I thought I would share what is happening because of the thread about Ponheary and her visits to local schools. We read about the thread, and of course became interested in visiting and helping the school children. The amazing thing is what's happening right here. I work with children as a "school coach". My students are always intersted in the places I travel. They ask where I'm going, and what I'll be seeing. This time is different, however. This time I didn't tell them about the "sites"...I told them about the children who wish for school supplies, the children who speak 3 languages but don't have enough food to eat. I started my "Flip Flop Fund", to raise money for the school children who live near the "World Heritage Site"....the children who ARE "the world heritage.". Suddenly my students became very interested. They want to know how they can help. They became interested in the people of Cambodia as well as the history of Angkor.
We leave in 3 weeks. I'm thinking this will be our best trip to Asia.
Thanks to all of you who share your journeys and inspire us to do more than go on vacation.

That's wonderful, Jodo!

Great news Jodo. I am also visiting Siem Reap at the start of April. I'm a school teacher in England, and we are having a 'non-uniform for uniforms' day next Friday. The children are wearing their own clothes to school for the day and bringing a donation towards buying school uniforms for children in a school in SR. They are also spending the day learning about Cambodia. I would also like to thank all those people who have shared their experiences on this forum and have inspired me to do more than just lay on a beach during my holiday.

In a little over two weeks, we will be going to a school with Ponheary to deliver uniforms and supplies for 135 kids. Ponheary is thrilled with the outpouring of attention she has received from the people on this board.

As a newly retired elementary teacher, this is such exciting news for me! I'm inspired to do something as well. Thanks for sharing the great news here, jodo, craig, and others.
Carol

Good Good Good!

We are in the process of starting a non-profit to help support these efforts and try to get something done on a larger scale.

It is called the Ponheary Ly Foundation. (She just hates that we named it after her) I will keep you all posted with updates, but meanwhile it's encouraging to see everyone get their hands around this.

I have a dvd we made from the footage we took while in the schools there and it has been very helpful in fund-raising efforts. I encourage all of those who are going there to do the same. Pictures are worth a 1,000 words....If you want a copy of this one, let me know and I'll send it.

[email protected]

This experience will greatly enrich the time you will spend there. Those kids are the real treasure in Siem Reap.

We will be in Siem Reap the middle of March and all the threads about this are inspiring. We hope to spend time with Dara, Ponheary's brother, visiting a school and contributing to the welfare of these school children. What a wonderful way to spend time - it's really a win-win, isn't it?

My husband and I will also be going to Siem Reap in two weeks with Poon as our guide. I am a speech pathologist and we too are contributing to the school. She has been quite conversant with us via email and we feel like we know her already. Thank you Fodorites for your guidance in finding her. We only hope we can help and do what little we can

This is such a wonderful thing that's going on. As I think back on my wonderful trip, a highlight was visiting the school outside of SIem Reap and giving out pens to 200 kids(our guide coordinated that). What is so incredible is how such small dollar amounts can make such a big impact on the lives of these children.

We can really make a difference. Jodo, DebbieandSimon and Craig and others--great to hear what you are doing!!! Lori, got the DVD and will be contacting you about joining in your efforts. Kathy

I'm interested in helping as well. Shall I contact Ponheary or Lori? Or would somebody email me how I can help - [email protected]. Many thanks.

watakeet

I have just sent you an email. Thanks for helping!

Lori