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.