Cambodia
Background:
Cambodia is a country that has gone through a devastating period of civil war, genocide, dictatorship and related political, social and economic instability. Cambodia emerged from the Pol Pot era and the nightmare of the Khmer Rouge, a very poor country. Malnutrition is common and the Cambodian people feel as though the national and governmental resources are not adequate to solve the pressing on-going issues of basic infrastrucutre and education.
90% of the population of 13 million are ethnic Khmer. The predominant religion is Buddhism. English is widely spoken in the cities, as well as some French and Japanese. (However, in the countryside there is little to no English.) Nowadays many people try to make a living farming (rice being the most common crop ), and yet due to the prevailing economic conditions, many people will die young from malnutrition, or be poisoned by strong fertilisers used on the rice/crops, by drinking unclean water; or suffer the effects of child-prostitution, human trafficking, or forced labour. There are also accessory concerns, such as cruelty to animals and a raft of other social issues stemming from the combined heritage of rural poverty and cataclysmic civil war. More than 50% of native Cambodian people are under the age of 18. Because of the large number of young boys and girls and the weak and instable economy, some serious issues arise.
There are many orphans throughout Cambodia and quite often parents will have many children without the resources to care for them. It is for this reason that children find work in the sex industry or sweat shops where they are paid less than $40 a month, and many, in fact, nothing at all. As long as the children need to work to support their parents and their families (if the children are orphans they must support their younger siblings who rely on them as parents) they will be unable to go to school and get an education, which is to say, to invest in the possibility for a better life.
Beginnings:
Big Heart Project Cambodia is a community-based, grass-roots project that was originally started in 2007 by Samnang Thoeun under the name 'Our Friend' School and Orphanage. The idea started out with the goal of helping orphans, HIV infected children, people in the rural areas of Cambodia living in serious poverty and vulnerable children including young girls at risk of entering prosititution either through economic pressures or physical coercion.
Samnang who majored in English at University in Phnom Penh, used his own personal funds to start the project which he raised through teaching English to wealthy students at the university. He sold his car and his laptop in order to fund the projects which including starting three low-budget schools that operate in cheap rental properties in rural areas. The teachers volunteer their time to teach English, Khmer, Korean and general knowledge and ultimately must find ways to fund themselves unless the children can give them a small amount of money. These teachers are incredibly dedicated to the students and have a deep passion to raise the community out of a situation of helplessness and poverty and towards a happier and brighter future.
At the end of 2009 the Director of Big Heart Project met with Samnang while doing some research for projects around the world. There was a deep connection between these two and the Big Heart Project in Cambodia was born. The Big Heart Project team went to live in the rural area where these grass roots schools were operating and a sincere effort to learn and to create new opportunities for themselves could be seen through the eyes of the children.
Samnang who majored in English at University in Phnom Penh, used his own personal funds to start the project which he raised through teaching English to wealthy students at the university. He sold his car and his laptop in order to fund the projects which including starting three low-budget schools that operate in cheap rental properties in rural areas. The teachers volunteer their time to teach English, Khmer, Korean and general knowledge and ultimately must find ways to fund themselves unless the children can give them a small amount of money. These teachers are incredibly dedicated to the students and have a deep passion to raise the community out of a situation of helplessness and poverty and towards a happier and brighter future.
At the end of 2009 the Director of Big Heart Project met with Samnang while doing some research for projects around the world. There was a deep connection between these two and the Big Heart Project in Cambodia was born. The Big Heart Project team went to live in the rural area where these grass roots schools were operating and a sincere effort to learn and to create new opportunities for themselves could be seen through the eyes of the children.
Involvement in Cambodia:
Now we are working together on these same projects although we are looking at the problem from a national perpective with ambitions to change the situation of poverty and desperation for a vast number of people. We are working with members in high positions in the government and we have a good relationship with the authorities and the police although we aim to establish these further.
We are now developing our projects including orphanages for children who have no parents (for a variety of reasons) and for children who have been abandoned by parents too poor to support them. Many of these children come from situations of domestic violence.
We are planning the purchase of land to enhance the schools that are already in operation and to build a more suitable orphanage where the children can feel a part of a loving family rather than just being another statistic that needs to be fed. We have incorporated a safehouse into this idea for children who leave/are rescued from brothels/karaoke bars and need a certain amount of protection to ensure they don't end up back in the industry whilst ensuring they are safe from potential danger from the 'owners' they have escaped from. When feasable we will try to shut down these sex/karaoke bars with the support of the police, however this is sometimes difficult as there is a high level of corruption in Cambodia. We do however, have some good contacts in important areas who are highly influencial and these individuals are trustworthy and sympathetic to our goals.
Our education program includes English, Khmer and Korean languages. In addition to this we have a general knowledge class (in Khmer) where students learn about geography, history, mathematics, morality (not specific to any religion), sports, arts, drama, dancing and music. The other side of this education program is a vocational training centre where children can learn about agriculture, silk weaving, business skills, and we even have an expert in Microfinance to help the students with the initial outlay of starting their own business. This money is paid back in the future once their business is secure. The vocational training is great for the children because they can learn in a hands-on environment, the teachers being also skilled in the areas of study, not just as theorists, but as practitioners.
