For Burdekin Christian College (BCC) student Jessica Holmes, 2026 promises a year unlike any other. Accepted into a 12-month internship with 100% Hope Uganda, Jess will immerse herself in a new culture, assist with primary school teaching, and run interest clubs before and after school—a rare opportunity for a high school graduate to teach, serve, and experience life on a global scale.
Jess first learned about the internship when 100% Hope Uganda visited BCC. When the organisation’s manager announced a gap-year program for Year Twelves, Jess’s interest was immediate. “It immediately caught my attention because I love different countries, and since I hadn’t decided what I wanted to do next year, I thought that’d be great,” she said.
Volunteering abroad isn’t completely new to the year 12 student, having taken part in missions trips to countries including the Philippines in the past. Committing to a whole year, however, is a new challenge for her, though one she has long imagined taking. “I’ve always thought I’d be going over to different countries to help people, in third world countries,” she explains. “The only foreign thing is being there for a whole year.”
In Uganda, Jess will step into a hands-on role as a teaching assistant for Year Three and Four students. She’ll support classroom learning, assist with programs in the school, village, and church, and run co-curricular activities after school. “It’ll give me a sort of taster of being a teacher,” she says. “I’m really excited to meet lots of people and have new experiences.”
Beyond teaching, Jess is motivated by the opportunity to help the community. “I’d love to share what I can do and help out with whatever they need,” she says. She also hopes to represent BCC well abroad, bringing a piece of home with her. “I just hope to be very helpful and hopefully share some of the Burdekin's traditions.”
For Jess, the internship represents a chance to grow, learn, and make a meaningful difference. Friends, family, and the College community are already watching eagerly, knowing that her adventure will be both challenging and transformative. With her curiosity, compassion, and dedication, there’s little doubt she will make the most of every moment in Uganda.
Accepted into a 12-month internship with 100% Hope Uganda, Jess will immerse herself in a new culture during her 12-month internship. Photo supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
