Going to Angkor Wat? Have a look at the Ponheary Ly Foundation
Apr 11th, 2006, 12:39 PM
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Going to Angkor Wat? Have a look at the Ponheary Ly Foundation
In January my partner and I traveled to Cambodia to tour the temples of Angkor Wat. We had the good fortune to hire a tour guide by the name of Ponheary Ly who took us through the temple complex. We were together for an amazing 4 days. (You can read the details at http://tinyurl.com/cwd8a)
Ponheary survived the Khmer Rouge work camps as a child and later the Vietnamese Communist regime. Her country was at war throughout most of her life and her personal story is quite compelling. She was a school teacher in her home town of Siem Reap during the years when the country was closed to the West. When the Vietnamese withdrew from Cambodia, Ponheary and her brother Dara worked as tour guides as the first tourists began pouring into the country.
But she never forgot her students.
The illiteracy rate in the rural areas of Cambodia is around 60%. The average per capita income in these same areas is around $350 a year. You probably know that during the time of the Khmer Rouge, "professionals" and "intellectuals" became enemies of the state. Imagine trying to rebuild a country when you've lost all your "experts"! Education was also abolished and it's been a slow process getting the educational infrastructure back up and running. In Cambodia, education is "free" for elementary school and then tuition based for secondary school. This creates a situation where the poor cannot hope for an education beyond basic literacy. Even that is usually an unachievable goal when families living on a dollar a day have to come up with enough money to buy a uniform, shoes and school supplies for every child they want to send. This $12 every year for every kid is just a deal-killer for these families.
Ponheary and her family spend all their available time seeking out these kids who cannot go to school and they do their best to raise funds from the community and kind-hearted tourists in order to sponsor these kids into school. Their tireless work was so incredibly inspiring to us that upon our return home, we started a non-profit to help support their efforts on a very grass roots level.
It is called the Ponheary Ly Foundation.
It's crazy to think that $12 a year can change the course of someone's life, but in this case it's a fact. The money we are raising is not going through a big organization mired in overhead. 100% of it is getting wired straight to Cambodia where procurements are made and the kids are being served immediately. It's simple.
The concept of "voluntourism" is something that appeals to many of us who want to add another dimension to their journey. I invite anyone heading to Siem Reap to get in touch with us. We can take your donation stateside (and give you the tax credit) wire your donation ahead of you so all the logistics can be done before you arrive (kids can be measured for their uniforms and supplies can be purchased). These $12 bundles will be ready when you arrive and someone will take you out to a school and you can make the donation, meet the headmaster, interact with the kids and see first hand what the situation is and where and how your money is being spent. You do not necessarily have to be touring with Ponheary to do this through us. There are also opportunities to fund well-digging at the schools, put in gardens, purchase desks, books, etc. Please get in touch with us if this is something that interests you and we can make some recommendations based the the amount of time you have and to what extent you'd like to help.
These kids are truly amazing. They exude nothing but hope in the most hopeless of situations. Those of you who have been there know what I'm talking about. Interacting with these kids in this positive way was the thing that balanced the harsh reality that is Cambodia in our hearts.
Please have a look at our website to get more information.
www.theplf.org
Thanks for listening and happy travels.
Lori
[email protected]
Ponheary survived the Khmer Rouge work camps as a child and later the Vietnamese Communist regime. Her country was at war throughout most of her life and her personal story is quite compelling. She was a school teacher in her home town of Siem Reap during the years when the country was closed to the West. When the Vietnamese withdrew from Cambodia, Ponheary and her brother Dara worked as tour guides as the first tourists began pouring into the country.
But she never forgot her students.
The illiteracy rate in the rural areas of Cambodia is around 60%. The average per capita income in these same areas is around $350 a year. You probably know that during the time of the Khmer Rouge, "professionals" and "intellectuals" became enemies of the state. Imagine trying to rebuild a country when you've lost all your "experts"! Education was also abolished and it's been a slow process getting the educational infrastructure back up and running. In Cambodia, education is "free" for elementary school and then tuition based for secondary school. This creates a situation where the poor cannot hope for an education beyond basic literacy. Even that is usually an unachievable goal when families living on a dollar a day have to come up with enough money to buy a uniform, shoes and school supplies for every child they want to send. This $12 every year for every kid is just a deal-killer for these families.
