AP Volunteers

Raelan Barbosa

2011-09-22T00:35:00.000-07:00

Howdid you find Aziza’s Place?

While traveling in Phnom Penh I decided that Iwanted to do some volunteer work. A friend I made directed me to AP and Iloved the organization instantly!

What brings you here? What is yourmotivation to come?

I am travelling for one year in South East Asia,Australia and New Zealand. I have become particularly attached to Cambodia andlove Phnom Penh. I have wanted to have an extended travelling experience foryears and just recently finally had the opportunity to do so. I hope to meetnew people, learn about the culture in this part of the world and have someamazing new adventures and experiences.

What are you doing or did you do at AP?

I am teaching English and computers to some of the Khmer AP staff, tutoring children and assisting them with various projects, working onsome promotional posters for AP, attending staff meetings and spending timegetting to know all the wonderful children.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?

I would suggest enjoying each moment for what it is,getting to know the children and staff in as many ways as you can, and to letgo of your heart and head and just go wherever each day’s experiences take you!

What did you do before coming to AP?

Most recently I was traveling in Australia,Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Prior to this I was a social worker inCanada in a Neonatal Intensive Care unit in a hospital.

What are your plans for after AP?

I plan to continue travelling back through Thailand,to Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and New Zealand.

What’s your favourite memory at AP?

My favorite moment was on my first day at AP when Iwas nervous about being there and a beautiful little girl came and sat on mylap and instantly put me at ease. It really set the tone for the rest ofthe experience and opened me up to getting to know the people around me!

Maxime Rovere

2011-08-31T22:31:00.000-07:00

Maxime came to Aziza’s Place in August 2011. He spent amonth enjoying teaching basic French, English and Computer classes with theHouse Moms, and a lot of sport outside with the children! The childrenand staff enjoyed Maxime’s energy and the older boys especially loved havingsome competitive spirit added to the volleyball court. We wish Maxime allthe best in continuing his studies of Finance in France.

How did you find Aziza’s Place?

Thanks to Amjad Ghori, in London, summer 2010

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?

I wished to be useful and take part in Amjad's personal project.

What are you doing or did you do at AP?

I spent time with fantastic kids. I've tried to teach them somebasic french :).

What advice would you give to new volunteers

Listen, look, enjoy! It's gonna be an amazing experience.

What did you do before coming to AP?

I'm still student, in a French Business School, based in Lyon.But months before I came, I used to work in a Bank -corporate financedepartment.

What are your plans for after AP?

Ahah, time to go back to school :).

What’s your favorite memory at AP?

Somany - Couldn't say, sorry !

Leila Antakly

2011-05-11T03:07:00.000-07:00

Leila and the girls all dressed up for family night.

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.

Hayley Carter

2011-03-06T01:46:00.000-08:00

Hayley trying her hand at traditional Khmer music, with

instruction from Chanty.

From November 2010 until January 2011 Aziza’s Place was honored to have Hayley Carter come on board as a volunteer. Hayley provided incredible support to the AP team, using her Human Resource skills to support the staff during a time of management transition. She taught the three levels of English to AP residents, guiding the children to create interesting projects and a collated case study of South America, and also taught English classes to the house-mom’s. With her warm and down-to-earth personality Hayley quickly and easily fit into the AP team. She headed back to the UK in February to continue working in the field of Human Resources. She is missed by all of us – we look forward to seeing her again sometime soon!

How did you find Aziza’s Place?

Through Outreach International

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?

I wanted to do something different, step out of my comfort zone for a while and see some of the world, but have more focus than travelling. The idea of doing this whilst being able to help in my own small way just felt right.

What are you doing, or did you do at AP?
I taught English to 3 classes each day (E2, E3, and E4), and provided HR support, including advising the management team following some organisational change, reviewing the induction process for volunteers, and identifying the core values of Aziza's Place through activities carried out with the full AP team - staff and children.

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?

I didn't have any expectations before I arrived - mainly because I didn't have a clue what to expect! The popularity of Justin Bieber was definitely a surprise though, and you really can't fully appreciate how enchanting Cambodia is until you're here.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?

Don't panic, take one step at a time and just go with it, especially if you've not done anything like this before. Spend a few weeks just getting used to everything - get your bearings, learn a few key Khmer phrases and start to get to know the kids - they really help you feel at home. When you're leaving you'll be wishing you had longer so don't waste time missing home or being overwhelmed, just relax and enjoy it!

About you:

I'm 26, from Manchester, England. I have one older brother, am a big fan of The Killers and Robbie Williams, and before coming to Cambodia, the longest I'd been away for was 2 weeks.

What did you do before coming to AP?

I was an HR Consultant in England.

What are your plans for after AP?

To spend a month travelling around South-East Asia, and then return home. After that my only plan is to work out what my next move is. I'll continue working within HR as I really enjoy it, but my experiences out here have definitely made me think about what options are available for me. Maybe I'll return to Cambodia!

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?

Manchester has worse weather - non-stop cloud, wind and rain with about 2 months of sun each year if we're lucky, and is mostly known for having the best football team in the world, Manchester United. There are no motodops, but lots of traffic rules, cars and traffic jams, and there are no rambutans! Like Cambodia, it's full of friendly people though.

What’s your favorite memory at AP?

There are so many that I treasure - Ream's excited reaction to seeing escalators for the first time when we took them skating on Christmas Eve, having a really girlie chat with SreyPov whilst sharing a hammock on a field trip, SengKry showing me how to pick and eat various exotic fruits, getting E2 to march and chant to wake them up before English class, constant banter with E4 about anything and everything, sharing iced coffees, chats and laughter with the staff, and many many more - I could never choose one favourite one, sorry!

Marcela Granados

2010-12-13T22:47:00.000-08:00

Marcela Granados came to Aziza's Place with energy and excitement about teaching our students mathematics. The children didn't take long to be inspired and enthused about thier extra maths tutoring during the two weeks she was here. Marcela joined in with all of AP's activities including the Water Festival events on her first day here, and arranging a delicious feast of fajita's one Wednesday evening. Thankyou Marcela!

How did you find Aziza’s Place?
Through my friend Jodi Hilton who is a photographer that focused on Evictions in Phnom Penh.

