YMCA Cambodia Project

A Cultural Exchange Experience for Cambodian Americans

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Videos from Cambodia Journey (2012, 13 and 2014)

Click below link to see the videos!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=vb.392348410775978&type=2

 

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATION!
The new A Cambodia Journey 2015 application are now available!
Apply now at the link below for more news and updates.
Please help spread the news to your friends and online networks.
http://khmr.cn/a-cambodia-journey-2015-app
#Cambodia2015

 

Filed Under: Press and Media

Johnnie Bon, one of the participants of Cambodia Journey 2014 reflects on his journey.

 ” My purpose of joining this trip was to help the kids and to gain new experiences out of it. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life and I was hoping this trip would lead me the way that show what it is that I really want to do. Actually, it was sort of what I expected. I arrived mentally prepared because I knew Cambodia wasn’t like America due to being a third world country. I learned how much easier I had it in life than these kids. Knowing that made me feel that I should take advantage of all the resources I have in this country and apply my knowledge to all the other third world country that are in need out there. (I thought my life was hard)??????????

There are a lot of homeless kids and babies on the street without any food and education. In America, we have systems to help support family and kids if needed. But in Cambodia, they don’t have welfare, financial aid, etc. Therefore, all the intelligent kids cannot get any help with food, shelter, school, etc. to help them succeed in life. Yes, this journey has opened my eyes a lot and gave me a lot. I am hoping I can still help the kids in any way possible. This trip has motivated me to go back to school and major in the medical field. Within that field I then can go back and help the poor kids and families there in need. “#Cambodia2015

 

Filed Under: ACJ2014, Testimonials Tagged With: a cambodia journey, acj2014, cambodia, khmerican, phnom penh, testimonial, ymca, YMCA Cambodia Project, ymcacambodiaproject

Read the following reflection from Somaly Man, one of the participants of Cambodia Journey 2014.

Read the following reflection from Somaly Man, one of the participants of Cambodia Journey 2014. The one on white t-shirt in the picture bellow.
” The purpose of this trip was to learn more about Cambodia, the YMCA, and to find ways of giving back. I chose to join this journey because I know that it will give me the experience and skill set that is needed to further achieve my goal in the medical field.I have been to Cambodia before, so arriving this time around was nothing new to me. If I were to describe my very first time in Cambodia in November 2010, I would say that I was extremely surprised when seeing the way of life in Cambodia. The country smelled like a dump field; garbage was everywhere along the streets, and nothing looked clean. Traffic was horrid in Phnom Penh, and the roads to other areas were ridiculous. However, I knew that this is a third world country, it is not like in the United States. So adapting to the smell, life, and food was pretty easy for me. From this trip, I have learned that happiness does not come from what you have or don’t have, but from the people surrounding you. One thing that really stuck with me from the trip was the fact that I was a part of group who was able to bring some light and happiness to those who need it most. I do want to continue to help the kids after the trip, but it is a matter of finding the right sources. Being with the kids and seeing them have so much fun made it a very rewarding trip. I know that I can come back home to share the stories of the kids and the project. Word of mouth is the best way to share and spread the cause for the trip. “NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The new A Cambodia Journey 2015 application are now available! Apply now at the link below for more news and updates. Please help spread the news to your friends and online networks.

http://khmr.cn/a-cambodia-journey-2015-app

#Cambodia2015

"Photo:

Filed Under: ACJ2014, Testimonials

Cambodia Journey 2014 Testimonial – Makara Thach Sernett

Read the following reflection from Makara Thach Sernett, one of the participants of Cambodia Journey 2014.

” As far as I understood from the documents and information I received, this trip has two parts: service learning and cultural immersion. The service learning portion includes working with the Cambodia YMCA on several purposes: teach digital media skills to youth in the program in a classroom-like environment, bond with the kids of the Street Children’s Project through team building activities, as well as provide clothing, food, school supplies and a monetary donation to the Street Children’s Project. The cultural immersion piece would be weaved throughout the whole experience with special visits to cultural locations such as Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Sihanoukville, Toul Sleng, etc. All of these experiences as a whole would produce each person’s unique journey.

I remember my excitement pulsating through my whole being just before landing. Even though I have been to Cambodia before the anticipation was killing me. I was so ready to see the kids! I channeled that by recording the end of the flight, which captured Cambodia’s landscape from a bird’s eye view. I was very literally day dreaming of what’s to come.

Once we arrived, I was tired but still wanted to hit the ground running. Seeing the hustle and bustle of the city only made it harder to wait. We gathered ourselves, ate, and explored a bit. My impression of the city was strange yet familiar all at the same time. It was apparent that I was a foreigner, but at the same time there was a sense of tranquility knowing that I am from here. That thought and feeling of being both a correct and incorrect piece of the big puzzle kept coming up throughout the whole journey.

