Day 2 - some teacher observations

Zac & Josh P were superstars when it came to sawing.
Ashley & Joe did not stop working all day.
Riley, Mia & Bailey have been amazing at work.
Josh O loved sawing - the hardest job!

Day 2 - student update

Today we continued to build the houses in the village. Although it was extremely tough and hot we all had heaps of fun. The temperature was scorching while we were building but this didn't stop us. We had lots of fun playing with the children of the village and learning their many fun and entertaining games. On both houses the structure is up and the floor is nailed down. For many of us, today was the first day we ever used saws, hammers and nails. After the full day of working we visited the local market to our hotel and we bought the village children and adults, 100kg of rice and more necessities for their home, we also bought presents for the children we felt strong friendship and connection with. An aspect we found confronting was the view from the bus. Many cows on the side of the road were malnourished and you could see their bones bulging from their bodies. Ultimately, today was very enjoyable and we all feel that we have made a huge difference to these families lives.
- Tommy, Ivy and Emily

Day 1 - Sunday

The day started quite surreal with visa entry and 36 students waiting patiently for what seemed like 36 passport officials to examine each passport! We melted in the sweltering heat until the rain came down and we ended up in the pool.  We met Sunny who will be with the group for the whole journey and she has already been so helpful. After a trip to the supermarket we had to use 5 tuk-tuks to bring all of our supplies back to our beautiful hotel.
The central market was interesting, as was crossing the road! Out guide, Yous Sa taught us how to say 'too much' in the local dialect and we used this to barter for the souvenirs we purchased.
This has been and incredible but very long day.  Now is time to get some rest before out first full day in Siem Reap - Angkor Wat in the morning and then we start working with the people of the village in the afternoon. Everything we have been planning for - now we are really here!
And now from the students' perspective:

Yesterday was our first day in Cambodia and was a great day to start an even better trip. Once we arrived in Siem Reap we made ourselves at home in our rooms and then came down to the foyer for lunch. We then headed out to Artisans Angkor village to see arts and crafts in action. From there we bussed to the markets where we spent a good 2 hours bargaining and buying Cambodian goods. After the market we all came back to the hotel for a rest and then dinner. Following dinner some people swam but most were just too tired due to not much sleep. Overall it was a really great way to start our journey in Cambodia and we are looking forward to the rest of the adventure.

Zac and Dean

Landed

Cambodia Team has just arrived at their hotel and are settling in to their rooms.
News is that it is 38 degrees!

Airport Farewell

After many meetings and a lot of fund raising (& about 1000 steps) Cambodia Team 2016 are on their way. They put their hands up and said 'I want to help a community in need' - every day they will have that opportunity. Good luck Cambodia Team. The adventure begins.....

Today Year 9 said farewell to the Cambodia team at a special level assembly.
Mazal tov to the whole team - one more sleep and the adventure begins.
Get ready to make change happen.

WELCOME!
Cambodia Team 2016 has surpassed their fund raising target and are ready to make change happen for the people of Cambodia.
Follow their adventures here.
17 sleeps to go!