Cambodia has two seasons; wet season and dry season. The dry season is relatively (emphasis on the relatively) cooler, whereas the wet season is humid with lots of rain and flooding. This shouldn’t deter you from visiting Cambodia during the …
The Love You Give
“I visited Tanzania on a volunteering trip when I was in college, which I really enjoyed at the time, but looking back on it compared to other volunteering trips I’ve had since then, I can see that the trip was …
“I Now Don’t Fear for my Life”
Last month I attended the Ethical Enterprise Awards in Melbourne, as Human and Hope Association Inc were finalists. A transcript of my speech is below. “I now don’t fear for my life.” These words are from our sewing graduate, …
Moving whole families out of poverty
This is the son of Human and Hope Association’s sewing teacher (and former sewing student), Chomrong. I have known him for three years. He was always a very shy child who would detach himself from group situations, and would constantly …
2018 Ethical Christmas Guide
I say it every year, and this year is no different. How is it almost Christmas again?! As always, I am committed to shopping ethically at Christmas, and to encourage others to do the same, I have put together this …
Girls in developing countries don’t need dresses; they need education
A few months back, I received an email from a woman who runs her own charity that provides dresses to girls in developing countries. Heading to Cambodia later this year, she wanted me to suggest an orphanage in Cambodia where …
Blogs and articles on voluntourism you HAVE to read
For those of you who follow my blog (all two of you – hi, Mum and Dad), you will know my stance on voluntourism [short-term volunteering overseas, often for a fee]. I don’t agree with it. As a former voluntourist …
Periods and Endometriosis in Cambodia
Me: “I have my period.” Male colleague: “AGAIN?” Me: “Yes, it comes once a month.” Male colleague: “It feels like you have it every day.” Can I get a holler from my sisters who have endometriosis? It is not easy dealing …
“I want to teach the children a song in Portuguese”
In 2013, I initiated child protection workshops at Human and Hope Association. We had implemented our visitor policy, which only allowed for visitors to come to Human and Hope Association with appointments, and they had to adhere to our strict …
Khmer Wedding Traditions
Khmer weddings are known for being loud. Very loud. The music pumps from early morning to late in the evening and can be heard from a village over. They are also very colourful and create quite a stunning scene when …