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Read Amanda Mckee story
Here I am in Cambodia again. A country that captured my heart the first time I visited. Such lovely people, so kind and gentle but many are living in such poverty. What to do to help? At first I left a small donation to a small developing rural school which later became the NGO called Cambodian Education of Hope Organization (CEHO).
This organization offers English and Computer Education, for free, to the poor rural kids. The director sent me photos of the developing school which, at first, was just one small school building built of bamboo. I watched as the school grew and when the director invited me back to volunteer at the school I came for 2 weeks.
I live with a local family and they cook the meals for me. It was a whirl wind visit so much to do at the school. I spent my days helping the young teachers, showing them new ways of teaching, giving advice, planning with the teachers and teaching English classes myself. I also helped the school choose books for teaching the English classes and organize their very small library. Meanwhile the teachers looked after me so well making sure I was comfortable.
The children were delightful, so polite and obviously fascinated by the foreigner in their midst. When I left they gave me many hand made good luck bracelets. I felt wonderful after this volunteer experience. I learned so much about the challenges of Cambodian life for the local people and felt like so lucky that I’d been given the opportunity to make a small difference. I went home truly appreciating the positive experiences of volunteering in a different culture.
So here I am again, a much shorter visit this time but the school has progressed so much. The school has changed the location. There are two wooden classrooms for the teaching of English as well as a computer classroom containing 36 computers. It’s amazing in a country where many people live without electricity and running water.
The school now has 2 washrooms, a hand washing station and provides clean drinking water for the students. Books are provided for the students and technology is used in the classroom.
This has improved the learning experiences of the students so much. I’m so impressed by the English and computer skills of the students and know that this will make such a difference to their lives. Their work prospects are so much better. It is heartwarming to see such progress. And, for me, the homestay has been greatly improved; my time here is less busy as the school is more established, more time to meet the local people and see the local market. Such a great experience,
So now CEHO need volunteers willing to teach the students English so the students are the exposure to a person who speaks English fluently. The kids love the volunteers and listen so attentively. Volunteering is such a wonderful way to learn about the world whilst helping others.
Amanda Mckee from Canada