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
Teaching Math in developing countries. I strongly believe that children in these places do not take education for granted.

What are you doing or did you do at AP?
Taught math for 2 weeks to the older kids (Math 3 and Math 4).

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?

I thought the country was more rural. Now I know that it's modern, there's ATMs, banks and kids sing Justin Bieber!

What did you do before coming to AP?
I am an Actuary (lots of math) working for a big insurance company in NYC.

What are your plans for after AP?
Coming back to my job.

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
Mexico also has a lot of poor communities where there's a lot of unused talent. There should be more focus on education and opportunities for kids that don't have the money to go to school.

What’s your favorite memory at AP?

The kids' smiles and their stories. They had me laughing the whole time. I was also really impressed by their danger awareness. Sengkry told me not to go to dinner with strangers.

Emma Horsfall

2010-12-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

Emma Horsfall brought fun and games to AP as she taught our beginner English classes to Ream (pictured left), Channy, Lina and newest student Sreynak. There was always a lot of laughter coming from the front room as the children enjoyed learning new English words, phrases, drawing colorful pictures, watching English DVDs and learning new English songs.
Emma was in Phnom Penh for six months and volunteered at AP while also working at another NGO. She has headed home to the UK to complete her teaching qualifications. Thankyou Emma for bringing your love, your hugs, and positive energy to everyone at AP! We wish you all the best for your new adventures ahead.

How did you find Aziza’s Place?

Through the Pari Project.

What brings you here?

A job placement with the Pari Project What is your motivation to come? A job, change of scenery, a life changing experience.

What are you doing or did you do at AP?
English teaching of Lina, Channy, Ream and Sreynak.

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
I was already aware of Cambodia as I had visited previously.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Relax and enjoy the experience as time flies!

About you:

What did you do before coming to AP?
I was a student studying for an MA in International Development.

What are your plans for after AP?
PGCE (UK teaching qualification).

What is something unique about where you come from?
The rainfall 365 days of the year! How is it similar or different from Cambodia? Very different: cold weather, ordered society, developed country.

What’s your favorite memory at AP?

The family nights and dancing with the kids.

Mathematics and Mexican fajita's!

2010-12-05T23:53:00.000-08:00

Volunteer Marcela Granados came to Aziza's Place for two weeks. She brought her love of mathematics to the children and inspired them to extend themselves in all aspects of their learning. Check out some pictures of her visit.

The advanced mathematics class is excited to check out

new maths books that Marcela kindly brought over

with her from the US.

The children are all on time, now that they each

have a new watch!

Theara is excited about Mexican fajita's Marcela and

the staff prepared for everyone to enjoy.

Sreyphea loves chilli peppers!

The staff enjoying their time with Marcela.

A group farewell. Thankyou Marcela!

‘Crab Grab’ raises money for AP!

2010-12-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

Kaylie and her sorority

AP would like to say a big thanks to previous volunteer Kaylie Wallace and her sorority, who raised funds for Aziza’s Place this September.

Sorority ‘Pi Beta Phi’, the Virginia Epsilon chapter of 100 girls from the University of Virginia, hosted a ‘Crab Grab’ event where students came to eat crabs and donate money to their national charity. This year the team did some extra work and sold t-shirts to raise funds for Aziza’s Place.

Kaylie continues to support AP by keeping in touch with her previous students via email. She is excited to be able to extend her support further by getting her friends and community involved too. Thankyou girls for supporting AP from home!

November treats

2010-11-18T01:04:00.000-08:00

A big thankyou to volunteer Emma Horsfall who took us all out for dinner this month. She saw the sparkle in the eyes of the kids at the mention of the word 'PIZZA!', so we piled into tuk-tuks and headed off to Sorya mall. The kids enjoyed delicious pizza and finished off with ice-cream! See the pics below:

Ready to go - how many people can we fit in the tuk-tuk?!

Ny and Thida waiting patiently for their pizza.

Mmmm ch'ngun (delicious)!

Sreyphea devouring her pizza.

Emma making sure

everyone is happy.

Channy and Ream taking it easy

after their meal.

Sisters Sreysros and Sreynak
enjoy a special ice-cream treat
for dessert!

Kaylie Wallace

2010-11-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

Kaylie came to Aziza's Place to spend her summer volunteering and experiencing life in Phnom Penh. With her bubbly personality, energy and enthusiasm, she made a new best friend in Channy as they studied English together (see left). Kaylie also taught English to the staff and lent a hand in various adminstration projects. Many thanks for your work Kaylie - we look forward to seeing you when you return!

How did you find Aziza’s Place?

Amjad Ghori is a lifelong friend of my father! I didn’t have to look very far to stumble upon this amazing opportunity.

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?

I study Global Development and Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia, where I am currently in my third year. I knew I wanted to gain some experience abroad, and ideally, through an NGO or non-profit in a developing nation. I followed my dad’s advice and contacted Amjad, who quickly offered me the opportunity to work at AP for the summer. I didn’t think twice and started booking tickets and making plans! The fact that my mom was able to join me for two weeks made the experience even more special and meaningful.

What are you doing or did you do at AP?

I bounced around, doing whatever was needed. I worked on a few long-term projects including grant writing and an application for AP to join a Cambodian educational partnership. On a more day-to-day basis, I taught English to the little girls and house moms, compiled thank-you letters and volunteer info, and ate LOTS of Khmer tropical fruits!

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
I think the amount of development, and the fact that Phnom Penh is such a cosmopolitan city surprised me. It may be classified as a developing nation, but accommodations, food and touring were like many international cities. It wasn’t until we visited Siem Riep and the countryside that I feel I was able to witness the more ’traditional’ Khmer culture.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?   

I think the best advice to give would be that no day is predictable in Cambodia; you have to be flexible with plans and accepting of cultural differences. It takes time to adjust to the way of life, but once you do, the experience is incredible!

About you: 

I’m a 20 year-old girl from Washington, DC and currently studying at the University of Virginia (UVA). I’m the oldest of four children. I enjoy learning about international relations, traveling, art, running and being outside.

What did you do before coming to AP?
I was, and still am, a student at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.

What are your plans for after AP?
I left in August to continue my education and apply my experiences to my studies. I’d love to continue traveling (and maybe plan a reunion visit!) but for now, I’ll be stateside. Who knows where I’ll end up after graduation!

