It was the second day completing our Community Project so for a different slant……
Cambodia An ancient civilization that has faced so much trauma and a place where a helping hand goes a long way.
Opportunity By assisting in the construction of the house we are learning and enhancing our life experiences and our understanding of the world.
Magical It is amazing what we feel and experience interacting with the local villagers, children and tradesman who all keep a positive outlook even though the work can be difficult and monotonous.
Memorable This experience will help shape our lives, making us stronger people and realising how fortunate we are when we observe others who are less fortunate
Understanding The experience of Khmer Rouge and modern corruption has stalled the economy and left Cambodia in a state of poverty.
New The relationships made are diverse and are on different levels both with students, teachers, tradesman and villagers.
Incredible It is hard to believe how we are lucky enough to see a new culture with different values and beliefs.
Technology Building the house is very different to “The Block”, we are building a house with rusty saws, bent nails, hammers, fragile wood and tin.
Youth Many of these children and villagers come to watch, help and inspire us, they live very happy un-materialistic lives.
Poverty The differences between our lives and their lives is a massive culture shock. There is a real similarity between poverty on our doorstep in Warruwi and in Cambodia.
Resilience With high humidity and exhaustion we must gather as one to power through this tough time. We must remember this will change everyone for the better.
Overwhelming Being put in such a challenging situation and environment makes us draw on our past experiences and makes us rely on each other
Juxtaposition The contrasts of environments and culture is clearly seen between Australia and Cambodia.
Education The contrast between our education at St Leonard’s and the education in the village provides a realization of our lives of privilege.
Communication The language barrier challenges us to communicate in new ways without words.
Transformation Through this we will change our perspectives and views on all aspects of our lives.
Stella Widman & Stanley Buntine