I’ve learned a lot on this trip! It’s hard to sum it into words, but I’ll try to list a few specific cases. One thing I learned is that the kids we met are highly intelligent. They learn quickly and are ready to learn new things. Even with lack of resources in the classroom, they are quick-witted, eager to please, and so darn loveable. Imagine the possibilities if their basic needs are fulfilled and have resources to learn.

The biggest eye-opener for me was actively thinking about what the kids need in order to truly succeed. I think our program was a great introduction to what kind of help is needed in Cambodia. We see that the kids are lacking in basic needs. We can help with that through our donations, but once that runs out, they are back to where they started. So beyond food, clothing and shelter, there is a need for long-term and sustainable education and resources or support systems to help them transcend poverty.

A form of sustainable giving is to contribute through a longer stay in Cambodia. By speaking with others in our group and networking with some ex-pats and foreign Cambodians, I learned that there is a big push to encourage foreign Cambodians to come experience Cambodia for longer than a few visits. This movement of sustainable giving through extended stays hopes to create a larger and longer-term impact. This type of visit will give deeper insight into problems that exist and perhaps give the visitor more time to develop a better idea of what kind of support they can provide. Giving and service doesn’t have to be just donated goods and time. Maybe it’s integrating yourself with a system or institution, or becoming a semi-permanent teacher, or developing a program or organization – the possibilities are endless with a bit of creative thinking.

Finally, as a fun bonus, I have learned a lot of haggling skills on this trip. I am still not 100% comfortable with it, but towards the end of the trip, I was able to make purchases and effectively bring the prices down. That day at the markets buying supplies for the kids was so helpful to force us to put our bargaining skills to the test early on!

One thing that has resonated with me is that Cambodia, like the kids we met, is resilient and is kind of the bomb. Just think about all the pieces we have seen, from the landscape, mass graves, farms, cities, people, history, destruction, dusty roads, rising art scene and makeshift anything! Coming from such a broken history, our people and country stand vigilant and beautiful. People from all over the world are coming to see the commotion. The best part? Cambodia will continue to grow even stronger and more beautiful because it’s only in the early stages of recovery.

I absolutely plan to continue helping the kids and Cambodia! I think this is a great program and it has potential to create an even bigger impact; and I want to be a part of that. I really believe in a longer stay to better understand how to remedy certain issues in Cambodia, especially for the kids.

I have spoken in detail with my husband and we both agree that my contribution to these kids will not stop here. All the networking on this trip has opened up my eyes to the possibilities and I shall explore them.

First of all I plan on telling everyone about my experience in Cambodia to anyone that will listen. Our networks are valuable and having conversations about these kids are a great catalyst to encourage others to help. One of the best things we can do while we are not in Cambodia is to educate others on Cambodian issues, address the issues in place that prohibit these kids and their families from transcending their situation. It will also aid in making this program more sustainable and garner more variety in participants. ”

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The new A Cambodia Journey 2015 application are now available! Apply now at the link below for more news and updates. Please help spread the news to your friends and online networks.

http://khmr.cn/a-cambodia-journey-2015-app

#Cambodia20151398902_873284986015649_8477279492650494558_o

Filed Under: ACJ2014, Testimonials Tagged With: #Cambodia2015

Testimonial from Ra Thea, one of the participants of Cambodia Journey 2014

” I wanted to be part of something bigger. This trip for me was to experience, explore and learn about my culture and history through working with the kids. I’ve been so detached from the Khmer culture for so long now and I wanted to get back somehow. I hoped working with the kids would bring me a sense of fulfillment and awareness that will give me perspective.

My initial reaction was “Wow, we’re not in America anymore”. When we first visited the Street Children School, I was feeling all sorts of emotions. That day weighed heavy on my heart and still does. The poverty that surrounds the school, the kids were all around us, and the suffocating heat inside the school was a lot to take in. I think the whole time I was feeling very overwhelmed. I know if it wasn’t for the YMCA project, the children would have nowhere to go and that really made me feel grateful that such an organization exists.

I learned that there are so many young, passionate and wonderful people out there that truly care. It was an honor to meet such great people. I see hope and change in these young leaders. The kids had endured such hardships but they were still in such good spirits. Vichaka in particular will always be in my heart. He is such a soft spoken, polite and sweet kid. I was sad to leave him.

I have been telling my story to friends, co-workers and family. I hope they will be inspired and take it upon themselves to help. I heard that Ruad or another participant might work a longer internship there next summer. I think that would be a great idea and I would like to help in any way I can. I will not take anything for grated. Going on the trip gave me perspective that I hope will stay with me for the rest of my life. ”

 

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The new A Cambodia Journey 2015 application are now available! Apply now at the link below for more news and updates. Please help spread the news to your friends and online networks.
http://khmr.cn/a-cambodia-journey-2015-app
#Cambodia2015

 

 

 

 

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Filed Under: ACJ2014, Testimonials

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About the YMCA Cambodia Project

To enhance engagement with vulnerable communities in Cambodia to improve their quality of life and increase exposure and understanding of Cambodian history and culture among program participants and their communities.

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