My Cambodian Adventure

My 4 weeks of volunteering at a disability day care centre in Phnom Penh was a real adventure as it was so different to anything I have ever done before. But it was the best adventure!
Hand of Hope Community looks after 25 children with varying disabilities (including autism, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities) and ages ranging from 5 to 22 years old. Each child's different and therefore the more individual attention that they receive the better. That is why alongside the 6 staff members at the centre, myself and another volunteer were never without something to do. From helping kids with cerebral palsy practise fine motor movements through educational toys, to drawing picture outlines for kids to colour in, to learning the numbers 1 to 10 with kids with intellectual disabilities, the list goes on. A definite highlight was the first dance party. Seeing the kids faces light up when the music started playing and dancing around the room like it was the only thing that mattered is a memory I will never forget. I want to share my experiences with everyone I meet, but I know the only way anyone would truly understand is if they went on their own adventure.
The support of IVHQ (and CVF in Cambodia) was exceptional and I am already looking at their programs in other countries for my next overseas volunteer adventure.