless community and whoever else wanted to come along.

“When they came to church and surrounded themselves with people who were in similar situations and the leaders of the Salvation Army, who they call their family, it was if none of [their worries] mattered.”

Sam chose a charity fundraising walk from Wollongong lighthouse to the Sydney Opera House.

“I went on a very similar thing last year and I just really enjoyed it,” he said.

All proceeds raised by participating students will be halved between two causes; the John Hunter Neurology Unit (JHNU) and the Australia Cancer Research Foundation.

“We chose them because a lot of people in the group have had people close to them who have suffered from cancer,” Sam said.

“We chose JHNU because last term one of the girls in Year 5 [at MCS] died, and before she did she got taken to the JHNU.

“They worked tirelessly trying to help her survive but sadly she didn’t.

“When you’re at school you never really expect any of your schoolmates to die.

“It was very unexpected and we hope fundraising will help the hospital.”

The teenagers anticipated the experience would help its direct benefactors but it also left a lasting impression on their own lives.

“We all went to Sydney expecting to serve the homeless community for four days and then come home and go back to our normal lives,” Kiri-Ana said.

“But each and every one of us came back with completely different perspectives on life and ready to be the change we want to see in our community.”