If a child shows a particular interest towards a certain area then we give them what they need to succeed in starting a new life in that area. It is our philosophy that we do not do everything for the child. We merely help them to help themselves. While we are still giving them free education, training, accommodation in the shelter, food, etc, we resolve that it is not our role to push the children to make their lives better, but it is they rather who must seek to study hard, train well, listen to their teachers, help out and whatever else it takes to create a better life for themselves (and often their familes as well).
We only pay small salaries to the local teachers and this just covers their expenditure to continue teaching and a little bit of an incentive if they put a lot of work and energy into teaching their students.
OUR NEEDS:
1. Volunteer with us:
Want to gain teaching experience in a new country or perhaps want to volunteer on your next holiday? Want to give back to the world you live in?
Why not come to visit Cambodia and help us by joining our team!
This is an amazing, authentic and rewarding opportunity where you can learn about Khmer culture, history, language and most of all work amongst individuals in abject poverty where you will learn incredible life lessons. This is what life is really all about!
Big Heart Project Cambodia is located in many areas around Cambodia including Siem Reap, Takeo, Kampot, Kampongspue and we have plans to expand further. The projects are dedicated to the care and education of the poorest and most vulnerable children, orphans and girls at high risk of entering/being forced into prostitution. All our projects are rurally based.
Volunteer duties: Teach English and/or help out in the orphanages/schools/community programs. Assist the local staff, play games, sing songs, participate in art projects and become a mentor to the children. Any other suggestions are welcomed and we encourage you to create new programs, take initiative, and work to make this place of love even lovelier for the children.
Please come and join our big family!
Any free time you have available to give to the children is very appreciated. Unlike so many others we do not charge a fee for you to come to help. We are very supportive of volunteers and can offer FREE accommodation and meals, however please understand that it is in a poor rural area so the accommodation is basic, and at the centre we only serve vegetarian food due to an ethical position we hold on the killing of other living creatures.
We are also able to help with visas although this is a fee we ask you to incurr as our funds are limited to the children. If you want to stay longer in Cambodia we can help with 1 year visas and visa renewals.
It takes some time to create a relationship with the children and to learn about their situation so we ask that you commit to stay for at least 3 months although we prefer 6 months as a minimum.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER OR HAVE ANY IDEAS/QUESTIONS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH BIG HEART PROJECT IN CAMBODIA, PLEASE CONTACT VOLUNTEERS@BIGHEARTPROJECT.ORG
2. Raise Funds/Donate:
Volunteers can also help to fundraise for the children which will provide valuable books, pens, clothes and educational toys. Money raised will also help contribute to the maintenance and development of new school buildings. Any money you can fundraise/donate will be used well, as a little bit of money from a developed country goes a long way in an undeveloped one.
To raise funds for Big Heart Project please contact our Director of Fundraising; Kathryn by email: Kathryn@bigheartproject.org
3. Donate unwanted Goods:
Our children are always in need of:
-Second-hand clothes and shoes
-School stationery
-Second hand bicycles and computers
-Books in English and Khmer
-Non-perishable foodstuffs -Desks, tools, farming equipment, air conditioners, fans, motorbikes/minibus
-If you work for a company and want to contribute/discount the item/service that your company sells (e.g. we need flights from flight companies, web-site help from a web design business, etc), please contact us directly: Adrian@bigheartproject.org
-Anything else you think that could be valuable/useful. If you have a query about something else you want to donate and you don't know if it's appropriate please contact: Samnang@bigheartproject.org
All the above items can be bought in Cambodia and it is more efficient to bring money to buy the items here rather than shipping things to Cambodia. Having said that if you have space in your backpack and you are coming here regardless then please fill up the rest of your space with things that will be useful to the kids. The children are very appreciative of anything you can help them out with.
4. Spread the Word:
Help us by introducing our organisation to your friends and family. Why not send the link to this website or our facebook page to your friends and family so that more people can know about these issues and what we are doing about them, and in this way potentially offer their support. We may live close to you or we may live far away, but we are all human beings and through this connection we can feel the deep importance of helping each other. Big Heart Project is focussing on helping those most in need. We are not changing people's lives, we are giving people what they need to change their own lives. The motivation and inspiration to do this comes from them. We merely encourage them along their way. If you were in the same kind of situation, where you were trapped in a circle of abuse and exploitation would you not want someone to help you?
If you want to know more about us, please feel free to contact us
We are now developing our projects including orphanages for children who have no parents (for a variety of reasons) and for children who have been abandoned by parents too poor to support them. Many of these children come from situations of domestic violence.
We are planning the purchase of land to enhance the schools that are already in operation and to build a more suitable orphanage where the children can feel a part of a loving family rather than just being another statistic that needs to be fed. We have incorporated a safehouse into this idea for children who leave/are rescued from brothels/karaoke bars and need a certain amount of protection to ensure they don't end up back in the industry whilst ensuring they are safe from potential danger from the 'owners' they have escaped from. When feasable we will try to shut down these sex/karaoke bars with the support of the police, however this is sometimes difficult as there is a high level of corruption in Cambodia. We do however, have some good contacts in important areas who are highly influencial and these individuals are trustworthy and sympathetic to our goals.
