Yesterday was a very special occasion for us and a great precursor to the experience that we will embark on later this week. We were privileged to have a visit to CGGS by 3 of the Green Gecko young adults!

Srey Neang, Siengly and Sokun are spending an extended time in Australia, hosted by friend of Green Gecko, Trudy Poole. It was truly wonderful to host a lunch in Robinson Hall today in which the Geckos shared their personal journeys and the evolution of Green Gecko.

One thing that really resonated, was when Siengly mentioned that when he first met Tania and Rem (Green Gecko Project founders), as a young boy who was begging on the streets, they assisted by gathering some of these streetkids together for a regular meal. Soon after, as Tania crystallised the beginnings of the project that would turn into Green Gecko, Siengly said “she asked us what we wanted”, to which the children replied that they wanted to be able to attend school. To me, this sums up what development work should look like: by asking the children what they wanted, she was able to proceed and maintain the dignity of those she was seeking to help.

The insights shared by the Gecko young adults have really set up our students for an immersive and insightful experience, underpinned by and understanding of the truly transformative journey that the Geckos have experienced. Sokun is a young woman with zest and humour, who has spent her time in Australia volunteering as a dental assistant, complementing her university studies in dentistry. Siengly is a young man of great grace and compassion, who has followed a vocational pathway as an electrician. Additionally, he works with the Gecko Action group and spoke about how he has been empowered to help others, through the support and opportunity that Green Gecko has provided to him. Srey Neang is heading into her 4th year university studies in social work and has spent the time in Australia learning about this profession and exploring art galleries, which has been a particular highlight for her.

During lunch, we heard from our Year 12 Service Learning Captains, Bella and Josey, both of whom have participated in previous Cambodia Tours. They explained beautifully the impact that the Tour has had on them, with Bella stating “this was the best way for me to experience Cambodia for the first time, the privilege that it was to learn from people my own age about another culture, one of the most peaceful cultures I have experienced, is indescribable”

The students travelling to Cambodia were asked to “bring a plate” of typical Australian fare, so in addition to the spring rolls and rice paper rolls (representing the Cambodian cuisine), we had cheese and vegemite sandwiches, lamingtons, Coles’ iconic chocolate mud cake, party pies and sausage rolls.

This heartwarming event was a perfect way to lead into our imminent departure!

Contact details

CGGS Tour Leaders: +614 2586 0538

Siem Reap
City River Hotel
0531 Achasva Street
Wat Bo 00855 Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 763 000

International SOS: +61 2 9372 2468
Membership Number: 12AYCA745527

The school can be contacted on:
Reception: +61 3 9813 11 66

Let’s talk about clothes washing.  If you do need to wash clothes, this will need to be done in your hotel room using the bathroom sink.  Take a small amount of liquid in a travel bottle or powder from home in a zip lock bag.  You can alternatively use shampoo or soap.  Here is a useful YouTube clip on how to wash your clothes when travelling

Money

We have already discussed spending money in the recent Parent Briefing, but for your reference, no more than $100USD will be needed during the Tour. It is best to carry $USD in small denominations as you will receive any change in Cambodian Riel – and you can quickly become a millionaire in this currency ($1USD equals about 4000 Cambodian Riel)! All meals are inclusive and any spending money will be used for souvenirs at the market or for snacks and meals in transit.

Phones and communication with home

Please check international calling and data provisions with your provider prior to departure. Most providers offer flat fee international roaming in selected countries.
Another alternative is to buy a prepaid data travel SIM before departure.
Students will be able to use Wifi at the City River Hotel during our stay there, but are most likely to be out of contact during the homestay. We aim to give students time to communicate with home upon our return from the day’s activities and before heading out for our own evening meal – 5pm Cambodian time is 8pm Australian time. We don’t recommend that students communicate with home after returning from dinner as this is usually 9pm Cambodian time and they need their rest for the full itinerary (as do parents and friends back home!)

Electrical Plug conversions

The electricity current in Cambodia is 220Volts AC.
A plug adapter is recommended.

Health Precautions

• Ensure you have purchased and packed your Gastro Kit from Burwood Health Clinic
• Drink at least 5 bottles of water, 2 with hydrolyte, each day
• Drink sealed bottled soft drink or cans with a straw (you may choose to bring a bamboo or metal straw)
• Use only bottled water for brushing teeth
• Don’t drink/gargle shower water
• Always use antiseptic gel or hand wipes before eating and after using the bathroom
• Eat food only from a sealed package or that has been approved by our guides. The restaurants we will eat at have been approved by GLE
• Avoid being bitten by mozzies – apply tropical strength insect repellent in the mornings, after lunch, and at dinner-time
• Use sunscreen regularly
• Do not touch animals
• Walk together in small groups and keep the hotel and teacher numbers with you
• Report any funny tummies, funny bottoms or other physical problems to the teachers

At CGGS, we are incredibly proud of our partnership with Green Gecko Project and grateful for the opportunity to work with the project on a continuous basis.

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What has become apparent over the past four years that we have been working with Green Gecko, is that it is such a . credible and authentic organisation. Tania and her team have really built something unique in Siem Reap and have had a sustained and significant impact of the lives of the young people they work with, and their families.

Their model, in which they work alongside families, and develop social enterprises to ensure long-term and holistic empowerment, is truly inspirational.

We suggest that you learn more about Green Gecko Project on their website, and follow the below social media accounts to keep up to date with all things Gecko.

Green Gecko on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/greengecko/

Hello and welcome to our 2019 Cambodia Immersion Tour Blog.

We are so glad you popped by to visit the site and we truly hope you continue to visit.

As we count down to Thursday 12 September, our departure date, we intend to use this blog to communicate with you and obviously once we’re on tour, we will update the blog regularly to enable you to follow our journey!

Until our next post, we kindly ask you to bookmark this site and check back in regularly.

With best wishes,

Nirvana, Jen and Katrina
Your 2019 Tour Leaders