We are thrilled with the return of a former volunteer, Lisa Hoffmeyer. Lisa volunteered for six months in 2014, helping in a number of ways, but especially with the English programs. We really appreciate Lisa returning to share her time and talents with the staff and students. We asked Lisa to share her story about how she got “hooked” by Cambodia and the work of Spitler School.

“I am thrilled to be back in Siem Reap for my second time volunteering at Spitler and Kurata schools!

Like Danny and Pam Spitler, I was fortunate to have Chea Sarin as my guide while vacationing in Cambodia in 2008. As a professional in the nonprofit world in the US, when Sarin mentioned his involvement in a new NGO school in a small village outside Siem Reap,  I was definitely up for a visit.

If hadn’t already fallen in love with the country and its lovely people, my visit to Spitler certainly clinched it. I was completely charmed by the smiling faces of the children and the dedication of the teachers in the small thatched classroom. And of course, like many visitors to the Cambodia, I was struck by the dichotomy of my life in the US and all that we take for granted as compared with life in a rural village here. I knew then that day that one day I would return.

Fast forward 5 years, I took a sabbatical from my job and with my shiny new TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certificate in hand, I returned to Siem Reap and the schools for a planned three-month stint of volunteering. It was great to see how much the school had grown – 600 students! I loved my time in Siem Reap so much, the three months quickly turned into six, and with the patient help of Jim Latt, the school’s Volunteer Coordinator, my teaching skills slowly improved. Yes, the bike ride from town to the village and back was HOT! No, the solar-powered ceiling fans in the classrooms barely move the air. And YES, I enjoyed every minute of it! Incorporating games into my teaching plan was a big hit – the kids begged for BINGO, we had flash card races and acted out Jack in the Beanstalk – basically whatever I could think of to keep their attention and incorporate English into the lesson. I also helped out the “real” English teachers in the classroom as 50 kids is a bit much to manage on one’s own. My hat goes off to Ratha and Hoy – they are superstars.

It seems I can’t stay away, so I’m back again for another few months. It’s been wonderful to see all the teachers and staff again and I’m looking forward to working with the new English instructors, Poley and Sophal. Between Kurata and Spitler, attendance is now up to 800 now, so there’s lots to do and I can’t wait to get started!”

 

In 2010 Sarin and our volunteer, Ashley McDonald, learned about one of our students who was deathly ill.  Little Kim Thon, lives across the road from the school’s entrance, and her family was desperately trying to save her life with local remedies and herbs. Sarin got Kim and her mother to the Angkor Children’s hospital, where surgery was performed saving her life.

Sarin and I stopped in to see Kim and her family, and to my surprise I found a grownup, healthy Kim Thon. She is a sixth grade student at Spitler School this year, and she tells me she is making good grades. We love providing a basic education to the children, but when you can save the life of a child the rewards are even greater.

I am really pleased to be writing this article from Cambodia where I have been visiting the school and the staff for the last several days.  I was also honored to participate in the dedication ceremony of the Stephen Mazujian middle school, which is located near Spitler School and will be a great benefit to the graduating students at Spitler and Kurata Schools.

We are very grateful to our fellow NGO, Global ADE, and its inspirational leader, Kenny King, for their tremendous vision and willingness to build this school. We share our own visionary leader, Chea Sarin, with Global ADE. He continues to amaze us all with this administrative skills, his passion for achievement, and his “can do” approach to every situation. I invite you to view photos of the ceremony and to learn more about the Stephen Mazujian School.

With each visit I am inspired by the the progress and inspired by the sheer numbers of children that are benefiting from our little school (not so little any more). I also come away more grateful than ever for the many donors who provide the financial support that makes all of this possible.