COUNTRY: Cambodia
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Health & Education
WRITTEN BY: Leah Daniels
Our second week started with the volunteer health students visiting houses we have already seen and gave out toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap based on what the assessment detailed they needed. We also demonstrated brushing teeth and hand washing and explained the importance of it and when it should be done. The young kids really enjoyed it and they loved the stickers we gave them at the end. It was also great to see some of the parents get involved and show how to do it too because they had learnt it themselves in health promotion classes.
It was also Pat’s birthday on the 28th of November and the volunteer group went out to Haven for dinner which I would highly recommended, as not only does it have delicious food but it is a training restaurant for young adult orphans who have to leave the orphanage when they come of age. They give them vocational training, and take care of financial responsibilities for them.
On Thursday the international volunteers had the day off for the water festival (which was cancelled due to the death of the King), so some of us went to the Butterfly Centre whilst others relaxed at Jasmine Lodge tanning by the pool. We went to Red Piano for dinner which is another recommendation and regular dinner venue. There is great food and also $1 shots! On Friday, the health students continued to do home visits and health promotion. Emma and Angela (the Physio’s) also taped up a man’s ankle as it has been bothering him for a while and will check up on it in a few days to see if it helped. The volunteering group have been planning a group community meeting for early next week with motivation and inspiration for amputees as many of them lack confidence and drive.
Toni, Pat, Beth, nurse Emma and I woke up early for the Angkor Wat 30km bike ride on Saturday and successfully completed it! We went to the Phnom Koulen National Park that has a big natural water fall and we got to swim right underneath it which was an amazing experience. Tamara even climbed right up to the top with the help of some locals. The following day, Emma, Angela and I woke up for the International Angkor Wat run. They did the 21.1km half marathon while I just did the 10km, so impressive and a little crazy of them! They have been struggling to walk since.
The sunrise over the temple was very stunning both mornings. In the late afternoon most of us went to the Kompong Pluck Floating Village and watched the sunset in the boat. What a great way to end the day!
Until next time,
From Leah and the November Cambodia Team.
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