Kampuchea house was definitely one of the groups most emotional but amazing experiences we have had on the trip. We first met Belinda at the house and she explained to us what the function of the project and the people who work and volunteer there is. As the kids crowded around us we soon realised that we were about to make their day. We played footy, badminton, volleyball and soccer with the children, just to name a few activities. The kids were so happy even though in their past, they had been through so much emotionally. After we spent a few hours bonding and playing with the Kampuchea House kids we presented the girls with hygiene packs and the house, money, which we had from our fundraising walkathon. After we left, we hopped on the bus. it was moving and extremely sad, saying goodbye to our new friends that we felt we had known for a long time. On the bus to lunch, it was the quietest 30 teenagers have ever been. After our trip to Kampuchea house we were all filled with a sense of wanting to know more about the volunteering programs around South East Asia and the chance we have been given.
We stopped at a restaurant nearby for a genuine authentic Khmer lunch, which most people really loved. After lunch, we headed off to see the life of school kids in Cambodia. Heading off the bus we were welcomed by the children standing in rows as we entered the centre of the school. We got the lucky opportunity to watch a performance by some of the talented students and then were split up into groups. My group and I had the challenge of teaching the younger kids who had minimal to no English. Other groups played sports or attempted teaching students English skills. Although it was challenging, it was an amazing experience to see the classrooms that these children work in and to encounter how grateful they all are for the education that they are given. By the end of our visit to the school house we handed over the gifts which were stationary that the school really appreciated and said our goodbyes before heading back to the hotel.
At the night markets tonight we went to the corner restaurant to enjoy a well earned and quickly devoured meal. After all plates where licked clean we left the restaurant to embrace the night life – as the streets were buzzing with culture, we headed off in groups of 3 or more to spend our parents money. I was surprised to find how confident the tuktuk drivers are in approaching us and offering us lifts and things – often walking around the market doing so. This was a bit shocking as I don’t experience this back at home. The night soon came to an end but we all had a lot of fun and I’m excited for Wat’s to come in the future.
Anna K Maddi S and Elliott H
