I had after some time and many thousands of miles travelled eventually picked up the courage to compose an email to the Charity. Its seems silly to think but although my work with the many organisations and charities I have spent time with is, by nature, voluntary I still feel like I'm applying for something so much more than the assumed. After all, a place at a well run and organised organisation were I can freely give back, educate and be educated myself is pretty priceless. Priceless for me and hopefully the people, plants and animals you sign up to serve.
Frida the NGO project manager and all round good human was straight on the reply. After quite a few emails back and forward along with numerous experience and police checks I got the final confirmation of acceptance for a months voluntary work. I remember reviewing the email when I was in Melbourne, elated at my now forming plans for the near future.
We got the night bus down from Siem Reap and with the help of a few pretty dodgy (though legal) pills I slept the whole way, result! On driving into Phnom Penh and it's unbelievable heat and humidity our smooth ride was abruptly stopped, we got thrown out in the milittddle of the road and as for the next step to take both Emma and I were completely lost. We called Carla, that inspiring friend I had met on the beach In Thailand and thankfully she was more than helpful to us finding our feet. We stayed in an overpriced hotel the first night followed by a day trekking in near 50 degree heat to find reasonable accommodation that would have us for a month. Thankfully with the help of Frida we found a little flat just 5 minutes from the shelter and orphanage. We sat that night and unpacked in the cool flat air as I sat nervous with what tomorrow, my first day, had in store.
Day one came and luckily as I arrived I found that I was starting and being inducted with another fellow volunteer, Maria. Maria was an absolute star, always helpful, ready for a laugh to relax and generally amazing throughout my teaching time there.
My first day went smooth and just as I was about to leave happily planning in my head for the next day Frida asked about Emma. I had previously mentioned that I was travelling with my cousin and as it turned out the organisation was short of a Kindergarten teacher for the "live in" shelter children so I said I would ask.
Week 1 planning at TLJ
I rode my motorbike home and bust through the door with so much to say after quite a bit of rambling and raving I got to the point. Quite a lot of questions and after a lot of thought Emma eventually settled on the idea of going to speak to Frida the next day and to see what she might expect.
The next day was the beginning of a month of Emma and I working together at COLT. We both arrived at the shelter and as I headed off to school Emma headed into the office for that chat. By the time I took a class break I quickly ran back to check and there in the little tin roofed classroom was Emma and 7 super excited children.
Our month at COLT was for me one of the very best experiences I have had so far. Emma and I both enjoyed the children on all the levels that we had the opportunity to teach. COLT is the type of organisation that through exceptionally high standards really does make a difference in the lives of the children that depend on it. As far as NGO's stand I would say Frida and the team at COLT are by far the most professional and effective a project I have ever worked with. Credit to them!
Having the time to build personal relationships with the children here has given me a whole new perspective on education, social aid projects and initiatives around the world. We hope we inspired other but for me the inspiration for my future is absolutely priceless.
On leaving both Emma and I shed a little tear on our bike. Last days are always tough but smiling children each with a small gift, a letter or a drawing in their hands just about sent us over the edge.
By Kosal
For more information on COLT and the amazing work they do visit www.colt-cambodia.org
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