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Leila and the girls all dressed up for family night.
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Leila came to Aziza's Place filled with energy, inspiration and ideas for working with the children. Leila taught three English classes at AP and also the staff English classes. She provided inspiration by guiding, encouraging and providing expertise for the older children's film projects. She encouraged the children to identify and pursue their passions and abilities and opened their perspectives to the wide-ranging opportunities available to them if they are willing to work hard. Leila also used her skills in networking and connecting with people to fundraise among family and friends from around the world. Leila returned to Beirut after three months of volunteering at AP. We thank her for her input and dedication to the children at Aziza's Place and wish her all the best!
How did you find Aziza’s Place?
I found Aziza's Place through a friend of mine who came across it on idealist.org.
What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
It has always been a dream of mine to challenge myself by going somewhere far away and explore something very new. I also wanted to volunteer and work with children, so when I read the posting on idealist, I knew right away this was exactly the kind of experience I wanted.
What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
It has always been a dream of mine to challenge myself by going somewhere far away and explore something very new. I also wanted to volunteer and work with children, so when I read the posting on idealist, I knew right away this was exactly the kind of experience I wanted.
What are you doing or did you do at AP?
Teaching English ( well the focus was more on vocabulary and conversation more than grammar), and I also mentored the kids with their film project. My main goal was also to get the kids thinking about what they want to do with their future and career options. My goal is to help some of the older kids get mentors and put them in touch with people in different fields they could ask questions to.
What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
I came to Cambodia with no preconceived ideas but what changed is that I quickly fell in love with Cambodia, its people and culture.
What advice would you give to new volunteers?
I think you have to be passionate about wanting to explore new things, and come in to the experience with an open mind and open heart. It takes some time getting used to but enjoy every second of it, because it goes by too quickly.
About you:
What did you do before coming to AP?
I was freelancing in fashion doing marketing and pr, I had produced a documentary film and I was taking Arabic classes in Beirut, Lebanon just before coming to AP.
What are your plans for after AP?
The experience has changed my life so much that I am currently reevaluating my options.
What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
New York is an amazing city full of life with an unmatched energy, however as in Cambodia or any other city for that matter, you have to find your niche, make new friends and find your favorite restaurants, cafes,and fun activities to enjoy etc. Fortunately I found so many great options in Cambodia.
What’s your favorite memory at AP?
This is a tough question, there are so many favorites! I would say bonding with the kids and getting to know each of them, their talents, what makes them happy, meeting their families, hearing about their opinions on life, and love. Hugs from the little ones ( Sreynat my little monkey, Lina, and Ream,singing with them and doing our music videos on my laptop).
Making Spaghetti for so many people and seeing the kids gobble it and have seconds!
My last day ( although not a favorite obviously) was incredibly special for me, I felt so much love and I will always treasure all my memories at AP, there are just too many to list.
I found Aziza's Place through a friend of mine who came across it on idealist.org.
What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
It has always been a dream of mine to challenge myself by going somewhere far away and explore something very new. I also wanted to volunteer and work with children, so when I read the posting on idealist, I knew right away this was exactly the kind of experience I wanted.
What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
It has always been a dream of mine to challenge myself by going somewhere far away and explore something very new. I also wanted to volunteer and work with children, so when I read the posting on idealist, I knew right away this was exactly the kind of experience I wanted.
What are you doing or did you do at AP?
Teaching English ( well the focus was more on vocabulary and conversation more than grammar), and I also mentored the kids with their film project. My main goal was also to get the kids thinking about what they want to do with their future and career options. My goal is to help some of the older kids get mentors and put them in touch with people in different fields they could ask questions to.
What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
I came to Cambodia with no preconceived ideas but what changed is that I quickly fell in love with Cambodia, its people and culture.
What advice would you give to new volunteers?
I think you have to be passionate about wanting to explore new things, and come in to the experience with an open mind and open heart. It takes some time getting used to but enjoy every second of it, because it goes by too quickly.
About you:
What did you do before coming to AP?
I was freelancing in fashion doing marketing and pr, I had produced a documentary film and I was taking Arabic classes in Beirut, Lebanon just before coming to AP.
What are your plans for after AP?
The experience has changed my life so much that I am currently reevaluating my options.
What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
New York is an amazing city full of life with an unmatched energy, however as in Cambodia or any other city for that matter, you have to find your niche, make new friends and find your favorite restaurants, cafes,and fun activities to enjoy etc. Fortunately I found so many great options in Cambodia.
What’s your favorite memory at AP?
This is a tough question, there are so many favorites! I would say bonding with the kids and getting to know each of them, their talents, what makes them happy, meeting their families, hearing about their opinions on life, and love. Hugs from the little ones ( Sreynat my little monkey, Lina, and Ream,singing with them and doing our music videos on my laptop).
Making Spaghetti for so many people and seeing the kids gobble it and have seconds!
My last day ( although not a favorite obviously) was incredibly special for me, I felt so much love and I will always treasure all my memories at AP, there are just too many to list.
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