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 …
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 …
It’s that time of the year again.
If you had the chance to change a child’s life forever, would you? Six-year-old *Kosal had behaviour difficulties. He often hit his family members, throwing violent tantrums and not listening to anyone. His family was desperate and needed to do …
The Problem with False Promises
There used to be a Khmer volunteer who taught at Human and Hope Association in addition to his full-time work teaching at a nearby NGO. The NGO he taught at was funded primarily by Australians who frequently visited the organisation. …
Treating Children as ‘Team Building’ Activities
One day in February 2016, Human and Hope Association was approached by a tour company in Phnom Penh. They wanted to bring 15 tourists from India to Human and Hope Association to “teach, play with the kids and do something competitive” …
Celebrating Five Years of a Life-Changing Sewing Program
From my initial days at Human and Hope Association, I had always planned to get a sewing program up and running. I knew that English classes weren’t for everyone, and for those villagers who were over eighteen and hadn’t finished …
Thai, Our Unsung Hero
I am over the moon to announce that for the second year in a row, Human and Hope Association has taken out the World Relief Australia Unsung Hero award, this time for the incredible work of our Director, San Thai. …
Is your husband being nice to you?
“Is your husband being nice to you?” “Yes, better than before. But he is jealous of me nowadays.” “Why is he jealous? Because you are earning more money than him?” “Because I went away for two days with the staff. …