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
I grew up ALL over America, so I come from many different places. Right now, my family lives near Washington, DC. The change of seasons we experience is quite different than in Cambodia- we have leaves changing color in the fall, snow in the winter, and everything in between! The afternoon monsoons I experienced in Cambodia were nothing like I had ever seen, though. We don’t ever get rain like that in Virginia!

What’s your favorite memory at AP?

As silly as this sounds, one of my fondest and most vivid memories are the times the kids and I would sing pop songs. From the Beatles to Taylor Swift, I’ve never had as much fun jamming out than I did at AP! Their spunk and energy is something I’ll never forget.

Megan Wong

2010-08-05T02:55:00.000-07:00

Megan (far right) with Momphat and volunteers
Kaylie and Kepi.

Megan came to Aziza’s Place for a six-week program of volunteering. She brought to Aziza’s Place many smiles, much energy, enthusiasm, and love for the children! Megan was able to invest valuable time into teaching English to the housemom’s and the learning of one of our youngest residents with one-on-one English teaching. Lina’s English improved immensely during Megan’s time at AP, and the two became strong friends. Megan returned home at the end of July 2010 to complete university studies in music. We wish her all the best!

How did you find Aziza’s Place?

I found Aziza's Place through a school program. We were studying human trafficking and Southeast Asian culture and visiting organizations throughout Thailand and Cambodia. Aziza's Place was one of the organizations we came to.

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?

I was brought here by a love for Southeast Asia. I wanted to learn about the culture and build relationships with people here.

What are you doing or did you do at AP?

While at AP I taught English to the housemoms and one of the younger kids.

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?

Before I came to Cambodia, I had only read about the history in books and documentaries. It was a very academic view of the country. Coming and living here allowed me to have a deeply personal relationship with the country. I fell in love with the land and with the people.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?

The advice I would give to new volunteers is to allow yourself to be completely immersed in AP and in Cambodia. The kids here are the most amazing kids you'll ever meet. Get to know them, let them teach you. Try crazy foods, listen to the music, learn some words in Khmer, explore, and soon you'll find yourself completely at home.

About You:

What did you do before coming to AP?

I was and am a student at Westmont College.

What are your plans for after AP?

I will complete my undergraduate degree in the States.

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
I'm from Los Angeles. Most people associate it with Hollywood and Disneyland and big glamorous things. I suppose that in that way, it's a lot different from Cambodia.

What’s your favourite memory at AP?

I have so many favorite memories! A couple of my top favorites are singing Taylor Swift with the kids and going to the waterpark.

Latest fieldtrip adventures...

2010-07-06T23:56:00.000-07:00

In the last few months life has been busy at AP. See some photos below for a look at our most recent fieldtrips.

In May everyone piled into a van and we headed out to Takeo to make new friends with the children from 'A Greater Hope Orphanage'. We all enjoyed some fresh air and greenery with a day of sports, games and relaxation.

Last weekend everyone was excited to zoom down waterslides and jump off flying foxes into the water, with a trip to a water park outside of Phnom Penh. It was a day of fun in the sun!

Lani Warsh

2010-07-05T00:38:00.000-07:00

Lani Warsh arrived in Phnom Penh in January 2010. She took on an Intern role with AP for four months. As the first in this role she did a fantastic job at implementing our Community Outreach program and building strong relationships with the families of AP residents. She started some great networking with other organisations and NGO's to interlink with AP and our families. She also opened up the worlds of our intermediate students in English class by teaching them about different people and cultures around the world. Lani was a caring and dedicated volunteer who worked at AP with energy and enthusiasm to make things the best they could be, and who could always be spotted zooming around Phnom Penh on her bright red 'pizza-delivering' bicycle!

How did you find Aziza’s Place?
I learned about Aziza’s while searching www.idealist.org

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
I was looking for experience with a small grassroots NGO in Asia, and Aziza’s Place was a perfect match!

What are you doing or did you do at AP?
During my time at AP I was the first ‘Program Assistant Intern’. I taught a 1-hour English class to 11 AP residents daily. I also initiated the AP Family Outreach Program to the relatives of AP residents who are currently living in Steung Meanchey.

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
I didn’t know much, but I didn’t know it was so hot!!! I’ve learned a lot about humidity…

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Give yourself some time to settle in and get to know the kids. At the beginning, there are so many new names, faces, and routines to familiarize yourself with and it can all be overwhelming. However, after a few weeks you really start to settle into the day-to-day routine of AP and that’s when the fun can really start and your days become extremely rewarding.

About you:
What did you do before coming to AP?
I was working as a canoe trip guide in northern Ontario, Canada.

What are your plans for after AP?
Going back to Canada to do the same thing!

What’s your favorite memory at AP?
I really love Family Nights at Aziza’s Place. It’s so great to see the kids get excited to have their families visit, and beyond adorable watching them practice their performances (whether its karate, dance, or whatever!) beforehand. I think my favorite was when Chiev and Cheng rocked out like super stars in front of everyone when Amjad was visiting! That was totally wicked, and absolutely hilarious!

Stephanie McMahon

2010-06-02T00:29:00.000-07:00

Stephanie volunteered at Aziza's Place from October 2009 until January 2010. She brought energy and creativity to AP and to her E2 classes with projects like the gingerbread house creations seen earlier in the blog. With the help of her Mom, she also ingeniously managed to bring snow to Cambodia. That's impressive! Stephanie had the opportunity to do some further traveling around Asia from which she has many stories to share. She was last seen heading towards her next stop in India, before eventually heading home to San Francisco.

How did you find Aziza’s Place?
After deciding to head to Cambodia for a much-needed sabbatical, I found Aziza's Place through a wonderful twist of fate...and a good old-fashioned search on Idealist.org.

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
I went to Cambodia because I was lost, metaphorically. After working as a litigator defending big corporate America, I felt deflated, as if my spirit had been crushed. I wanted to find that which would make me truly happy and reignite that spark, which had been clouded for a time. I also think that we should not all wait until the age of 62 to take a retirement; early retirements should be embraced and taken at healthy intervals throughout our lives (especially while we still all have our teeth to enjoy all the wonderful exotic foods!).
I originally arrived in Cambodia with the intention of practicing law at the war crimes tribunal. However, after being introduced to AP and the children therein, I felt a special and immediate connection. The energy of the children was irreplaceable and unrivaled, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of and surrounded by it.

