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 …
2019 – A year in review
I’ll be honest – I don’t tend to take the time out to reflect on achievements. I suppose many of us don’t, as our lives are usually go, go go. However with such a huge year wrapping up, I decided …
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” …
Why I don’t mind if the electricity cuts out
This morning the electricity cut out at my home in Sydney. I didn’t realise it at first. I thought that the lightbulb had just blown. After flicking the switch on and off a few times, I ventured into the bathroom …
Surviving the Khmer Rouge – Rik’s Story
On April 17th, 1975, the Khmer Rouge took hold of Cambodia. They wanted to transform Cambodia into a rural, classless society. They were starting at ‘year zero’. Money, free markets, normal schooling, private property, foreign clothing styles, religious practices, and traditional Khmer …
The top 5 things I will miss about Cambodia
In less than five months, my partner and I will be moving back to Australia. I will have been living in Cambodia for five years and three months by that time. Whilst there are more than a handful of things …
After almost four years, it is time.
Human and Hope is a grassroots organisation in Siem Reap. Through education, vocational training and community support, we aim to empower Cambodians to create sustainable futures for themselves and break the cycle of poverty. The time has come. Today I …
Attitudes towards developing countries must change
This week the organisation I work for, Human and Hope Association (HHA), was approached by a tour company in Cambodia. They wanted to bring 15 tourists from India to our community centre and “teach, play with the kids and do …
Who wants to go on a cruise?!
I was disgusted to come across this article the other day on a new voluntourism cruise. ‘Fathom’ is the first cruise line dedicated entirely to voluntourism, offering seven-day volunteer cruises. That’s right, SEVEN DAYS to make an impact in a developing country. …
Tis’ the Season?
A Facebook invitation (which I will not link to, as I do not wish to name and shame), was recently brought to my attention. It stated: “In collaboration with ********* and ******** in Cambodia, we bring you the opportunity to …