During our stay in Cambodia we went on tours to learn about the culture and history of Cambodia. This included a visit to the Killing Fields, the S-21 prison, the royal palace and the National Museum. Students were able to understand why our help was needed in this part of the world. It was only our third day in Cambodia and we were off to a rural village more than 1½ hours out of Phnom Penh. Our bus made its way along a muddy track, past rice paddies to a small settlement hidden amongst the trees. As soon as we arrived we were split into four groups so we could complete the four houses. Local villagers looked on, cows and ducks freely wandered past, as we hammered and sweated in the extreme humidity to complete the houses before the rains came. All of the students can be commended on their effort and determination to complete the task on time. With the floors complete and the walls now up, the houses were ready for the hand-over ceremony. Each family was presented with a blanket by our students, which was to be the first item in their new homes. The day was incredibly rewarding for all involved and on return to the city the students were treated to a tuk-tuk ride around town before turning in for a very early night! The following day we were on the move again as we packed our paint brushes and rollers, ready for another day of community service work. This time we were off to the Lighthouse Orphanage, where we were greeted by 97 orphans who were eager to show us around and play games before we started work. We thought our task was to repaint their front fence, but we ended up painting the shutters, doors and front walls of nearly every building on the property! The experience was heightened as all of the orphans joined us to help painting their home. Our visit ended with the presentation of gifts from the Mt Scopus community to the children of the Lighthouse Orphanage. The joy on the faces of every child was more than the thanks we needed for our efforts. The team acquired many new skills. Apart from sawing, hammering and painting, the group also learnt how to cook Kosher Cambodian style and haggle for a great bargain in the local markets! This was an incredible opportunity for all involved and we would like to thank everyone for the chance to make a real difference to a community in need.
For the first time in Mt Scopus history, 14 year 9 students, under the supervision of Mr Morris and Mrs Wolters, embarked on a journey to Cambodia that had the potential to change their view of the world. The aim of the project was to supply materials and hands on support to families in a rural community and to the children of a Phnom Penh orphanage. Preparations began early in term 2 when the students involved had to come up with ideas
to raise the money needed for the building projects, do research about Cambodia and its history, as well as attend two woodworking sessions at Bunnings Warehouse in Box Hill.
