Stroud News and Journal, UK
A PASSION for art has inspired a Stroud woman to take time out to teach at an orphanage in Cambodia.
Leanne King, 38, plans to take her enthusiasm and interest in creativity to the stricken country and immerse herself in the workings of the organisation which inspired her trip.
Leanne, a retail manager by day and barmaid at the Prince Albert Inn, Rodborough, will fly out to Asia to teach art at the Nokor Thom Commune in the Siem Reap District, near Angkor Wat.
She said her trip was inspired by a desire to help vulnerable people and hopes to retrain as an art therapist.
She said: “I was looking at doing something to help organisations working in the third world, but there’s a big emphasis on teaching English, which is fine, but my passion is for art.
“After hearing about the work of the Nokor Thom Commune to inspire and coach young people towards artistic goals, I decided I wanted to help them as much as I could.
“Art has a real therapeutic value, and I personally like to draw and paint to relax and explore the creative process.”
The education programme at the centre aims to improve employment and life opportunities for poor village children.
Leanne added: “I really liked the fact they spend half their day on general education, and the rest of it on being creative, so the art is a real focus for them.
“I’m really looking forward to getting out there. I’m sure it will be a life-changing experience for me, and I hope I can help improve their lives at the same time.”
Leanne is travelling to Cambodia on September 23 with an organisation called Travel to Teach, and needs to raise as much money as she can to pay for her trip and art materials for the centre. She plans to run a day of fundraising activities at the Prince Albert Inn on Sunday September 18 from 12noon.
She said: “There will be face painting, a potting wheel for children, t-shirt painting, cupcake decorating, a barbecue and food stalls, bric-a-brac sales, and a raffle, with prizes donated by members of the community.”
She has also planned a children’s art and poetry competition, and a charity version of the pub’s famous Sunday bingo session.
Any donations from those unable to attend the event will be gratefully received, and anyone can contact Leanne by e-mailing leeleetara@hotmail.com.
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