This Thanksgiving, 25 tired and stressed out SAS faculty went on a teacher training trip to the CFC schools in Siem Reap and were warmed by a thousand happy Cambodian smiles.The theme of the trip was cooperative learning and for many of the teachers we trained, this was a novel idea.
What was magical about this trip was that we could see the effects of repeated and consistent training in the quality of teaching. The CFC teachers are now not only able to absorb our lessons but they are able to modify and adapt them. This is a HUGE difference from years ago when lessons were applied rigidly, without much reflection. The teachers today are a lot more relaxed and animated with students and with us. Friendships have been forged between CFC and SAS teachers and we are now more like colleagues than trainers.The classrooms too have been transformed from dark, dingy spaces where kids sat in rows of desks all day. The Amelio and Bakong Schools are now bright, cheerful places where students have opportunities to move around and learn in large and small groups. More and more classroom supplies are being created locally by CFC teachers using indigenous materials. Most importantly, the children look healthier and cleaner in their sparkling white uniforms!
This does not happen overnight. It builds slowly, with repeated training and with people like Kaye Bach and Diane Ayers on the ground to keep the initiatives moving along. True to the motto of Keep It Simple and Succeed, each baby step has resulted in this revolution in the CFC schools. And yet a lot remains to be done.
There were many moments of being blown away but most inspiring to me, was the community reading of the English-Khmer book that I wrote on cooperation for this trip. As a student read the book out loud to the crowd in the scorching sun, the tableau of expressions on the faces of old and young villagers was priceless and I was moved to tears. This book too was a cooperative effort. Kaye shared information and Pen Rithy, a talented young Cambodian artist and alumni of the CFC schools, brought my words to life with his stunning artwork. Many CFC volunteeers put the books together and the SAS team lugged them all the way to Siem Reap.
Thank you CFC for allowing us to feel like we too can make a tiny difference in the world. We SAS teachers came home, relaxed and rejuvenated, reflecting the same happy smiles we saw!
Shabari Karumbaya
"
Shabari Karumbaya
December 13, 2011 at 1:02 pm
"
Blue, yellow, black, green and red colored rings were everywhere, but for me it was like five golden rings, Olympic gold, that is. My summer was to be all about the Olympics. It was 2008, Beijing, China and I was there. This was to be my first Olympic experience and was I pumped. My family planned our trip with close family friends who were living in Singapore at the time and who now reside in Austin, Texas. They encouraged us to side trip to Cambodia after the games.
I had no expectations for the side trip, as the Olympic games were that of which dreams are made. However, as great as that experience was, it was Cambodia that touched my heart. Cambodia was to capture, for me, what would be a life changing moment. Our friend, Jamie had created a charitable foundation that focused on building schools for the poor in Cambodia. We flew into Siem Reap, Cambodia and my personal journey began. I was mesmerized by Jamie’s comfort level in such a different world. You see, Jamie is a tall, blond Texas woman with a sweet smile that stood in stark contrast to the backdrop of Cambodia. This was a world not at all like mine. We were in the monsoon swept wetlands. We were taken down dirt roads with shack type housing, insane traffic with tuk-tuks, which are three-wheeled scooters with multiple passengers. Finally we came upon a small school. The poverty was compelling. This school had already undergone some renovations at the hands of Jamie’s organization, “CFC”, Caring for Cambodia. Running water and bathrooms were being built and a complete curriculum was in place. You could see the enthusiasm the children displayed as they ran up to Jamie expressing their gratitude with their big smiles. They were proud, happy and showed a sense of hope with great appreciation for the opportunity this amazing woman had brought them. Together we helped serve breakfast to the children in order to start their day with a warm, hearty meal. It was more of a rice soup cooked in an extremely large kettle. I also played soccer and volleyball with the children. My dad donated toothbrushes and we handed them out to each thrilled child.
I was able to experience the atmosphere of a country in need. I saw hardships that I had never imagined for those my age and younger. How could these children attempt to better their education with such harsh living conditions? Well that is where Jamie Amelio comes in. The Charity, “Caring for Cambodia”, has now led to the creation of multiple schools in Cambodia which supplies children with uniforms, school supplies and structure. In a world so far away, so obscure from the gilded path, my friend Jamie Amelio, made a difference. I now viewed her in an entirely new light. This was not just my friend’s mom anymore but a doer, someone who took an idea and a ray of compassion and turned it into something relevant and kind, not to mention life changing for so many people, including myself. If she could achieve this, what could I achieve in my life with that same sort of determination?
