Huge impact: Rotarian Patriece Shelly is preparing to return to Cambodia.Picture: Steve Lightfoot.
BY CLAIRE KNOX
The Melton Weekly, Victoria
09 Aug, 2011
CAMBODIA is an enchanting place, although it is still one of Asia's poorest countries.
Tourism is flourishing and the Cambodian people are moving on, although memories of the 20th century's civil war linger. Drug and human trafficking are rife, education is a luxury and the majority of the population live in poverty.
Bacchus Marsh Rotarian Patriece Shelly felt an immediate connection to the country and its people when she volunteered at non-government organisation New Hope earlier this year.
New Hope was set up by ex-monk Kemsour Soth and Australian Kerry Huntly in 2007 to provide free education to slum children in Siem Reap.
Ms Shelly and her fellow Rotarians initially raised $2500 to purchase school supplies, such as desks. They then raised a further $8000 to build the school.
"It's had such a huge impact on my life," she says.
"The first trip I had there was spent physically building the school, bringing desks in, etcetera, and once the project was done I felt like there was so much more I could do."
The 38-year-old says Rotary is now looking to raise money to fund tertiary education for locals in Mondul 3, a slum area of Siem Reap.
"We take for granted so much - many of these people are busy focusing on where their next meal will come from."
Ms Shelley returned for another two months of teaching English at the school to adults and children.
She also volunteered at the organisation's medical outreach centre, which treats more than 100 residents daily for various illnesses.
"The people really humbled me. They are just so grateful for any help.
"When you can see the little things you do make a difference it's incredibly inspiring.
"The resilience of the Cambodian people is just amazing. They have been through so much, but they're moving on."
She says Bacchus Marsh Rotary is an active club whose mix of ages complements the group's work.
It organises a wide range of fund-raisers to support causes at local, national and international levels.
Ms Shelley will return to New Hope in November to volunteer for a year.
The Bacchus Marsh club has won awards for its community work, including a presidential citation from Rotary's world president and two district awards.
President Geoffrey Camm says Ms Shelley is an inspiration to others.
"Patriece was the inspiration and driver of the project in our club.
"It really demonstrates what can be achieved when you believe in a cause so passionately."
More details: phone 0428670997 or visit www.newhopecambodia.com
BY CLAIRE KNOX
The Melton Weekly, Victoria
09 Aug, 2011
CAMBODIA is an enchanting place, although it is still one of Asia's poorest countries.
Tourism is flourishing and the Cambodian people are moving on, although memories of the 20th century's civil war linger. Drug and human trafficking are rife, education is a luxury and the majority of the population live in poverty.
Bacchus Marsh Rotarian Patriece Shelly felt an immediate connection to the country and its people when she volunteered at non-government organisation New Hope earlier this year.
New Hope was set up by ex-monk Kemsour Soth and Australian Kerry Huntly in 2007 to provide free education to slum children in Siem Reap.
Ms Shelly and her fellow Rotarians initially raised $2500 to purchase school supplies, such as desks. They then raised a further $8000 to build the school.
"It's had such a huge impact on my life," she says.
"The first trip I had there was spent physically building the school, bringing desks in, etcetera, and once the project was done I felt like there was so much more I could do."
The 38-year-old says Rotary is now looking to raise money to fund tertiary education for locals in Mondul 3, a slum area of Siem Reap.
"We take for granted so much - many of these people are busy focusing on where their next meal will come from."
Ms Shelley returned for another two months of teaching English at the school to adults and children.
She also volunteered at the organisation's medical outreach centre, which treats more than 100 residents daily for various illnesses.
"The people really humbled me. They are just so grateful for any help.
"When you can see the little things you do make a difference it's incredibly inspiring.
"The resilience of the Cambodian people is just amazing. They have been through so much, but they're moving on."
She says Bacchus Marsh Rotary is an active club whose mix of ages complements the group's work.
It organises a wide range of fund-raisers to support causes at local, national and international levels.
Ms Shelley will return to New Hope in November to volunteer for a year.
The Bacchus Marsh club has won awards for its community work, including a presidential citation from Rotary's world president and two district awards.
President Geoffrey Camm says Ms Shelley is an inspiration to others.
"Patriece was the inspiration and driver of the project in our club.
"It really demonstrates what can be achieved when you believe in a cause so passionately."
More details: phone 0428670997 or visit www.newhopecambodia.com
1 comment:
she is amazing. you are god sent to help these children.
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