What are you doing or did you do at AP?
I taught intermediate English.

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
I had very few preconceived notions about Cambodia prior to arriving in country. My notions were only influenced by that which we learned in high school history class, focusing on the genocide and the destruction of an entire generation. After spending time in Cambodia and interfacing with the Khmer people, I was impressed by the fortitude and the spirit to rebuild a nation. There is a strong work ethic, dedication to educating the younger generation, and focus on development. But, most importantly, there is a spirit and strength in the eyes of the people who live simply but live fully.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Pack lightly! Embrace the sweat! Eat lots of bananas (fried! barbecued! wrapped in sticky rice!) and be smart but try all the street food! Your stomach will survive.

What did you do before coming to AP?
I was a litigator at a big corporate law firm based in Silicon Valley.

What are your plans for after AP?
After AP, I continued my journey westward, eventually traveling around the world and ending up back to the United States. My path post-AP is still continuing to be formed.

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
I grew up on the beach in Los Angeles, the exact antithesis to Cambodia. There are certainly no roadside vendors, no jazzersize at 5pm at Olympic Stadium (but cars do stop when you try to cross the streets). But, there also is no spirit, simplicity, fortitude, or joy as there is in Cambodia.

What’s your favorite memory at AP?
(1) 11 kids (including me) in a tuktuk, on the way back into PP from a field trip to Socheat's family's farm outside the city. One kid asleep on my lap, one kid on each knee, one on my right shoulder, and a banana tree on the left shoulder. It was a perfect end to a day cooking for each other, playing cards, picking and eating the local fruits.
(2) I told my class that my mom was coming to visit Cambodia from America. Sokty ran up, tapped me on the shoulder, and asked me, "Can your mom bring us a present from America?" I responded, "Sure, what do you want from America." He responded, "Can your mom bring us snow? Snow from America?" I laughed and responded, "That is a wonderful idea. But, how long do you think the flight from America to Cambodia is?" Sokty said, "About 24 hours, but she can put the snow in a freezer and it will be okay." Inspired by Sokty, the weather patterns magically changed and in December, right before Christmas, snow arrived. Who knew that snow falls in 32 degree heat? Holy global warming!!!

Happy 3rd Anniversary Aziza's Place!

2010-02-14T22:36:00.000-08:00

On February 14, we celebrated our 3rd birthday. Check out our Facebook fan page for more photos.

Aziza's Place Joins Facebook

2010-02-10T01:04:00.000-08:00

Dear AP Volunteers,

Aziza's Place has finally entered the modern world through Facebook! We now have an AP profile and fan page. Help us to expand our network through Facebook. Simply "become a fan" and then click the "share" button on the bottom left side of the fan page. You will then be able to create a wall post that will share the AP fan page. We are working to expand the applications on our Facebook pages to include a donations tab as well.

Stay tuned as Aziza's Place prepares to renovate its website and gets ready to celebrate its 3rd anniversary on February 14. We could not have made it this far without all of you!

Love,
Aziza's Place

Gingerbread creations.

2010-01-27T01:41:00.000-08:00

English class gets creative as students design their own gingerbread houses. See their delicious creations below.

See the master at work...

Look at my new house!

The finished products catching the sunlight...

Mmmm delicious!

Fun and games these holidays

2010-01-27T01:36:00.000-08:00

All we want for Christmas is some snow!

You may think that snowfall in Cambodia is quite an unlikely phenomenon. But anything is possible at AP! Snow-day proved to be a hit, including a snowball fight and of course some dancing around the Christmas tree!

Snow, glorious snow!

Snowball fight!

And a giant Christmas tree!

Holiday Giving Update

2010-01-25T02:32:00.000-08:00

We would like to say a BIG THANKYOU to all our volunteers who helped raise money through our Holiday Fundraiser.

Your efforts raised more than $1,600 in total. Wow!

This money will go a long way in supporting AP's education and development programs. Thankyou all for your continuing involvement and support of the children at Aziza's Place.

Make the Holidays Bright for AP Children

2009-12-10T00:02:00.000-08:00

As a volunteer you have become part of the AP family . You have an insiders view of the amazing personalities and unique histories of each of our resident children. This holiday season we are asking our growing network of past and present volunteers to inspire support of AP's education and development programs.

Join our 10 @ $10 holiday fundraiser where you find 10 friends to become AP supporters by donating $10. Simply follow these four easy steps to make an impact here at Aziza's Place.

Step 1- Submit your pledge to ask 10 friends for $10 (do this by commenting on this blog page or email your pledge before the end of the year).
Step 2 - Print / email the info card below to give to your friends.
Step 3 - Check the progress of pledges from volunteers on the blog page.
Step 4 - Collect the money and send to AP using one of the three options listed here.

On behalf of the children, families, and communities we serve thank you for your dedication to Aziza's Place.

Aziza's Place Film Program In the News

2009-12-08T01:20:00.000-08:00

Click here to see AP's article in The Phnom Penh Post on Monday, December 7, 2009.

1st Annual Community Screening and Art Exhibit

2009-12-07T01:10:00.000-08:00

Aziza’s Place hosted its first community event to celebrate the completion of the first year of its film education program. Through this program, Rotha, Chieu, Sreyny, Cheng, and Sengkri wrote, directed, produced, and edited their own short films. This program is one of very few of its kind in Cambodia and seeks to educate youth with technical and creative skills that are currently lacking, but demanded within the workforce.

With our strong emphasis on the visual arts, we took this opportunity to display the artwork of our 21 budding artists in an art exhibit. The five films students will premiered their short films and all 21 children showcased their artwork to their friends, family, and community members on December 6, 2009.

Take a look at our photos from the evening. And stay tuned to see the short films if you were not able to attend.

Diana Chende

2009-10-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

Diana is volunteering at Aziza's Place from September to December 2009. A trained teacher, she has been instrumental in developing standards of learning at Aziza's Place. Diana stayed in the AP volunteer apartment and is a great resource for where to get the best baked goods in Phnom Penh! She is our first volunteer from Romania and currently resides with her husband in England. Among Diana's biggest accomplishments is her glorious finish at the Angkor Wat 1/2 Marathon on December 6. Great job!

