"The greatest highlights were simply being with children...and the friendships I made"
Faced with the choice of two weeks in Cuba celebrating a 30th birthday or following in the footsteps of a friend who had volunteered with underprivileged children in Cambodia prompted an unexpectedly easy decision for 29 year-old PR exec Helen from Canberra, Australia..
Discovering Purpose Through Volunteering
Despite having travelled extensively in Europe, Helen had never been to Asia apart from a brief stopover in Hong Kong and a three day break in Kuala Lumpur. But the potential for culture shock didn’t put her off and once she had seen her friend’s photographs of Cambodia she knew instantly that Cuba would just have to wait.
The fact that Helen knew very little about Cambodia just added to its allure, so in January 2012 she set off to catch her flight to Siem Reap via Singapore. Here, Helen tells us what she found when she got to Cambodia.
Adapting to "Cambodian ways"
“Watching water buffalo graze on the side of a road from a tuk-tuk weaving in and out of traffic just blew me away - and that was just from the airport to Globalteer’s volunteer house! Then negotiating the bike ride from Globalteer to school – roughly 4km each way on bitumen and gravel, sharing the roads with motos, tuk-tuks, cars, buses and trucks – that’s when I knew I could ride anywhere. Seriously, I loved it. It was a great way to start the day with sunshine and some exercise; a great way to see the town and its surrounds and wave to the locals.
"One day I ran into a moto on my bicycle at a very busy intersection and fell off. The lady just smiled and said "no problem" and drove off! Where was the road rage? It still amazes me how happy and gentle the Cambodians are! I have to admit, I was extremely lucky to get a lift with one of the teachers on the back of their moto each morning – now that’s exhilarating! I still can’t understand how so many Khmers can fit on a single bike though!
"I really embraced the opportunity of being in Cambodia to learn a little Khmer and help the locals with their English. I remember stopping to ask some students about a chanting service at a Pagoda. It turned out they were waiting to attend their English class so we kept talking for a while in English so they could practice!"
My friendly home away from home
"I had chosen Globalteer thanks to my friend’s recommendation; I felt confident I would have the help and support of an organisation and its staff while staying in country I was unfamiliar with. And Globlateer’s accommodation was a home away from home – the staff were so friendly and helpful, the room was spacious and well-equipped (fresh linen, lock box, tv, fan, cupboard space, ensuite), there was access to lots of facilities and services (room serviced, internet, laundry, kitchen, tourism information), it was clean and tidy and well located".
Getting stuck in to volunteering
"At the project I think the children may have actually taught me more than I could have ever imparted on them. In fact the greatest highlights were simply being with children and the friendships I made. I hope though, that by being with them, reading stories, playing games, talking and generally caring for and taking an interest in them, that they can enjoy being children a bit longer.
"Initially I had this feeling of helplessness whenever I saw a young child begging or someone not having access to basic healthcare. It's quite pulverizing. But over the weeks I learnt to reassure myself that I was doing a little bit towards helping. I find comfort in knowing the wonderful work Globalteer and its volunteers do will continue to help the people of Cambodia.
It was very hard saying goodbye. I didn't want to leave but I knew it would get harder the longer I stayed. I was overwhelmed with so many cuddles and beautiful gifts on my last day at school that I will treasure. I’m already planning my next volunteering trip. I think it’s a really valuable way of traveling and experiencing the ‘real’ world – how people live day-to-day. The whole experience is simply life-changing. I hope my future experiences will be longer-term. And next time I visit Cambodia I am determined to try that local delicacy - deep fried tarantula!"