Ponheary and her family spend all their available time seeking out these kids who cannot go to school and they do their best to raise funds from the community and kind-hearted tourists in order to sponsor these kids into school. Their tireless work was so incredibly inspiring to us that upon our return home, we started a non-profit to help support their efforts on a very grass roots level.
It is called the Ponheary Ly Foundation.
It's crazy to think that $12 a year can change the course of someone's life, but in this case it's a fact. The money we are raising is not going through a big organization mired in overhead. 100% of it is getting wired straight to Cambodia where procurements are made and the kids are being served immediately. It's simple.
The concept of "voluntourism" is something that appeals to many of us who want to add another dimension to their journey. I invite anyone heading to Siem Reap to get in touch with us. We can take your donation stateside (and give you the tax credit) wire your donation ahead of you so all the logistics can be done before you arrive (kids can be measured for their uniforms and supplies can be purchased). These $12 bundles will be ready when you arrive and someone will take you out to a school and you can make the donation, meet the headmaster, interact with the kids and see first hand what the situation is and where and how your money is being spent. You do not necessarily have to be touring with Ponheary to do this through us. There are also opportunities to fund well-digging at the schools, put in gardens, purchase desks, books, etc. Please get in touch with us if this is something that interests you and we can make some recommendations based the the amount of time you have and to what extent you'd like to help.
These kids are truly amazing. They exude nothing but hope in the most hopeless of situations. Those of you who have been there know what I'm talking about. Interacting with these kids in this positive way was the thing that balanced the harsh reality that is Cambodia in our hearts.
Please have a look at our website to get more information.
www.theplf.org
Thanks for listening and happy travels.
Lori
[email protected]
Apr 11th, 2006, 02:53 PM
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I just donated and got the DVD of the school. It made my wife cry. She has never been to Cambodia, but was very touched.
I really food good giving to this group because I know it is not some big huge conglomerate, but the $$$ is going right to the kids.
I encourage people to give
I really food good giving to this group because I know it is not some big huge conglomerate, but the $$$ is going right to the kids.
I encourage people to give
Apr 12th, 2006, 06:31 AM
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As new "events" occur on location, I will post updates to the website and advise on this thread. Those who have been there and know Ponheary and Dara might want to know about updates.
There have been two "volunteers" making donations this last week so in the next few days I will have updates.
Thanks!
There have been two "volunteers" making donations this last week so in the next few days I will have updates.
Thanks!
Apr 12th, 2006, 05:34 PM
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Am hoping/planning to maybe do a DC/VA/MD gtg one of these days/months and this would be a good thing to discuss. Lots of good things going on with Ponheary and the kids in Cambodia and it is so rewarding to feel you can make a difference.
Apr 13th, 2006, 05:28 AM
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Lori, my husband and I had the privilege of visiting a school with Dara just a few weeks ago. Because of your posts, we too stopped and bought supplies to take with us. The children were just wonderful and the contact with them was a highlight of our time in Siem Reap. It was hard not to cry. We ran into Ponheary a few times, and when we asked about leaving her money for uniforms, she asked us to donate through the foundation. I think you and Monica are doing a wonderful thing. You'll be hearing from us. If we can afford a luxury trip, we can afford to donate a little to these beautiful children.
Apr 13th, 2006, 07:51 AM
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Thanks Sharon. It's impossible to go there and experience these great kids and not be touched.
I think of those kids every day and can't wait to go back in August. I wish I could take every 14 year old I know over there with me!
Lori
I think of those kids every day and can't wait to go back in August. I wish I could take every 14 year old I know over there with me!
Lori
Apr 13th, 2006, 05:39 PM
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We returned from Siem Reap in Mid-March. Our time with Ponheary and our visit to the school was the most significant aspect of our journey....and we are so glad to see that the Ponheary Ly Foundation is now a reality. When people ask us how we came to set up our "Flip Flop Fund", we tell them to tune into Fodor's Talk Line. Good things happen here.
