Apii Te Uki Ou students spent eight days exploring Mitiaro on the school’s year 7 and 8 camp last week.

Savannah-Roiti Nia was one of the children who attended the camp. Nia said the local food was one of her favourite things about the camp.

“Every night we got fed by the people and it was always big kai kai’s,” Nia said.

“They would always be singing traditional songs to us, sometimes we would sing along to them and get up and dance with them, and we would chat to all the mamas.”

During the day the students would explore the island and spend time swimming in the harbour and the caves. At night they would practice performances or play games.

For year eight student Cole Bamber, swimming in the harbour was his favourite part of the trip. He said the harbour water was a lot clearer than in Rarotonga.

Another student who went on the trip, Desiah Tuao said the students got really close to the other 38 children on Mitiaro who they spent every day with.

The trip was documented on Apii Te Uki Ou’s school’s Facebook page. The final post said: “Tears of love, joy and sadness were shared unreservedly as we left on the plane as this week has been filled with unforgettable experiences, new lifelong friendships, tremendous personal growth and a newly defined understanding of generosity.

“Mitiaro we will never forget what you have done for our school this week as you have changed the lives and hearts of our children forever!”