The pure Joy of Volunteering in Cambodia
- oda.org
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Reflections from volunteers continued
MILK BAR IN THE SKY
SUPPORTING AN INTEREST
ODA KIDS AND THEIR ART
KIDS ARE KIDS -WHEREVER
GRACIOUS HOSTS
One day in our weeks of volunteering at ODA, we arrived at Central earlier than usual. No one was around. Quiet. We settled in to do some planning for future sessions. Then Seyha appeared. She saw us and immediately came to sit and talk with us. She is one of our super keen advanced photography students.
After a while, she asked if we would like to go to the farm. ODA has a small farm not far from the central building. Of course, we wanted to go.
A short walk to the farm, and we found the rest of the children. It was much shadier there, and another place to play.
We were directed to a low hammock. Then, some brief whispers and a couple of the boys shimmied up a coconut tree.
MILK BAR IN THE SKY
“Skip the milk bar, we’ve got a
tree-to-table operation running here today!”
A couple of coconuts were tossed down, the tops whacked off, and presented to us to drink.
How did they learn this? Instruction and observation, we believe in Leng and Sry On.
Along with regular education, extra English and IT classes, these beautiful children are being taught self-reliance and cooperation.
Now, if only we could shimmy up a coconut tree for our guests,
We could be just as gracious!
ODA KIDS AND THEIR ART
Painting together is one of their favourite activities
A chance to relax, chat about ‘stuff’ and let their creativity shine.
Opportunities of Development thru Art. The name says it all. Art.
It’s a discipline. It’s creative. It’s personal.
The gallery is lined with the children’s artwork. First-time visitors are amazed when they see the collection.
After several volunteer sessions at ODA, we are still struck by the talent of these youngsters. Many days when we arrived for the day, they would be seated around a table painting. Reach gives instructions to the younger children and is extremely patient.
Visitors to ODA who donate can select a painting to take home, so much more personal than a souvenir, especially having just met the artist.
They take the ambition and dedication of the young artist back with them. Does it get any more special than that?
SUPPORTING AN INTEREST
The last time my wife and I volunteered at ODA, I was asked to give a photography course to some of the students at Central. It was predominantly composition and basic techniques. From donations at home, I set up a small camera library. All the students are able to borrow a camera, even a tripod, to capture events.
Our most recent volunteer session at ODA was slightly different. Two of the previous students are super keen about photography. Sahar, a young grade 12 student, is considering an IT future with a photographic interest. He bubbles with excitement. Seyha is completing four years of university in Digital Media Design. She had some photographic courses in university, but wants to reach a more advanced level.
Most days, I had an hour session with them at Central. I was blown away by their quick comprehension and questions. A couple of older DSLR cameras had been donated, so they were each able to have one in their hands during the talks and experimental photo taking.
Seyha has been assigned the task of photographing and videotaping special events at ODA. I am looking forward to seeing her work. Stay tuned!
Isn't it amazing how the internet makes huge distances just melt away?
The time flew by so quickly, and with their school schedules, I just didn’t have enough time. We’re continuing via Zoom. There is a 12-hour time difference between Cambodia and Canada, but these young students are determined to make it work.
After our first Zoom session, I received this email: “Bey bey teacher (they won’t call me Stephen), see you next week.”
I’ll be there as long as they want.
KIDS BEING KIDS
You’ve likely read many times how keen, attentive, and eager the students are at the village schools. They are… Keen. Attentive. Eager… But they’re still kids.
Yes, they come running into the classroom right on time. But then comes the “desk dance”. Clusters of pint-sized girls sitting together. Boys elbowing each other for their favourite seat. Kids being kids.
As a volunteer sitting at the back of the classroom, it was easy to spot typical kid behaviour. The back poking of the student in front and the innocent look when they turned around. The whispered answers of friends when the teacher asked one of the students a question. A paper aeroplane under a desk. I’m convinced if there were ink wells on the desks, there would be pigtail dipping!
With class sizes often exceeding 40 students I am in awe of how the teachers keep control of the class. Like all kids they love to chat to each other. Some of the teachers used a very effective technique to regain quiet. They would clap once. The students knew to clap once. The teacher would clap twice. The students would clap twice. The teacher would clap three times and so would the students. This settled the chatter down, usually followed by a warning look from the teacher.
At the end of the class the teacher usually dismissed the students by rows. They used different methods of determining which row would leave first each day. The first row to be dismissed would hoot and holler as they dashed out. Anyone witnessing this would think they had been held hostage for days! Kids are kids.
he ODA English classes in the village schools are voluntary. The kids happily attend when they can. Sometimes family obligations keep them away.
It’s a social time. It’s a learning time. It’s kids being kids.
Wherever you go kids are kids. Don’t you just love it?
Don’t miss the next ‘Volunteers Ripples’ episode and a warning to be wary of sampling the kids favourite ‘searing’ snack.
After sampling you might feel the need for the services of a fire truck!!!
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