Congratulations to Ben Jenkins of Year 12, who received a 2016 Order of Australia Student Citizenship Award last week.

Ben was presented with his award by the Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, at a ceremony at the Royal Canberra Golf Club last Thursday.

Ben was nominated by the College for the work he did with the Gap Medics organisation in Tanzania in December 2015 and January 2016. During his time there, Ben completed a four-week medical mission at the Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital working in a variety of areas, ranging from obstetrics and gynaecology, internal medicine, surgery and paediatrics. He also volunteered at an orphanage.

Ben immersed himself into the work of the hospital and learned very quickly of the need to control his emotions in the impoverished and very demanding conditions. During his time there, Ben helped to deliver babies and perform surgery. He also, unfortunately, witnessed a number of deaths.

Since returning, Ben has been proactive about organising a shipping container that he would stock with supplies for both the orphanage and the hospital. Ben has already acquired some stock from Capital Linen Service, consisting of both materials for the hospital such as scrub suits and barrier gowns, and sheets.

An interview with Ben about his experiences will be published in the 2016 Annual Magazine.

The four weeks that Ben spent in Tanzania provided him with rewarding and challenging experiences.

Ben is a model student deserving of recognition for his selfless work to assist others in less fortunate circumstances. Congratulations, Ben!