How did you find Aziza’s Place?
One of the teachers at my school in England recommended Aziza's Place to me.

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
2009 has been a challenging year for me on both personal and professional levels. I decided it was time to stop and take stock of what was happening around me. I wanted to do something that made me feel useful again, something that made me feel like I was taking control of what was happening to me. Ultimately I wanted to give something back in sign of appreciation that I have come through all the trials this year has brought with it.

What are you doing or did you do at AP?
I am teaching English. I teach a beginners' class in the mornings and the advanced level in the afternoons. With my advanced group I've been reading a novel for the past month. This is the first time ever they read a whole book in English and I am pleased to say they have embraced the project and have been very enthusiastic about the whole thing.
I also just spend time hanging around with the kids, helping them with homework, listening to music with them, watching films at the week-end...

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
I tried to keep an open mind before coming here. I had never been to Asia before so I really didn't know what to expect. I had heard stories of scorpions or cobras somehow ending up in people's homes. That was my main fear. I can safely say that I've been here almost 6 weeks now and have not seen anything of the kind. Any other preconceptions were diet related. I consider myself relatively brave with trying new things but fried rats and deep fried crickets and other bugs are just not my thing. I'm still firm on that one but proud to say I have enjoyed a lovely bowl of frog soup the other day.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Spend as much time possible with the kids, outside the confinement of classroom and lessons as well. They are such wonderful kids, with vibrant personalities and full of original ideas. I have learnt a lot from them.

About you:

What did you do before coming to AP?
Before Aziza's Place I was working in the biggest highschool in Kent, England. I was doing a teacher's training course.

What are your plans for after AP?
Go back home, resume my teaching course, spoil my husband a little bit.

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
I'm Romanian so something unique that everybody knows about would have to be Dracula. Otherwise quite a few things could be considered unique - our lovely mountains, the peasants and their traditional folk costumes, the Danube Delta...
Similarities with Cambodia would be the hot summers and having survived a dictatorial regime. Differences would be the cold-cold winters with lots of snow. I just found out that the ski slopes are opening back home and I am still boiling over here...

What’s your favorite memory at AP?
Playing football with the kids and getting caught in the mother of all rains - getting home absolutely soaked. Taking the kids to play bowling. It was so funny watching them learning how to play, sliding on the polished floor, clapping and cheering just as enthusiastically a gutter ball or a full strike. Watching MAMMA MIA with the kids and having everybody sing along.

Cath Waugh

2009-10-26T04:43:00.000-07:00

Cath, a native New Zealander, began volunteering at Aziza's Place in June 2009 and will be volunteering until at least July 2010. All the AP kids and staff are already working on convincing her to stay longer! Cath lives in the neighborhood around Aziza's Place and is a great person to share her experiences as a long term resident of Phnom Penh. She has also traveled all over Cambodia and can tell you the best sights to see. We are eternally grateful to her dedication to AP. We can always count on Cath to walk in with a smile on her face.

How did you find Aziza’s Place?
I came to Cambodia with the hope of finding somewhere to volunteer and hang out for an indefinite length of time. I had little success searching online from home in New Zealand but headed off to Cambodia with the expectation that something would come up at the right time. After three weeks of traveling around the country with. After a visit to AP there was no doubt in my mind that this was the place for me!
my cousin, she headed home to New Zealand and I sat down to search out an opportunity for fun and inspiration. Within a week I found Aziza’s Place on the website http://www.idealist.org/

What brings you here? What was your motivation to come?
I came to Cambodia because I was interested in traveling somewhere that was different to home in New Zealand. I was inspired by a Cambodian friend at home to choose Cambodia! I came to AP because I wanted to volunteer at an organization that has a heart for kids and their futures. AP really does this. The kids at AP are themselves so inspiring – they work so hard but really enjoy life. They are so welcoming and friendly and really look out for each-other as one big family!

What are you doing at AP?
I have been teaching English, playing basketball, playing football, learning some crazy paper/scissors/rock games that are still much too complex for my understanding!

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
Hmmm I am unsure. I expected it to be hot. Some days are hot and other days are hotter!

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Something that is useful to have in your back pocket for life in Cambodia is flexibility. It’s all about going with the flow. Plans are made, then they change – that’s the way it goes!

About you:

What did you do before coming to AP?
Before I came to AP I completed my studies at university and then worked for two years at a small not-for-profit organization in the water/wastewater industry in New Zealand.
In my free time I also volunteered as a mentor for young people which I enjoyed very much. The role was challenging but also hugely rewarding and inspired me to look for similar opportunities when I headed overseas.

What are your plans for after AP?
Plans for after AP… hmm that is the big question and is something to think about in 2010 !

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different to Cambodia?
New Zealand has no snakes… apparently Cambodia has cobra’s! eek! (luckily not in Phnom Penh).
When you search for New Zealand on wikipedia you will find links to Maori history, culture and language, kiwi’s, sheep, rugby, mountains, beaches and countryside and ‘Lord of the Rings’. Oh and don’t forget ‘Flight of the Concords’ for some hilarity!

What is your favorite memory at AP?
There are many memories!
- Hilarious times in English class and hanging out with the staff.
- Family nights – being so proud of the students as they present what they have learnt to the families.
- Playing football and being interrupted by the rain. Playing a little more, and then the rain suddenly becoming torrential. Sprinting with the kids to the truck, and then standing on the back of the truck with the kids as the rain poured bucket-loads while thunder and lightning flashed around us. Dancing in the rain with the kids and laughing so much it hurt as we drove back to AP!
- Intense cake fighting action, including the image of cake frosting coming out of Sokty’s ears!
- Our recent tenpin bowling escapade. Particularly Somlay’s slip sliding swish moves as he threw himself down the bowling lane!

Melanie Haaksma

2009-10-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

"The most wonderful experience in my life, eye opening most of all. The love and peaceness you feel at Aziza's place are so real. Everybody is enjoying their work there and you feel that. It motivates me to do something in my country for the people in Cambodia as well. With so little material a lot can be reached."

