Missy Washington

Missy Washington came to Aziza’s Place in October 2008 as a volunteer to primarily teach art and English. Over the eight months she was in Cambodia she morphed into an invaluable full-time staff member while expanding her role to include communications and promotional duties as the Communications Director of Aziza’s Place.

Missy Washington's Fast Facts
Age: 27
Originally from: Axton, Virginia (USA)
Living in: Los Angeles, California (USA)
Occupation: Artist
Fun Fact: She’s really good at Etch-a-sketch.



What brings you here? I taught art and English for two years at a homeless shelter for teens from Central America when I lived in Los Angeles. The shelter was the spooky old mansion of Charlie Chaplin, who happens to be a favorite here at Aziza’s. I was also working at an art and education non-profit developing art curriculums and handling project coordination. I came to Aziza’s because of the focus on art and I enjoy working with children. I like to act silly, so working with children is an acceptable way to do that. Plus I know that I had teachers and mentors when I was a child that were able to change the way I saw the world and gave me the extra push or confidence to do what I thought was impossible. Children deserve to have those kinds of role models, because we all learn so much from observation. I can only hope that I show the most integrity in my life.


What are you doing at AP?
Teaching art and English, doing the newsletters, working on the website, playing badminton, trying to fish cats out of the rafters…


What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here? I had no idea what to expect. The only thing I can think of is chopsticks. I expected chopsticks.


What advice would you give to new volunteers?
I suppose it’s just helpful to know what to expect. I got millions of mosquito bites, millions! But there’s no help in fretting about Malaria or Dengue Fever. I hear there’s a 99% chance that you will get sick a month or so into your visit. I came here very healthy, but finally succumbed. I imagine it’s just acclimation. Also the air quality in Phnom Penh is not great.


What is something unique about where you come from? I come from the Appalachian area of Virginia. I brought my banjo with me, some of the kids have picked it up, so that’s been fun to share.

What are among your favorite memories from your stay at AP thus far?
One of my favorite memories is Sokty asking me to help him look up big mosquitoes on the internet. Teaching art and having kids get excited and throw out ideas is great. Another highlight has been meeting all the amazing people in Cambodia: the staff, friends who live here, volunteers that have become dear friends, and of course the kids. It was particularly meaningful to see where they’ve grown-up at the rubbish dump. Knowing people and being invited into their homes brings a whole new dimension and understanding of those conditions. I am thankful for those insights as well as the true kindness and generosity of the people here.