Beaticello

Tonight I attended a concert and talk held by the amazing Dr. Beat Richner. A paediatrician who has dedicated his life to saving the children of Cambodia. Over 22 years he has tirelessly worked to source funding for 5 hospitals he has built around Cambodia, offering free medical care for severely sick children, as well as training and employing Cambodian medics. On average, 206 children would die PER DAY without these institutions. He truly is amazing. Some people need to live forever, and this guy is one of them. 

Day one at CCHP

Today was my first day volunteering at Cambodian Children's House of Peace! The centre is a run down but happy place, and my office consists of a narrow bench in a shaded area, which I share with a heap of massive ants! I am lucky to have the use of a laptop, although the C key doesn't work.

The children are away on a field trip in a rural village, which meant I had the chance to have a good chat to the on-site manager, Sokuna. The organisation faces the challenge of managing the many well-meaning volunteers who approach them wanting to help, but often become more of a hindrance and create extra work. I'll be training the staff in recruiting and matching volunteers to maximise the benefits. 

They also face the challenge of minimal regular funding, meaning staff jobs are insecure. We'll be looking at ways to encourage volunteers to show further support once they have visited and gained an emotional connection, hopefully through monthly giving. 

Treak Community Centre

Today I took a moto ride to a rural village outside Siem Reap, and went back in time 100 years! The villagers there overcome daily challenges like no piped water, no sewage system, no gas supply, and lack of work options due to land mine related physical disabilities.

I visited the Treak Community Centre, a project supported by conCERT Cambodia, where they are doing fantastic work in creating opportunities for locals through education, training, a community garden, a library, micro finance and building projects. 

The Journey

After a day dancing and dim sum in Singapore I began the last leg of my journey to Siem Reap. As we came into land all the I could see was flooded fields and a few random stilt houses. It's definitely the wet season! 

Visa processing and customs all ran pretty smoothly and there was a tuk tuk driver from my guest house ready to pick me up. 

My first tuk tuk ride was so exciting! Looking out of the open back window as the rains poured down I saw people working away on the side of the road, kids splashing in puddles and farm animals grazing-literally just chilling on the roadside! The traffic was not nearly as chaotic as I expected, perhaps due to being slightly out of the city.

My guest house is beautiful, tucked away in some lush forestry and oh so peaceful. I had an awkward meal for one in the restaurant (which I'm sure I will get more used to) before hitting the pillow for an early night. 

Off for a run now then to give blood, bring on the days adventures!