Cambodia previous volunteers
Here are a sample of experiences from previous volunteers at the Cambodia project.
As soon as I got off the plane, I had a great feeling about Siem Reap. Then I was told I was going to be volunteering for the Giant Puppet Project. I couldn't believe my luck, I always wanted to do art with kids. We had 350 kids who don't speak too much English make 8 giant puppets and have a parade. It was definitely one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The kids had a blast. I've returned home inspired to volunteer and make art. Thank you!
Jessica, California USA - February 2007
Arriving at the project, one is swamped by lively, boisterous enthusiastically welcoming children. Playing games is fun and teaching English was a real treat. I had never taught English before but I jumped right in and enjoyed it. The enthusiasm of these kids to learn is inspiring. Their energy and personalities are heart warming. The pictures they draw for you are just beautiful and the sweet things they say, their smiles, just melt your heart. They are boisterous and some have behavioural difficulties, and often they play fight with each other, as they have had bad experiences and some a difficult home life and not the best role models. This is why the Day Centre is such a great place, a safe haven away from this and a chance to learn and have positive, fun experiences.
I also taught in the evenings at the Poverty Development school run by monks. The volunteer teachers that the school relys upon to teach English are always sought after and sometimes there are not enough teachers for all the classes. I was priveliged to teach the older teenagers and advanced classes and it was really enjoyable. These kids are intelligent and eager to learn and also have warm hearts, great sense of humour and it was really insightful to talk to them and learn about their life. Some of these students have finished public education and now want to learn English while others study at public school during the day and then come to the school to study more in the evening. Other students can't afford public school, which requires a small daily fee. On the second last day I was sung to by some of the sweet students in my class and it was very moving. Making a connection with people and giving students a chance to improve their English was a wonderful experience.
Rachel, Australia - January 2007
I love the orphanage and have every intention of returning within the year. It was a little slow starting but nothing a little patience and initiative can't manage, but I did like the flexibility. The classes were fun to teach, the library had all the resources I needed, all the kids are great, and despite being an "English teacher" I was able to do so much more. Towards the end we were going to the center everyday instead of the originally scheduled 4 because we loved it there that much.
Angie, USA - December 2006
I retired from teaching Dec. 2005 after having taught at Mt.Martha primary for the last 24 years. When I arrived in Siem Reap I taught at the day centre in the mornings, and then I’d teach from 5-00p.m -7-00p.m. at the ‘School for Poverty Children’ run by the Monks. They have 500 children through each day. 1 hr. lessons. One grade had 56 Children in it. All so eager to learn English.
Rem met me at the airport with his Tuk-Tuk and I knew straight away that it was going to work. The children at the day centre stole my heart. Especially the toddlers who wander in without a stitch on and stay playing all morning. Not a parent in sight. The kids arrive at school whenever their parents allow them time off from begging. They shower, wash their hair, change into their T.shirts, then wash their own clothes. Time to
play. Have a hug. English classes, a hot lunch, then back out onto the streets. "The sad reality is that these children, as young as 5 yrs. old, are often the primary breadwinners for their families. Their living conditions are desperate, either living in very poor housing or no housing at all." I actually saw one family sleeping on the footpath in town, open to abuse and disease. I had collected an extra donation to the project that I raised from my golf club back home. I hadn’t mentioned our donations to Rem until I was sure the money would be used wisely. When I saw Rem with an enormous bunch of bananas to share, and a bag of rice for each child to take home each Friday, I knew it was O.K. The money also bought a class set of text books, school uniforms and books for the children who were allowed time off from begging to attend their own local Khmer school. We also paid the $10 annual school fees for some of these children. Food for lunches. Rent and helping this struggling young couple to make a difference.
June, Australia - October 2006
"My experience with helping the day centre project was one i was proud to be a part of. So many tourists come to Ankor Wat without seeing the real cambodia, when its so easy to help out, even for just a few hours. Because these beautiful children don't offen get the chance to learn or play they are so happy and well behaved its amazing. The great thing about doing volenteer work through globalteer is it allows you to make a difference and have fun at the same time! If you feel compelled to do something good for others, you will be so glad you helped to put a smile on these kids faces- anyone with a heart would! Throughout my travels, this was the best thing i did to help a third world country and it was positive. I have great memories of teaching english to children who are so excited to learn and to see me. Somethings stay with you forever and the look on a kids face when they have a teacher today, a meal to eat, someone to giggle with, is more precious than anything i could buy or spend the day doing."
Holly, Australia - September 2006
I was quite apprehensive about going to Cambodia at first…. I am at an age where I can remember Vietnam, the Khmer rouge and pol pot. But, I was also at an age where I knew there was more important things I needed to do with my life… so I left my comfort zone and volunteered to help out in Cambodia. I had not taught before nor even worked with kids but that didn’t matter…. The kids were so desperate to learn English to help improve their own lives. At the day centre for the street kids, they were so happy for attention and just wanted to have the chance to play. Teaching the younger classes was so much fun…. They really want to understand how words are pronounced and to have 30 kids shout back everything you say on command was always humorous to me. As for the street kids, well, quite simply these kids are deprived of a childhood - and for 3 hours a day… the kids are allowed to play and act like kids again. They spend the rest of their lives working as they are the bread winner in their family. It is such a worthwhile project, that I am now saving to go back… I miss the kids and I feel so much more confident and worthy in this world now that I have done my small part to make a difference.
Duncan UK - March 2006
On my last day, a little girl held my hand whilst I was kicking a football with the older children. Her small hand wrapped perfectly around my little finger. Every time I moved from one side or another she faithfully followed. Every once in a while I’d look down at the top of her little head, dirty from playing in the dust, and she’d look back up at me and smile.
When it is finally time for me to leave, I say good-bye to all the kids and pull my finger gently from my little friend’s palm. She followed me outside for a while, and I wonder if she’ll cry as I walk away. But she just waves goodbye and grins wide with a that smile... you know, the kind of smile that makes smiling back the only thing I want to do in the whole world.
Mat, Hong Kong - August 2005
A fantastic life changing experience. I particularly enjoyed playing with the kids at the day centre, they were so loving and happy, their smiling faces will stay with me always. Whilst teaching at the school, I was first struck by the respect the children showed me, standing as I walked into the class and saying “hello teacher” and all individually thanking me as they left. These kids wouldn’t have the opportunity of an education if the school didn’t exist. I truly felt the importance of what I was doing whilst volunteer teaching. The Cambodian people were all very grateful for the help of the volunteers, they see so many tourist visit this extremely poor country and so few stop to help them find a way out their desperate circumstances. I have travelled the world extensively and Cambodia remains my favourite country because of the people, they are so friendly and courteous, it is always a pleasure to be there.
James. UK July 2005