DREAM BIG CAMBODIA — Local services in Prasat Bakong District

Staying at Cristina’s school was much more than I could have ever expected. The languages spoken were beyond English and Khmer. In the eyes of the children, in the food of Soknim, in Kimra’s tuk-tuk lift, in the giggles of students and locals. Every little facial expression or atitude spoke by itself. There was not a moment where I felt out of place or overwhelmed, the culture itself opens the space for understanding and sharing, for giving and receiving abundantly even if that wasn’t intended. I feel that this project has all the potencial and all the right people to actually make a difference in this community based in Bakong. They indeed dreamed big but it’s admirable the power that the organization has to move forward with this dream and never settling once faced with adversity. I’ll (and already am) miss it dearly and hope to be privileged enough to come back.

In a more practical sense I can leave some more specific information. You are expected to give the class as well as playing and spending time with the beautiful lovely children (which makes the whole stay even more rewarding). Even though volunteering is about what you can give to help the project in question, it’s undeniable that you bring with you one of the most special memories and knowledge. At the school, you are totally free to be 100 percent engaged and involved! There is a lot of space for ideas and they are not only well accepted but also encouraged! You can let yourself be completely immersed in the culture, the routine, the sun, the shade, the food, the sounds and most specially the people. They are the ones who make this project so special! They will always try to make you feel the most comfortable possible while giving the emotional and practical support you need in any given moment (classes, accommodation, routine, etc.).

I have only good things to say about this project and can’t...

WOW, WOW, WOW! It's really hard for me to describe how grateful I feel about the month I spent in Bakong. The atmosphere you feel in the village is something incredible, it feels like a unique big family and I felt welcome and loved from the first moment I arrived at the house. You will spend two hours teaching english in the morning in the local public school and two hours in the afternoon at the NGO (School), which is located in the backyard of the homestay. Nobody is a certified teacher, so don't stress too much about it, the kids will love you anyway :) You'll be surrounded by the most beautiful souls, starting from the local teachers to all the kids, and all the people in Bakong. I've never seen so many smiles in my life and the amount of love I received doesn't make sense for the little contribution I gave. It's really healing for your soul. It's a simple and slow life, where you really learn how to appreciate everything. Spending my free time with the volunteers was also great, you can bike around the village and see the most amazing landscapes and meet the sweetest people, enjoy the local markets or rest at home. I've traveled South East Asia before, but nothing has even been a stronger and more beautiful experience than this. It's really true that travelling without meeting the locals and experiencing the local culture it's just moving around... If you can, please join this amazing project. They need you and you need them. Can't wait...

I had the privilege of being part of the Dream Big Cambodia project for a month and I couldn't be more grateful to be part of the critina school family! It was an absolutely incredible experience and one that I will carry with me forever. The whole team is super helpful, always concerned about everyone's well-being and super loving! The students, from the youngest to the oldest, are the most wonderful people you could meet, always with a smile on their faces and super caring. They are always ready to learn, play and above all to teach the volunteers about their customs and traditions and to see the world through their eyes. They welcomed me with open arms from day one and always made me feel at home, part of that big, wonderful family. I'll...