Cuso International
#AlumniLastingChange
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Cuso International website (scroll down, you’ll see a section called “Alumni of the Month”)
"My name is Alice Chandler and my husband Kevin
and I have recently returned from living and working in Cambodia's charming
chaos - the beautiful hills of Mondolkiri; to our home, in Canada’s new
and refreshing rhythm of life where time appears to be calmer.
 |
| Kevin and I in India |
40 years ago, Kevin and I met traveling in India;
and together we continued our travels in other parts of SE Asia. At that time I remember feeling that I wanted to
do more than just travel, to do more than observe. I wanted to be a
volunteer in a developing country where I could be part of the community,
know
the people and work with the people ... As a Primary Education Adviser between
2013 – 2016 with Cuso International, I did just that. I was assigned to help
strengthen the education system in Cambodia; to share skills, new initiatives
with teachers and school directors and to help improve and increase access to
education for a better tomorrow ... My husband Kevin, taught ESL to locals.
As a long-term volunteer in Cambodia I
became part of the local life: I got involved for the well being of others to
enhance their lifestyle today and tomorrow.
I was challenged and inspired by the
successes of teachers, school directors, cluster chiefs and Provincial Office
of Education staff who together designed and implemented practical and
inclusive workshops for rural schools. As I watched Khmer/Bunong teachers grow
and blossom before our eyes, smiling children explore endless possibilities
through play and schoolwork and clap and squeal with delight when a classmate
gave an answer it put a smile on my face. In a nutshell, laughter and more laughter
became contagious among the people and learning became desirable and easier
to grasp. What’s more, I found that love,
trust, awareness, patience,
determination, humour and understanding are necessary for positive change.
It was wonderful to connect with the
hearts and minds of the local people who were full of energy and hope. We
really felt we were a part of the community in an age where neighbours in other
parts of the world have little time for each other.
 |
| Top left: Srae Y Village School; Below: working in
Partners; Top right: Kevin & I in Rattanakiri; Below: Workshop with Teachers and School Directors |
Having fun of course! Where the
word ‘dull’ moments didn’t exist in our vocabulary, as I reflect on these
almost 3 incredible years.
Volunteering overseas gave me a sense of
accomplishment from assisting, sharing and also learning from teachers, school directors who do the best they can with limited resources, and, the Indigenous remote villagers that I worked with.”
For more about Alice and Kevin’s time in
Cambodia check out their blog: http://aliceandkevin.blogspot.ca/
Wishing all you a wonderful February, happiness and lots of laughter …
More later :)
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