"
Dean
December 7, 2011 at 11:48 pm
"
I could not have been more thrilled with my experience with CFC in Siem Reap. Seeing everything about such a wonderful organization that I had heard about for years was phenomenal. I got the chance to meet and interview incredible students with unique experiences that truly inspired me and even got the chance to teach them and learn from them in a dance exchange where I tried to learn the beautiful intricacies of Apsara and watched the children of the Kong Much School gracefully nail a contemporary dance routine that I choreographed for them. I had such a wonderful time with all of the students and teachers who made my trip memorable and I have been talking non-stop about how amazing CFC is ever since. I can’t wait to be back in Siem Reap!
"
nikita
October 21, 2011 at 3:03 pm
"
Some people, when they are thinking of going to Cambodia, are a bit hesitant. Some think it will be too sad. But when you go, the smile on the kids faces is priceless. It makes you wonder what your life would be like if you were a Cambodian child. But most of us can’t imagine. The great part about CFC is that as a family, we help you see their world differently. We help you see WHY those kids are so happy when you are helping out at the schools. You get the greatest feeling knowing why and how you can help! Together we can see a brighter future for them and together, we’ll see it through.
"
meredith machulski
October 6, 2011 at 1:10 pm
"
After visiting the children in Cambodia my life was never the same, I had to help. CFC has given me the opportunity to do my small part in helping others.
I love being part of an organization where everyone is in it for the right reasons. Never have I worked with such an incredible group of loving and caring people who just want to help. CFC has accomplished so much because of the quality of these volunteers.
"
lori mcconaghy
October 6, 2011 at 1:09 pm
"
I always wanted to be a teacher; because I wanted to help others learn. I teach math, because it is a universal language. My children are part of the new future. They want to be doctors when they grow up. They know that education is the key to their future.
"
inteacher
October 6, 2011 at 1:07 pm
"
I am very grateful for the experience for me and for Connor…we will both stay involved and plan to get the other family members to Siem Reap in the coming months. The teachers, did a GREAT job and the trip was an excellent balance of work, pen pal connection, touring of temples, and free time. Very well done…thank you
"
toddcione
October 6, 2011 at 1:06 pm
"
For some time International Medical Clinic was working towards identifying a suitable charity to partner with – and we decided on Caring for Cambodia. What a wonderful decision this has been! CFC has a solid focus on the education, well being, and future of the students of the CFC schools. CFC is not trying to reach every Cambodian child, but simply to make a huge difference to those who attend a CFC school. In turn, many students that have a CFC school education hold the potential to make a huge difference to the future of Cambodia and its people.
International Medical Clinic and Caring for Cambodia have worked so well together since the inception of our involvement. Our objectives are aligned, and we are already seeing results from our joint health related initiatives. IMC staff who have become involved and join our visits to Siem Reap have derived enormous satisfaction and fulfilment from the immediate difference we are making to the children of CFC.
International Medical Clinic’s involvement with CFC has resulted in far more for our organisation, our staff, and the children of Caring for Cambodia than we ever anticipated. The team at International Medical Clinic look forward to continuing our close association with CFC for the benefit of the children into the longer term.
"
medicalclinic
October 6, 2011 at 1:05 pm
"
Before my trip, I had only seen pictures. Pictures only speak words, I was missing out on so much. When I arrived in Cambodia, all my senses were alive.
Hearing the sweet voices of the children for the first time, the giggles, the singing.
Seeing the inquisitive looks of a blonde visitor, the curiosity in their eyes and the immediate acceptance.
The sweetness of an unexpected embrace and giddy laugh.
Smelling the richness of the food that each student anticipates each day from CFC.
The appreciation expressed in their smiles without ever communicating a word.
The dedication shown in taking care of their schools.
The pride demonstrated in wearing their school uniform.
The eagerness to learn.
Witnessing their true life and why they need our help.
The light of hope of the future, shining on their innocent faces.
