Barb Praetz Reunion Class of 69
January 9, 2024
The Impact of Volunteering 50 Years On
Barbara Praetz volunteered as a teacher in Singapore from 1968-1969. Her impact is still felt by her students, 50 years on…
Barbara Praetz in Singapore 1968-69
Singapore’s education system was changing, and the city was growing into a rich economic miracle in 1968 when I took part in my assignment. My interest in Southeast Asia deepened immensely during my time teaching English and other subjects to year six Chinese and Indian students. After returning to Australia, the experiences of this multicultural city never left me. I returned many times and travelled to other countries in the region with a greater understanding and love of the local culture. At every opportunity. I kept up with the class of 69 and we enjoyed a couple of wonderful reunions in Singapore. Now, more than 50 years on, my former students and I still correspond using WhatsApp.
Thank you, AVI, for the opportunity to assist in another country and in doing so, to reap so many rewards from the experience.
Barbara Praetz in Singapore 1968-69
Barbara Praetz arranged for a bequest to AVI to support their programs and offer the opportunity for others to gain such a ‘wonderful’ experience as she had enjoyed to truly enrich their lives.
January 9, 2024
Singapore Today, news item from the Class of 69 reunion
After volunteering as a primary school teacher in Singapore in 1968 and ’69 Barb, became a dedicated supporter of AVI’s work, culminating in a gift in her will, received in May 2023. Not only did Barb maintain a connection with the organisation that supported her assignment, she maintained connections with several of her former students.
“Even in the last hours of her life, when they knew she was dying, students’ messages were pinging in on WhatsApp and read to Barb – they were such loving messages from these adults, now in their 60s, demonstrating that she’d clearly played a very significant role in their lives since they were 12 years old,” said Barb’s niece, Margie Powell.
Singapore Today, news item from the Class of 69 reunion
We are forever grateful for your mentoring us
January 9, 2024
Barb Praetz, AVI volunteer and bequestor.
“Barb’s students were the same age as me, so she arranged for one of her students to become my penfriend. Sabrina (Pui Yee) and I remain in contact today.” Said another of Barb’s nieces, Janice.
Pui Yee wrote one final message to Barb:
“We 69ers … are forever grateful for your mentoring us, for introducing us to other lands, space and even the moon. [Barb had the class sit in front of her new Shortwave radio the day Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon]… rest assured that we have all grown up to be good people …”
Barb’s final message to the 69ers was sent by her family on WhatsApp:
“… you were such wonderful students and gave me some of the happiest days of my life.”
Barb Praetz, AVI volunteer and bequestor.
Lasting Impact
January 9, 2024
After Barb’s death, the Class of 69 put together the below video speaking of the lasting impact she’d had on their lives in the very short time she taught them when they were just 12 years old.
Barb’s story demonstrates the power of international volunteering to enrich lives and foster global citizenship.