Joyce and Don
Joyce and Don
Apr 17th, 2006, 07:45 AM
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I would like to take this opportunity to share with you our family's unique experiences with Ponheary Ly and her family as well as to say a few words about the Ponheary Ly Foundation.
First, our family of four first met Dara Ly, Ponheary's brother, when we toured with him back in December, 2005. Please see my report which summarizes our time in Siem Reap, "Just back: Terryr's report about SR, Part III."
From that experience, our older daughter, age 23, decided to return to Siem Reap after she completed a year of teaching in Thailand. She has just spent an amazing 3 weeks in Siem Reap and with the Ly family (she was a guest at their very comfortable guesthouse, the Marina Guesthouse)where she did volunteer teaching before her return to the States. She witnessed firsthand how hard Ponheary, Dara, and the entire Ly family (including Ponheary's mother!) work as social advocates for the poor when they are not tour guides. They visit poor families with supplies and provide supplies for the children so that they can attend school (in some schools, children can not attend without uniforms, and as offwego said, many families can not afford the $12 fee to go towards this yearly). We tourists would not necessarily know about these social service activities that the Ly family does, due to their modesty and humbleness, unless you ask them directly or hear about from other tourists, such as offwego (thanks, Lori!).
Our daughter volunteer taught as an English teacher. She described her students as enthusiastic and open to learning (despite their being exposed to a series of volunteers who rotate through their school as it is hard to keep good teachers since their salary is so low). Despite their poverty conditions, these kids have a zest for life and learning. They showed much respect and appreciation for their teacher, who are held in high esteem; not a day would go by when our daughter did not have garlands of flowers or fruit brought in to her from her students...these students who have so little themselves...learning this makes me tear up each time I tell this story. The children there truly exemplifies the resilience, kindness, and gentleness of the Cambodian people!
In fact, when our daughter decided to return to SR to volunteer teach, through the help of Ponheary, our family decided to make a contribution to where the needs were felt to be the greatest. With the help of Ponheary and the staff at the schools, our daughter had the pleasure of handing out uniforms, school supplies, and flip flop sandals to her students on her last day there. The entire community came out that day, including elderly statesmen, family, friends, and showed their deep appreciation of our donation. Volunteering in Siem Reap was truly one of the highlights of our daughter's time in Southeast Asia! Ponheary stated that volunteers are most needed in her country, anyone who can give time and their expertise would be most appreciated.
Our family and I feels grateful to Lori and Monika for setting up the Ponheary Ly Foundation (www.theplf.org) as it is a chance for many of us to continue to remember the people of Camboida (where 90% of the people are poor) as we budget our annual contribution funds. Beyond the photo opportunities of the one visit that we each make to SR and to visit the schools and children, here's a wonderful way to make a real difference in the lives of children in an ongoing, long-lasting way. It heartens me to know that our funds will go through Ponheary Ly whose heart and soul is in the right place...and that all of our money will go directly to the children. I'd like to think that with our help and care and compassion shown in any way possible, through donations or volunteerism, that the children will have an opportunity to stay in school and get the education that they need.
Terry
First, our family of four first met Dara Ly, Ponheary's brother, when we toured with him back in December, 2005. Please see my report which summarizes our time in Siem Reap, "Just back: Terryr's report about SR, Part III."
From that experience, our older daughter, age 23, decided to return to Siem Reap after she completed a year of teaching in Thailand. She has just spent an amazing 3 weeks in Siem Reap and with the Ly family (she was a guest at their very comfortable guesthouse, the Marina Guesthouse)where she did volunteer teaching before her return to the States. She witnessed firsthand how hard Ponheary, Dara, and the entire Ly family (including Ponheary's mother!) work as social advocates for the poor when they are not tour guides. They visit poor families with supplies and provide supplies for the children so that they can attend school (in some schools, children can not attend without uniforms, and as offwego said, many families can not afford the $12 fee to go towards this yearly). We tourists would not necessarily know about these social service activities that the Ly family does, due to their modesty and humbleness, unless you ask them directly or hear about from other tourists, such as offwego (thanks, Lori!).