- Melanie on her volunteer experience at Aziza's Place

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
PURE! for kids. I was not happy in my worksituation in Holland and I wanted to do something good, all by myself. So I quitted my job and contacted PURE. My whole life I am volunteering and now I wanted to help children far away.

What are you doing or did you do at AP?
I taught the E2 class. In 3 weeks we learned a schoolplay 'Jackie and the Chilestalk'.

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
That everybody is sad.... But what I saw is hardworking always smiling people.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Prepare lessons in your country, but also others activities (as dance, sports or art) can be fun for them. Bring materials.

About you:

What did you do before coming to AP?
I have been working as an accountmanager at a bank (financal advisor). I didn't like the job so I quitted and decided to volunteer in a children's home.

What are your plans for after AP?
Keep following my heart! For me it means that I want to work with people and for people. Especially for children. And I love to volunteer next year again!

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
There are so many rules in Holland, but everything is possible. Every child must go to school, if you don't go you will be punished. There is a lot of support from our government. If you don't work they give you money and help you to get a job. There is no poverty (like in Cambodia).
We eat drop! The candy I gave you when I was leaving!

What’s your favorite memory at AP?
Definitely the schoolplay! I was so proud of my class and I really felt the love from my class and from everybody at the moment. It was really a moment to never forget.

Prem Krishnan & Kalle

2009-10-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

Prem volunteered at Aziza's Place from June to August 2009. She took over as the E3 teacher and had a great time teaching the kids about fables from all over the world. During her volunteer time, she introduced the kids to the sounds and dance moves of Michael Jackson, a legacy that lives on to this day. Prem and her partner Kalle returned for a visit to AP in December 2009.

How did you find Aziza’s Place?
I found Aziza's Place on the Idealist.org website

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
I want to do something more for the less privileged than just give donations or handouts. I want to give something of myself, be it my time, my experience, myself. My motivation to come was the children. Making them feel good makes me feel good and I needed to feel that (does that makes me selfish then?).

What are you doing or did you do at AP?
I taught English to the 3rd grade class but I also spent time with the kids. Talking, playing games, dancing. We had lessons in sign language which we all enjoyed.

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
I had no idea it would be expensive. Accommodation, food, books. People always trying to make a buck off you. You really need to incorporate yourself into the local life; to live with the local people and learn from them the best way to go about doing things. I was lucky to share a flat with some locals. The other thing I was amazed at was the number of luxurious SUVs driving around town (Phnom Penh)! Other than that, I had no pre-conceived ideas about Cambodia. I knew it was a poor country rifed with corruption.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Leave your expectations, egos and pretensions behind. Come here with an open mind, heart and spirit. Your heart will go out to the people especially the children. Embrace them.

About you:

What did you do before coming to AP?
I work as a Executive Assistant/ Coordinator in Sweden and took a year off to come to Asia.

What are your plans for after AP?
I would like to do one more stint at AP in November/December 2009 before I report for work again. I aim to keep on doing volunteer work. Once back in Europe, I am hoping to do an English teaching course that would enable me to earn my keep whilst volunteering. That's my retirement plan.

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
I live and work in Sweden but was born in Malaysia. Sweden is a developed country and people are more or less privileged and materialistic. The same can be said of Malaysia. In both these countries, one gets very much caught up in the rat race.

The Malay race looks very much like the Cambodians. They share similar words for example, we have the word 'pasar' and Cambodians have 'psar' which means market. There's also 'bubur' (porridge) and 'kampong' which means village in both languages. I am sure somewhere in the past, they shared some kind of history together.

What’s your favorite memory at AP?
The children's expressions when they watched Michael Jackson dance for the first time.

Ben and Maria Mays

2009-07-12T23:21:00.000-07:00

Ben and Maria volunteered at Aziza's Place from January to July 2009. They lived in the volunteer apartment next door to AP and loved waking up to the smiles of our kids everyday. In December 2009 they returned for a visit. They are currently plotting how to return for a third time.

How did you find Aziza’s Place?
We came to Cambodia to work for two NGOs, Legal Support
for Children and Women (Ben) and Bridges Across Borders (Maria). Our volunteer co-ordinator suggested we might want to rent the little apartment next to Aziza’s, and we found ourselves part of the Aziza’s community. The thump of a basketball at 6am (sometimes earlier!) has been our early morning alarm call for 6 months!

What brought you here? What was your motivation to come?
We came to Cambodia to offer our professional skills (Ben as a lawyer, Maria as a communications specialist) where they could be put to good use. Getting to know the Aziza’s kids was an unexpected and wonderful bonus.

What did you do at AP?
Hung out. Used the washing machine. Made the kids’ English worse. Sweated. Got beaten up on the basketball court. Made loads of little friends.

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that were changed?
That everyone ate spiders.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Don’t eat spiders. Other than that – the kids will make you right at home, so get over here.

What did you do before coming to AP?
Worried about having to eat spiders. And worked for a law firm in the Cayman Islands.

What are your plans / have you done after AP?
We plan to be unemployed and win the lottery. We’re working on plan B.

Do you plan to return? If so when?
Yes – as soon as we win the lottery, and before the kids all grow up and forget us!

Do you have any hopes or wishes for AP?
That everyone who reads this will do the right thing, and open their hearts and (more importantly) their wallets. AP doesn’t run on love alone. Someone’s got to pay the bills. Having lived in Phnom Penh, and seen what the alternatives are for these children (for example sorting rubbish on the streets), it’s vital that AP keeps going and gives these great kids a future.

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
The Cayman Islands have EVEN nicer beaches than Cambodia! But not such good temples.

What’s your favorite memory at AP?
Two. One is a collection of bitter-sweet memories. After Nader Ebrahimi (Aziza’s Place director) died, the kids and staff pulled together and looked after one another wonderfully. Seeing the children come together to comfort Nader’s heartbroken parents was extremely moving. The second is just a little example of how much the kids care about one another. We were playing a game and picking teams. One of the older boys (whose name we’ll spare to avoid embarrassing him) picked the two newest, youngest girl residents for his team, ahead of all the older kids and volunteers who might have made the smartest team mates. It was really touching and just summed up everything that is great about AP.