Our education program includes English, Khmer and Korean languages. In addition to this we have a general knowledge class (in Khmer) where students learn about geography, history, mathematics, morality (not specific to any religion), sports, arts, drama, dancing and music. The other side of this education program is a vocational training centre where children can learn about agriculture, silk weaving, business skills, and we even have an expert in Microfinance to help the students with the initial outlay of starting their own business. This money is paid back in the future once their business is secure. The vocational training is great for the children because they can learn in a hands-on environment, the teachers being also skilled in the areas of study, not just as theorists, but as practitioners.
If a child shows a particular interest towards a certain area then we give them what they need to succeed in starting a new life in that area. It is our philosophy that we do not do everything for the child. We merely help them to help themselves. While we are still giving them free education, training, accommodation in the shelter, food, etc, we resolve that it is not our role to push the children to make their lives better, but it is they rather who must seek to study hard, train well, listen to their teachers, help out and whatever else it takes to create a better life for themselves (and often their familes as well).
We only pay small salaries to the local teachers and this just covers their expenditure to continue teaching and a little bit of an incentive if they put a lot of work and energy into teaching their students.
OUR NEEDS:
1. Volunteer with us:
Want to gain teaching experience in a new country or perhaps want to volunteer on your next holiday? Want to give back to the world you live in?
Why not come to visit Cambodia and help us by joining our team!
This is an amazing, authentic and rewarding opportunity where you can learn about Khmer culture, history, language and most of all work amongst individuals in abject poverty where you will learn incredible life lessons. This is what life is really all about!
Big Heart Project Cambodia is located in many areas around Cambodia including Siem Reap, Takeo, Kampot, Kampongspue and we have plans to expand further. The projects are dedicated to the care and education of the poorest and most vulnerable children, orphans and girls at high risk of entering/being forced into prostitution. All our projects are rurally based.
Volunteer duties: Teach English and/or help out in the orphanages/schools/community programs. Assist the local staff, play games, sing songs, participate in art projects and become a mentor to the children. Any other suggestions are welcomed and we encourage you to create new programs, take initiative, and work to make this place of love even lovelier for the children.
Please come and join our big family!
Any free time you have available to give to the children is very appreciated. Unlike so many others we do not charge a fee for you to come to help. We are very supportive of volunteers and can offer FREE accommodation and meals, however please understand that it is in a poor rural area so the accommodation is basic, and at the centre we only serve vegetarian food due to an ethical position we hold on the killing of other living creatures.
We are also able to help with visas although this is a fee we ask you to incurr as our funds are limited to the children. If you want to stay longer in Cambodia we can help with 1 year visas and visa renewals.
It takes some time to create a relationship with the children and to learn about their situation so we ask that you commit to stay for at least 3 months although we prefer 6 months as a minimum.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER OR HAVE ANY IDEAS/QUESTIONS ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH BIG HEART PROJECT IN CAMBODIA, PLEASE CONTACT VOLUNTEERS@BIGHEARTPROJECT.ORG
2. Raise Funds/Donate:
Volunteers can also help to fundraise for the children which will provide valuable books, pens, clothes and educational toys. Money raised will also help contribute to the maintenance and development of new school buildings. Any money you can fundraise/donate will be used well, as a little bit of money from a developed country goes a long way in an undeveloped one.
To raise funds for Big Heart Project please contact our Director of Fundraising; Kathryn by email: Kathryn@bigheartproject.org
3. Donate unwanted Goods:
Our children are always in need of:
-Second-hand clothes and shoes
-School stationery
-Second hand bicycles and computers
-Books in English and Khmer
-Non-perishable foodstuffs -Desks, tools, farming equipment, air conditioners, fans, motorbikes/minibus
-If you work for a company and want to contribute/discount the item/service that your company sells (e.g. we need flights from flight companies, web-site help from a web design business, etc), please contact us directly: Adrian@bigheartproject.org
-Anything else you think that could be valuable/useful. If you have a query about something else you want to donate and you don't know if it's appropriate please contact: Samnang@bigheartproject.org
All the above items can be bought in Cambodia and it is more efficient to bring money to buy the items here rather than shipping things to Cambodia. Having said that if you have space in your backpack and you are coming here regardless then please fill up the rest of your space with things that will be useful to the kids. The children are very appreciative of anything you can help them out with.
4. Spread the Word:
Help us by introducing our organisation to your friends and family. Why not send the link to this website or our facebook page to your friends and family so that more people can know about these issues and what we are doing about them, and in this way potentially offer their support. We may live close to you or we may live far away, but we are all human beings and through this connection we can feel the deep importance of helping each other. Big Heart Project is focussing on helping those most in need. We are not changing people's lives, we are giving people what they need to change their own lives. The motivation and inspiration to do this comes from them. We merely encourage them along their way. If you were in the same kind of situation, where you were trapped in a circle of abuse and exploitation would you not want someone to help you?
If you want to know more about us, please feel free to contact us
Although we are poor in finances,
we are rich in spirit!
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