Twenty-six White Rock Christian Academy students have had their mission trip to Guatemala cut short, after several of the Grade 11s were robbed while playing soccer with some of the local children.
Assistant principal Brian Oger told Peace Arch News Tuesday that the students will be returning home early as a result of the incident, which occurred Saturday. None of the students – who had only arrived in Guatemala two days earlier – were physically injured, he said.
While some media have reported that armed gunmen stormed the field where the students were playing soccer, Oger said that “was a sensationalized aspect of the story that’s not accurate.”
As well, there were chaperones at the scene, he said.
More details were shared in a statement issued later Tuesday.
“On Saturday, the third day of their trip, men holding guns approached a group of students and several adults. They were asked to lie down on the ground and had personal items such as backpacks taken from them,” the release states.
“The board of directors and administration decided that in the interest of the welfare of the students, the team would immediately return home.”
The statement noted that many of the students “are understandably disappointed with their trip being shortened. The school’s main priority is the well-being and safety of the students and staff.”
Four chaperones, including WRCA principal David Michel, were part of the school’s contingent to Guatemala, which has been a tradition at WRCA since 2009.
According to a school newsletter, the “service-learning” trip was set for March 19-31, and was anticipated to be a “unique opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences, build relationships, explore a new country and learn about the customs and cultures of Guatemala.”
“Students will see the contrast between the rich and poor, Central American values and North American values, Catholic cultures and Protestant cultures, village life and city life and more,” the newsletter states. “From living with homestays to serving the Guatemalans to exploring Guatemala, the class will have an experience unlike any other.”
In 2011, teens who participated in the trip – helping at WRCA’s sister school and in a Mayan village – told PAN it changed their lives.
“It’s helped me understand God’s plan for my life,” said one.
Tuesday, Oger would not say exactly when the students are due to return.
“We’re just wanting to make sure that the students get the counselling that they need,” he said.
“Obviously, a challenging experience for sure.”