This Thanksgiving, 25 tired and stressed out SAS faculty went on a teacher training trip to the CFC schools in Siem Reap and were warmed by a thousand happy Cambodian smiles.The theme of the trip was cooperative learning and for many of the teachers we trained, this was a novel idea.
What was magical about this trip was that we could see the effects of repeated and consistent training in the quality of teaching. The CFC teachers are now not only able to absorb our lessons but they are able to modify and adapt them. This is a HUGE difference from years ago when lessons were applied rigidly, without much reflection. The teachers today are a lot more relaxed and animated with students and with us. Friendships have been forged between CFC and SAS teachers and we are now more like colleagues than trainers.The classrooms too have been transformed from dark, dingy spaces where kids sat in rows of desks all day. The Amelio and Bakong Schools are now bright, cheerful places where students have opportunities to move around and learn in large and small groups. More and more classroom supplies are being created locally by CFC teachers using indigenous materials. Most importantly, the children look healthier and cleaner in their sparkling white uniforms!
This does not happen overnight. It builds slowly, with repeated training and with people like Kaye Bach and Diane Ayers on the ground to keep the initiatives moving along. True to the motto of Keep It Simple and Succeed, each baby step has resulted in this revolution in the CFC schools. And yet a lot remains to be done.
There were many moments of being blown away but most inspiring to me, was the community reading of the English-Khmer book that I wrote on cooperation for this trip. As a student read the book out loud to the crowd in the scorching sun, the tableau of expressions on the faces of old and young villagers was priceless and I was moved to tears. This book too was a cooperative effort. Kaye shared information and Pen Rithy, a talented young Cambodian artist and alumni of the CFC schools, brought my words to life with his stunning artwork. Many CFC volunteeers put the books together and the SAS team lugged them all the way to Siem Reap.
Thank you CFC for allowing us to feel like we too can make a tiny difference in the world. We SAS teachers came home, relaxed and rejuvenated, reflecting the same happy smiles we saw!
Shabari Karumbaya
"Shabari Karumbaya
December 13, 2011 at 1:02 pm
Blue, yellow, black, green and red colored rings were everywhere, but for me it was like five golden rings, Olympic gold, that is. My summer was to be all about the Olympics. It was 2008, Beijing, China and I was there. This was to be my first Olympic experience and was I pumped. My family planned our trip with close family friends who were living in Singapore at the time and who now reside in Austin, Texas. They encouraged us to side trip to Cambodia after the games.
"I had no expectations for the side trip, as the Olympic games were that of which dreams are made. However, as great as that experience was, it was Cambodia that touched my heart. Cambodia was to capture, for me, what would be a life changing moment. Our friend, Jamie had created a charitable foundation that focused on building schools for the poor in Cambodia. We flew into Siem Reap, Cambodia and my personal journey began. I was mesmerized by Jamie’s comfort level in such a different world. You see, Jamie is a tall, blond Texas woman with a sweet smile that stood in stark contrast to the backdrop of Cambodia. This was a world not at all like mine. We were in the monsoon swept wetlands. We were taken down dirt roads with shack type housing, insane traffic with tuk-tuks, which are three-wheeled scooters with multiple passengers. Finally we came upon a small school. The poverty was compelling. This school had already undergone some renovations at the hands of Jamie’s organization, “CFC”, Caring for Cambodia. Running water and bathrooms were being built and a complete curriculum was in place. You could see the enthusiasm the children displayed as they ran up to Jamie expressing their gratitude with their big smiles. They were proud, happy and showed a sense of hope with great appreciation for the opportunity this amazing woman had brought them. Together we helped serve breakfast to the children in order to start their day with a warm, hearty meal. It was more of a rice soup cooked in an extremely large kettle. I also played soccer and volleyball with the children. My dad donated toothbrushes and we handed them out to each thrilled child.
I was able to experience the atmosphere of a country in need. I saw hardships that I had never imagined for those my age and younger. How could these children attempt to better their education with such harsh living conditions? Well that is where Jamie Amelio comes in. The Charity, “Caring for Cambodia”, has now led to the creation of multiple schools in Cambodia which supplies children with uniforms, school supplies and structure. In a world so far away, so obscure from the gilded path, my friend Jamie Amelio, made a difference. I now viewed her in an entirely new light. This was not just my friend’s mom anymore but a doer, someone who took an idea and a ray of compassion and turned it into something relevant and kind, not to mention life changing for so many people, including myself. If she could achieve this, what could I achieve in my life with that same sort of determination?
