Photo By Pfc. Reba James | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jasmin Smith, an aviation supply clerk with Marine Aviation...... read more read more
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DARWIN, Australia - U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin participated in Sports Day, the culminating event for Alawa Primary School’s physical education program, June 5 at Alawa Primary School, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
The event was in support of a community relations program in which Marines mentor students several days a week at local schools.
“Today is our annual Sports Day and students across our school, from preschool to year six, are involved in running races, high jump, long jump, discus, and shot put,” said Sandy Cartwright, principal of Alawa and a native of Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. “The students race against the parents, teachers, Marines, and (the members of the) Australian Defence Force.”
Marines’ involvement by mentoring at local schools in the Northern Territory allow them to learn about the culture and customs in Australia.
“The Marines also go into the classroom and listen to the students read, which is crucial for the students reading development,” said Cartwright. “(The Marines) help them with math, listen to them, and answer their questions about their own lives and where they come from to get a different perspective of a different part of the world.”
Beyond purely military training, the Marines’ presence in community engagements throughout the Northern Territory shows their appreciation for Australia’s hospitality.
The Marines’ involvement strengthens ties with the community, especially from the school’s perspective, according to Cartwright. The parents are very positive about the involvement of the U.S. Marines and the additional support for our students and a bit of awareness about what they are doing while in Darwin.
Aside from bilateral training exercises with Australian counterparts, U.S. Marines engage with local schools and contribute to the host communities in various volunteering events.
“The Marines have told me it gives them a chance to connect with some Australian people on a regular basis and gives them a perspective on how Australians operate and live,” Cartwright finished.
| Date Taken: | 06.05.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2015 00:15 |
| Story ID: | 166754 |
| Location: | DARWIN, NT, AU |
| Hometown: | WOLLONGONG, NSW, AU |
| Web Views: | 223 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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