Davina Clay - Q & A

2009-06-04T04:05:00.000-07:00

Davina volunteered at AP from February to June 2009. She taught our E3 class and was notorious for finding really interesting learning topics; extreme weather and the Titanic for example. She helped her students write their first autobiographies. Davina is currently helping establish The Aziza Foundation UK. Thank you for keeping connected to AP from home, Davina!

Davina's Fast Facts:
Volunteered: February - June 2009
Originally from: Bath, England
Living in: London, England
Occupation: sales representative
Fun Fact: Davina is glad she came in the dry season. She’s sick of rain (England).

What brings you here? What is you motivation to come?
I wanted to help children learn that if they want something and are willing to work for it, there are opportunities out there - no matter what your background. I also wanted to challenge myself and learn about different cultures.
I was working in London in quite a challenging role which was starting to take its toll. I watched a programme on television about young children who were branded as witches. It was the most harrowing programme I have ever watched. The next day I went into work and realised that I can do something different, I can help in my own small little way so I left my job and came to Cambodia.

What are you doing at AP?
I am teaching English - Grade 3 and I love it!

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
I didn't realise quite how western the city had become - not in the culture and values but in terms of local amenities. I didn't expect so many people to speak English.

What’s your favorite memory at AP?
There was a thunderstorm while I was teaching my lesson. I teach in an outside courtyard section of the building which was sheltered but still ‘at one’ with the elements! Suddenly there was the loudest thunder I have ever heard and it sounded as if it was a meter above our heads. I looked down to my class and four out of five of them had leapt from their seats and run inside screaming! It was by far the funniest thing I have seen here, they were so quick and then just started laughing. When they returned we saw frogs hopping across the water – that was a bit unexpected as well.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Plan your lessons well and always have back ups. Always start the lesson with something really fun, and make the rest as interactive as possible.

What is something unique about where you come from?
Where I come from many of the buildings are hundreds of years old. They are preserved well and look really pretty. Everything is very green and there are lots of cows, they are very different from the cows here though.

After AP, Davina is planning to move back to Bath, England with her parents before working again in London.She’s also hoping to help out the Aziza Foundation UK with fundraising events and other administrative tasks.

Did you do your homework?

Laura Newson

2009-06-04T02:05:00.000-07:00

Laura's Biography
Volunteered at AP: February 2009
Home:Calgary, Canada
Fun Fact:She recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa with her father.

How did you find Aziza’s Place?
I found Azıza´s Place through my cousın´s frıend who sent me a lınk to a lıstıng of NGOs and volunteer organızatıons ın Cambodıa. From there ıt was just a matter of sıftıng through all of them to pıck out the best one!

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
I came because I had been contemplatıng doıng some volunteer work for a long tıme possıbly ın South Amerıca. Coıncıdentaly I have a cousın lıvıng ın Cambodıa who I wanted to go and vısıt, and ıt just so happened that I also had 2 months avaılable. I then decıded that ıt mıght be a good ıdea to try somethıng completely dıfferent and out of my comfort zone and try to do some volunteerıng ın Cambodıa after I vısıted my cousın.

What did you do at AP?
At Azıza´s Place I was teachıng the begınner Englısh class.

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
I really had no ıdea what to expect comıng to Cambodıa. Cambodıa was more developed than I thought ıt would be and more of a full on freıght traın to the senses than I thought as well. But after spendıng some more tıme ın Cambodıa the dırtıness became normal and ın a way the chaos became organızed and you had to apprecıate how everythıng seemed to flow.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
I would tell new volunteers to stay longer than they plan to!!! It´s very dıffıcult to get conected to the kıds and to then have to leave rıght away. I would say that ın order to feel lıke you are makıng a dıfference and spendıng enough tıme wıth the kıds you should stay for at least 6 months.

What did you do before coming to AP?
Before comıng to AP I had just fınıshed Hıgh School and had been workıng for 6 months at a gourmet sandwıch shop.

What are your plans for after AP?
After AP I wıll be doıng a lıttle bıt more travelıng ın Turkey and Italy before I attend Unıversıty ın September

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
Somethıng unıque about my home ıs the snow. The snow ın Canada ıs ıncredıble, not just because there ıs so much of ıt, but because there are so many dıfferent kınds of snow. And each dıfferent kınd/layer of snow can tell you about the weather the day ıt fell, how old ıt ıs, and how much of ıt fell. I thınk that´s some pretty ımpressıve work from Mother Nature. The only thıng that I can thınk of beıng sımılar ın Cambodıa ıs the raın and how much there ıs ın the raıny season. I left just as the raıny season began, however I was stıll able to experıence a few raın-falls and W-O-W! Incredıble!! The amount of raın and the bone shatterıng crack of the thunder ıs one of the most amazıng natural events I have ever experıenced.

What’s your favorite memory at AP?
My favorıte memory of AP was the Khmer New Year celebratıons that we had. It was an amazıng nıght full of dancıng and games and musıc and huge smıles. It was a real treat to be able to spend so much tıme wıth the kıds playıng tradıtıonal games and experıencıng them teachıng me about theır culture ınstead of me teachıng them.

Laura with one of her students

Missy Washington

2009-04-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

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.

Jane Heng

2009-04-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Jane hanging out with Sreyphea

at the children's football tournament.

Jane volunteered as an English and Art teacher at Aziza's Place in early 2009. She has been involved in the lives of the AP kids ever since! Jane is a talented designer and inspired the children to find their creativity and to have fun in their learning. Jane headed home to Australia in March 2009 but we were excited to see her back in Phnom Penh in 2010. She has been able to use her passion for design for work in the social enterprise sector in Cambodia, while still connecting with AP and supporting us where she can. She is always a welcome guest at our monthly family nights. We love you Jane!

Originally from: Melbourne, Australia

Living in: Melbourne, Australia

Occupation: Designer

Fun Fact: Cambodian aerobics classes in the Park are THE BEST!

What brought you here? What was your motivation to come?

I'm Australian born but my heritage is Cambodian. My first trip to Cambodia was when I was 8 (back in 1993) and since then, I've always wanted to come back to Cambodia and volunteer. I found Aziza's Place through a friend who previously volunteered at AP and he warned me that I would fall very quickly in love with the children. He was right!

What did you do at AP?

I taught the first level English class and also helped with Art class. I taught hand sewing and tie dying. So much fun!

