Back in Cambodia

Due to the pandemic, PeopleStories hasn’t been able to send any volunteers to our work in rural Cambodia for close to 2 years. Having said that, we are thrilled to welcome part of our international team returning!

Victoria (our Founder) and Geoff (who started virtually volunteering with us since mid 2021) packed their bags, masked up and took a flight back to visit the school and children. Amidst messages of “safe flights”, we are sure that they couldn’t be more thrilled to return to see our children, teachers and the rural community. We can’t wait to hear all about their the adventures!​

When we spoke with Geoff about the trip, he enthused, “I love being back here after a long 3 years. The roads in Siem Reap have been repaved and in much better condition than before. This also means less dust which is good for general health. However, people are the same, very friendly and resilient.” 


We can’t help but feel excited for him! There have definitely been changes to Siem Reap in the past few years and we hope to see pictures of the changes!

Geoff continued, “My plans are to see family and friends which I’ve started to do. I also intend to learn more about PeopleStories on the ground.” Seeing is believing! There is no better way to appreciate PeopleStories’ purpose and mission but to experience it at our local schools.

Victoria also shared, “One of the things I miss so much is to spend time with the children at their schools. Seeing them running around in the school ground and hearing their laughter are just awesome!.”

There is much happening in the month of February for the children, Geoff and Victoria are in a for a big dose of Cambodian culture and real life experience. With our annual School for Life Ceremony taking place in mid February and our Mobile School of Smart School Anywhere (SSA) project getting ready to launch in late Februray, we can’t wait to hear directly from Geoff and Victoria about their direct encounter

​We believe that this is the main project that the two will be focussing on for this particular trip. Last year, there had been many discussions and planning regarding this initiative and we are beyond ecstatic that the fruits of our labour are blossoming! 

“I have met with our local team online and now in person! I believe we’re very fortunate to have them supporting our work here in rural Cambodia. Personally, I’m involved in helping out the council with funding efforts and I think we will be having huge progress with that this year.” Geoff shared.

When Victoria was asked about her return trip, she couldn’t hide any of her emotions and said, “I met a boy as part of our home visits and I cried.  I cried…But I am glad to return to rural Cambodia. I am glad to meet this boy today. Even more grateful that PeopleStories is able to offer him a much needed scholarship - a fighting chance to a brighter future.” 

With the new year comes the new scholarships given out by PeopleStories. How exciting to know that we have increased the number of scholarships to 150 this year! We could not achieve what the children deserve without your help: 
https://ps-schoolforlife2022.raisely.com

In the meantime, let’s wish our international team members and local team members safe and well!


Story written by: volunteer Zeleen Thum