“Travel teaches more than books ever can — it opens minds, builds hearts, and creates lifelong memories.”

 St. Xavier’s Boys’ Academy organised an enriching educational field trip for the students of Std. VIII (8.1 and 8.2) to Ambatha – Prabhodhan Vidyalaya from 3rd December to 6th December 2025. The trip aimed at fostering learning beyond classrooms, cultural exchange, social responsibility, and holistic development.

The journey commenced at 6:30 a.m. from the school campus, accompanied by four teachers, four masters, and a support staff. The group reached Kasara at around 9:30 a.m., where breakfast was arranged and buses were exchanged with students travelling to Mumbai from Prabhodhan Vidyalaya. After this smooth transition, the journey towards Ambatha continued. Lunch was taken at a restaurant en route, and the group reached Ambatha between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

On arrival, the students and teachers received a warm and heartfelt welcome from the staff, students, Fathers, and Sisters of Prabhodhan Vidyalaya. This was followed by an introductory briefing by Father Anaclete, after which teachers and students guided our boys to the dormitories. A short tour of the campus was organised to familiarise the students with the surroundings. The teachers later briefed the boys about discipline, expected behaviour, and the dos and don’ts during the stay. The day concluded with dinner followed by a well-deserved rest, marking the end of Day 1.

Day 2 began early with students being awakened by the teachers, followed by a session of light exercises to energise them for the day. One of the highlights of the trip was the “Each One Teach One” session, where students of St. Xavier’s Boys’ Academy taught the students of Prabhodhan Vidyalaya, promoting peer learning and mutual respect. This was followed by a short forest trek and a memorable Van Bhojan, accompanied by a lively traditional tribal dance, giving students a rich cultural experience.

 In the afternoon, students returned to the hostel and engaged in indoor games. The evening featured a science session conducted by Bhumit Sir for the boys and a dance session conducted by Ms. Rajani for the girls, both of which were thoroughly enjoyed. The day concluded with an entertaining cultural programme presented by students of both schools, showcasing remarkable talent and teamwork, followed by dinner and rest.

On Day 3, after breakfast, the students of Prabhodhan Vidyalaya were accompanied by the students of St. Xavier’s Boys’ Academy to their homes for lunch. This unique experience allowed our students to interact closely with local families, understand their lifestyle, and build meaningful connections. After returning to the hostel, the students enjoyed Maggi as an evening snack, much to their delight. The evening was marked by a bonfire, dance, and an experience-sharing session, where students from both schools shared their learnings, emotions, and memorable moments. The day ended with a peaceful night’s rest.

On Day 4, the group departed from Ambatha at 6:15 a.m. for Mumbai. After a safe and comfortable journey, the students reached St. Xavier’s Boys’ Academy at around 4:30 p.m., bringing the trip to a successful conclusion.

The field trip to Ambatha – Prabhodhan Vidyalaya was a truly enriching and memorable experience. It helped students develop empathy, cultural awareness, leadership, cooperation, and gratitude, leaving them with lessons that will remain etched in their hearts for years to come.