Final blog from James Cook University in Cambodia

COUNTRY: Cambodia
PROGRAM: UniBreak Groups
PROJECT: Education
WRITTEN BY: James Cook University

The end of our trip is now a reality! We had a busy week finishing our painting and construction projects out at MHDC. We managed to get the painting finished just in time, and the construction had been completed. The last week of teaching was just as rewarding and exciting as the first. We are so lucky to have the opportunity to work with these students, they bring so much enthusiasm to school every day and it's
beautiful to see so much excitement to learn new things. You can see the importance and value of education in Cambodia through the childrens attitudes. Our week concluded with a farewell ceremony at MHDC including all the students, teachers and some military officials.

This was our chance to give our deepest thanks for the experience of mutual learning, and for the hospitality and warm welcome we recieved. The ceremony concluded with the official first use of a water tank we had installed. The people who lived in the house were very moved by the work we had done and offered their deepest thanks. Seeing them getting so emotional over something that seems so simplistic to us really emphasized that every little thing can make such a significant difference in somebody elses life. The team was lucky to be able to experience this alongside the people of MHDC, it is something we won't forget.

The team farewell dinner was held last night at Asian Square restaurant for the JCU students, our translators, bus drivers and, of course, Dayvy. This gave us a good chance to reflect and think about the moments that really stood out to us. Turning points, memorable moments, moving moments - we all had so many in such a short time. Some were very significant things such as seeing the killing fields and walking through S21 museum where everything remained in such an organic state, the land mine museum - all things which put our presence into perspective and context. Other
memories are ones which may seem small until you experience them - seeing the faces on the students when we arrive every morning, the successes and breakthroughs while teaching, the challenges of construction and even seeing the innovation of living without all the material things we take for granted in Australia.

Back home, we have this concept that people living in our perception of poverty must be so depressed and so sick, with living conditions unbearable and inhumane. When you are living amongst the people in this country and working with students you discover the opposite. While they are poverty stricken and have so many unmet needs, they are so happy and so appreciative of everything they have. Working with one of the adult students we were told time and time again that the most important thing in life is freedom and to be with the ones you love. As Matt said at our dinner last night, it has been such a humbling experience for all of us.

I'd like to say, once more, the biggest and deepest thanks to all those who helped us through this month. You have all been outstanding people to work with and we have learnt so much from you about so many different things. We wish you all the best in the future and hope that MHDC continues to receive it's much needed support, because it is more than deserved.

Thank you!!!!

With 3 hours till departure we are all packing up our things and getting our last minute shopping done! We look forward to returning to Australia and sharing what we have learnt.