Dean
December 7, 2011 at 11:48 pm
I could not have been more thrilled with my experience with CFC in Siem Reap. Seeing everything about such a wonderful organization that I had heard about for years was phenomenal. I got the chance to meet and interview incredible students with unique experiences that truly inspired me and even got the chance to teach them and learn from them in a dance exchange where I tried to learn the beautiful intricacies of Apsara and watched the children of the Kong Much School gracefully nail a contemporary dance routine that I choreographed for them. I had such a wonderful time with all of the students and teachers who made my trip memorable and I have been talking non-stop about how amazing CFC is ever since. I can’t wait to be back in Siem Reap!
"nikita
October 21, 2011 at 3:03 pm
Some people, when they are thinking of going to Cambodia, are a bit hesitant. Some think it will be too sad. But when you go, the smile on the kids faces is priceless. It makes you wonder what your life would be like if you were a Cambodian child. But most of us can’t imagine. The great part about CFC is that as a family, we help you see their world differently. We help you see WHY those kids are so happy when you are helping out at the schools. You get the greatest feeling knowing why and how you can help! Together we can see a brighter future for them and together, we’ll see it through.
"meredith machulski
October 6, 2011 at 1:10 pm
After visiting the children in Cambodia my life was never the same, I had to help. CFC has given me the opportunity to do my small part in helping others.
I love being part of an organization where everyone is in it for the right reasons. Never have I worked with such an incredible group of loving and caring people who just want to help. CFC has accomplished so much because of the quality of these volunteers.
"lori mcconaghy
October 6, 2011 at 1:09 pm
I always wanted to be a teacher; because I wanted to help others learn. I teach math, because it is a universal language. My children are part of the new future. They want to be doctors when they grow up. They know that education is the key to their future.
"inteacher
October 6, 2011 at 1:07 pm
I am very grateful for the experience for me and for Connor…we will both stay involved and plan to get the other family members to Siem Reap in the coming months. The teachers, did a GREAT job and the trip was an excellent balance of work, pen pal connection, touring of temples, and free time. Very well done…thank you
"toddcione
October 6, 2011 at 1:06 pm
For some time International Medical Clinic was working towards identifying a suitable charity to partner with – and we decided on Caring for Cambodia. What a wonderful decision this has been! CFC has a solid focus on the education, well being, and future of the students of the CFC schools. CFC is not trying to reach every Cambodian child, but simply to make a huge difference to those who attend a CFC school. In turn, many students that have a CFC school education hold the potential to make a huge difference to the future of Cambodia and its people.
International Medical Clinic and Caring for Cambodia have worked so well together since the inception of our involvement. Our objectives are aligned, and we are already seeing results from our joint health related initiatives. IMC staff who have become involved and join our visits to Siem Reap have derived enormous satisfaction and fulfilment from the immediate difference we are making to the children of CFC.
International Medical Clinic’s involvement with CFC has resulted in far more for our organisation, our staff, and the children of Caring for Cambodia than we ever anticipated. The team at International Medical Clinic look forward to continuing our close association with CFC for the benefit of the children into the longer term.
"medicalclinic
October 6, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Before my trip, I had only seen pictures. Pictures only speak words, I was missing out on so much. When I arrived in Cambodia, all my senses were alive.
Hearing the sweet voices of the children for the first time, the giggles, the singing.
Seeing the inquisitive looks of a blonde visitor, the curiosity in their eyes and the immediate acceptance.
The sweetness of an unexpected embrace and giddy laugh.
Smelling the richness of the food that each student anticipates each day from CFC.
The appreciation expressed in their smiles without ever communicating a word.
The dedication shown in taking care of their schools.
The pride demonstrated in wearing their school uniform.
The eagerness to learn.
Witnessing their true life and why they need our help.
The light of hope of the future, shining on their innocent faces.
Life changing.
"Once experienced, never forgotten.
hopebartolotta
October 6, 2011 at 1:01 pm