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that were changed?

Every time I come to Cambodia, the experience differs from the last but I had always came during the cool season. Everyone had warned me how hot it'll get in April but coming from Australia, I thought I had experienced hot but I was wrong! It gets close to 100% humidity in April!

What advice would you give to new volunteers?

Be open minded and creative! Teaching is fun because the children are so eager to learn. Creative, fun classes will always engage the students more. Plus the internet is a great place for teaching resources and educational game ideas. Be warned, the kids have endless energy!

What did you do before coming to AP?

I was designing for a small fashion label in Melbourne.

What are your plans / have you done after AP?

I hope to work in the social enterprise sector and still be able to design.

Do you plan to return? If so when?

I definitely will be coming back to Cambodia. Hopefully sooner than later.

Do you have any hopes or wishes for AP?

I hope that Aziza's Place continues to nurture and grow. It's a wonderful place for the children to build the foundations of their dream futures.

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?

In Australia we have easy access to so much nature. It's only a short walk or ride to the beach or the bush. In Phnom Penh it's alot harder to get to the beach or jungle unless you take a very long bus ride out. Also I didn't realise how much I walked in Melbourne until I couldn't do so in Phnom Penh. The pavements in Phnom Penh are usually parking spaces for motos, food carts or cars and so most of the time you are forced to walk on the road which is a scary place to be. But it is very easy to get to one place to another on the back of a moto dop or your own push bike.

What is similar between Australians and Cambodians is the passion for food. There is great food to be had in Phnom Penh!

What’s your favorite memory at AP?

Teaching the kids how to tie dye! It was great to see the kid's faces when they revealed their creations. Also in turn they became my teachers and my Khmer language improved greatly with their help.

One last thought... I encourage anyone who's interested in volunteering at AP to do so! It's a great way to immerse yourself in the Cambodian culture while giving something back. You learn a lot about yourself and what your capable of while having so much fun with the children. Also, the other volunteers had enriched my experience and have became long life friends.

Bonnie Cohen - Q & A

2009-04-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

Bonnie volunteered at AP in February 2009. She comes from New York (USA) but is currently living in Bali, Indonesia. A fun fact about Bonnie, she is a Rabbi. A close family friend of Nader, Bonnie came to see the inspirational things happening at AP.

How did you find Aziza’s Place?
I learned about AP from Nader Ebrahami, a family friend.

What brings you here? What is you motivation to come?
I had wanted to do some volunteer work with this population for a few years but Nader's being there was my primary motivation.

What are you doing / did you do at AP?
I taught English; and also taught the children how to sew and make a carry bag.

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
My daily life as a tourist in Phnom Penh was much more expensive than I expected.

What’s your favorite memory at AP?
Singing with all the children in the courtyard.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Bring extra money.

What did you do before coming to AP?
I am a semi-retired teacher.

What are your plans for after AP?
I have returned to Bali, Indonesia where I was working before going to AP.

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
I lived in New York for many years. I guess the biggest difference is the weather and the number of people living on the streets.

Caitlin Strom

2009-03-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

Caitlin Volunteered at Aziza's Place from January to March 2009. Along with teaching the children yoga, she helped the film students brush up on their technical skills.

Volunteered: January 2009 - February 15, 2009, March 2009
Home: Rhode Island (USA)
Living In: Recently moved to New York City (USA)
Fun Fact: Caitlin is a yoga master

How did you find Aziza’s Place?
I found Aziza’s Place through Peter Mayer, who I used to work with in San Francisco. I knew he had spent some time in Cambodia and I asked him what suggestions he had for where to volunteer and he connected me to AP.

What brings you here? What is your motivation to come?
I am traveling around SE Asia for a few months, but I didn’t want it to be just a typical backpacking kind of trip. I’m doing my best to infuse my trip with some more meaningful endeavors than just the typical tourist stuff (though I’ve done plenty of touristy stuff too!). So Aziza’s Place is part of that. More specifically, I wanted to help in Cambodia because of the problems that are so evident here and its tragic history. I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing this country. Of course I’ve only been here a month, which was only enough time to scratch the surface. In many ways I’m more confused than when I got here! But most importantly, I’ve made a connection with these beautiful and amazing kids. I’m so thankful for that.

What are you doing or did you do at AP?
I’ve been teaching English, film classes, some yoga, and generally hanging out.

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
One of the things that people told me was that Phnom Penh is a really dangerous place, and I came expecting to always have my guard up. I immediately discovered that this isn’t really the case; I feel very comfortable in this city and I find it really welcoming. Another thing I didn’t expect is how stylish Khmer’s are! Everyone has such cool clothes! Sometimes I feel like a slob in my traveling threads! Many people have also told me how warm and friendly Khmer people are, which I find to be very true. I think almost every interaction I have here comes with a warm smile. One thing I love about Phnom Penh is this amazing fusion between the fast paced modern world, and the mellow more traditional culture. For example, seeing monks with their alms bowls sitting calmly on the back of a speeding moto in the middle of rush hour traffic.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Hmmmm…. Be open to new experiences. Don’t be afraid to jump right in there and teach everything you know. Maybe this is just advice I’d give to myself! I learned so much at Aziza’s Place. For instance, I never taught before, and I just made it up as I went along. I learned just as much.

What did you do before coming to AP?
I am a camera assistant on films and commercials.

What are your plans for after AP?
I’m heading to Thailand for a meditation retreat, then after that some more undetermined adventures.

What is something unique about where you come from? How is it similar or different from Cambodia?
I’m originally from Rhode Island, which is the smallest state in the US. One thing that’s similar is that you are not required to wear a helmet on your motorbike! More recently, I’m from Northern California, which is similar to Cambodia in that it has only two seasons: wet and dry. In general, the US is a different place. Most people drive cars instead of motos, and we almost never bargain for anything.

What’s your favorite memory at AP?
I have two: The first is when some of the girls (Ny, Theara, SreyMarch, and Thida) gave me an impromptu Apsara dance performance. Afterwards Somlay and Sengkri did a hilarious rendition of the monkey dance. The other is teaching the kids yoga arm balances in the courtyard and then learning some Khmer acrobatics. I’ve never had so many people standing on me at once!

Caitlin instructing the film class.