Our daughter volunteer taught as an English teacher. She described her students as enthusiastic and open to learning (despite their being exposed to a series of volunteers who rotate through their school as it is hard to keep good teachers since their salary is so low). Despite their poverty conditions, these kids have a zest for life and learning. They showed much respect and appreciation for their teacher, who are held in high esteem; not a day would go by when our daughter did not have garlands of flowers or fruit brought in to her from her students...these students who have so little themselves...learning this makes me tear up each time I tell this story. The children there truly exemplifies the resilience, kindness, and gentleness of the Cambodian people!
In fact, when our daughter decided to return to SR to volunteer teach, through the help of Ponheary, our family decided to make a contribution to where the needs were felt to be the greatest. With the help of Ponheary and the staff at the schools, our daughter had the pleasure of handing out uniforms, school supplies, and flip flop sandals to her students on her last day there. The entire community came out that day, including elderly statesmen, family, friends, and showed their deep appreciation of our donation. Volunteering in Siem Reap was truly one of the highlights of our daughter's time in Southeast Asia! Ponheary stated that volunteers are most needed in her country, anyone who can give time and their expertise would be most appreciated.
Our family and I feels grateful to Lori and Monika for setting up the Ponheary Ly Foundation (www.theplf.org) as it is a chance for many of us to continue to remember the people of Camboida (where 90% of the people are poor) as we budget our annual contribution funds. Beyond the photo opportunities of the one visit that we each make to SR and to visit the schools and children, here's a wonderful way to make a real difference in the lives of children in an ongoing, long-lasting way. It heartens me to know that our funds will go through Ponheary Ly whose heart and soul is in the right place...and that all of our money will go directly to the children. I'd like to think that with our help and care and compassion shown in any way possible, through donations or volunteerism, that the children will have an opportunity to stay in school and get the education that they need.
Terry
Apr 18th, 2006, 04:27 AM
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Many thanks, Kathie and Craig, for your reply. It's great to hear from you again! Craig, I value the narrative that you wrote on the website (www.theplf.org) about your experience donating to a school in Siem Reap during the time when you and your wife temple toured there with Ponheary. Thanks for sharing.
Kathie, any chance that you can come to the Boston GTG on 10/7/06?? I have not seen your name posted yet, and you know, there are many of us who would love to meet you, a veteran "Asian" Fodorite! You have helped so many of us so much.
Terry
Kathie, any chance that you can come to the Boston GTG on 10/7/06?? I have not seen your name posted yet, and you know, there are many of us who would love to meet you, a veteran "Asian" Fodorite! You have helped so many of us so much.
Terry
Apr 18th, 2006, 06:28 AM
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Terry, I'd love to come to the Boston GTG, but just don't know whether I can squeeze it into my schedule. I do have the date marked on my calendar, just in case I can make it work at the last minute.
Apr 18th, 2006, 06:41 AM
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Thank you for this information. I just returned from Siem Reap a few hours ago and will exlore your links and information more closely once I get back to the States.
This reply is so I can easily find the thread later.
This reply is so I can easily find the thread later.
Apr 18th, 2006, 12:01 PM
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Kathie, that's great that you will consider the Boston GTG if it fits into your calendar at the last minute. Hope to see you there!
Nelson, great to hear from you. Please check out the website. There are those of us who live in the States who would be happy to talk with you, either by phone or email, about the work of the Foundation. There are many good people from all over the States who are providing input and resources through the Foundation. I am just amazed when I hear about what they are doing. Should you or others want to hear more about our daughter's experience doing volunteer teaching in Siem Reap, feel free to email us at [email protected] when you return. Meanwhile, wishing you good travels for the remainder of your trip!
Terry
Nelson, great to hear from you. Please check out the website. There are those of us who live in the States who would be happy to talk with you, either by phone or email, about the work of the Foundation. There are many good people from all over the States who are providing input and resources through the Foundation. I am just amazed when I hear about what they are doing. Should you or others want to hear more about our daughter's experience doing volunteer teaching in Siem Reap, feel free to email us at [email protected] when you return. Meanwhile, wishing you good travels for the remainder of your trip!
Terry
