Local Support

The Connection Magazine - March Issue

 

 

Video - First Dormitory in Phnom Penh

Alan Lightman (Director of The Harpswell Foundation)

Alan talks about the first Harpswell dormitory in Phnom Penh

Video - Hardship faced by women in Cambodia

You Tube - Hardship faced by women in Cambodia

Preparation

I didn't realise quite how wonderfully disease free we are in the UK until I started looking into immunisations necessary for a three month trip to Phnom Penh.

It's also the rainy season between May and October (when I am going) which means stagnant pools of water and mossies...can't believe I'm having to consider taking wellington boots to Cambodia.Still, I'm sure it's all going to add to the adventure.

Really keen to get out there and crack on. I will be leading workshops to help the girls build leadership skills (such as critical thinking, presentation skills and networking), learn about CV writing and setting them up with work placements and mentors.

There won't be much personal space in the dormitory.  I am sharing a room with three other girls in bunk beds so I will need to pack LIGHT.

A Tuk Tuk should be waiting for me on arrival to take me to the dormitory in southern Phnom Penh. Hopefully with a little room for my bag.












How exciting.

It started with a wedding in Hong Kong

Wedding in Hong Kong

It all started with a fantastic family trip to Hong Kong over Christmas to see my little sister Lou Lou get married to Hillman (congratulations again guys). Jon and I thought we would take an extra week to visit Vietnam and Cambodia afterwards.

Phnom Penh

We only spent 3 days in Cambodia and I completely fell in love with the place. Still developing, whizzing motos everywhere, street snacks wrapped in banana leaf, bargaining with Tuk Tuks, Plae Pakaa dancing, fresh curries, Vietnamese Pho and beautiful people.

The Cambodia Daily

I sat on the flight from Phnom Penh at the end of the 3 days and it hadn't felt nearly enough time to get to know the country and the people living there.  As I sat there I flicked through the pages of The Cambodia Daily, a newspaper offered to us on the flight.  I saw an advert from The Harpswell Foundation seeking leadership residents to work in one of their dormitories and squealed at Jon next to me "I can do this!!". His reply with a massive smile was "you're going to have to do it then!"

Khmer Rouge

Part of the reason I felt so drawn to Cambodia is that I studied the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge when I was at university (BSC Law with International Relations).

I secured an internship with the UN Security Council in New York (through the UK FCO) and helped write the resolutions to bring international action against the perpetrators.  It was an incredible experience, surrounded by world leaders, Kofi Annan and privy to discussions of the Security Council and General Assembly.

I had always wanted to go and actually visit the place but never had enough money on a student budget to make the flight.  I do now and am so glad we did.

Come and join a Ladies Spring Hike!

Date Saturday 20 April 2013
Time 10am to 4pm
Place National Trust Devils Punchbowl, Hindhead, Surrey

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hindhead-and-devils-punchbowl/visitor-information/

Meeting Point Gather in the Christ Church Virginia Water car park for 10 am. We plan to car share and possibly use one Christ Church minibus. Please let us know if you want a lift from the Christ Church car park and back after the walk. We will be leaving the Church Church Virgina Water car park at about 10am with the aim of setting off on the first stage of the walk from the National Trust Devils Punchbowl car park at 1045am.

The Walk A figure of eight walk.  The first half is approximately 2.8 miles.  A  soup and roll lunch will be provided at the Cafe located at the National Trust Devils Punchbowl car park at approximately 1230pm.  We will then aim to set off on the second and final part of the walk at 145pm.  There will be an option to walk for 3.1 miles (for a slightly more challenging walk) or a 1 mile walk to Gibbet Hill.  We will then return for tea and cake at the Cafe afterward the second leg of the walk for those that would like to (please bring a little money for tea and cake) before heading back to Virginia Water.  

Donation We would be delighted to receive what ever amount you feel you would like to give. All donations received will go directly towards The Harpswell Foundation and the costs which Rachel has incurred in getting to Phnom Penh. Suggested minimum of £25.  The soup and roll lunch will be included.  You may want a little money for the tea and cake later on.

Practical considerations Walk will suit all abilities and will have clear way markings. Individual maps will be provided on arrival. See map photo for detail. The terrain may be muddy and a little hilly so stout footwear is recommended and suitable clothing will be needed for all weathers! Maybe bring a drink and a small snack to share.

The reserved group lunch at the Café will give us a  chance to hear from Rachel about her 3 month stay in Phnom Penh and her hopes and ideas as she prepares to go next month!

We are looking forward to the fun of walking together and at the same time helping young women in Cambodia with the chance to have a university education and develop the leadership skills necessary to have a positive impact on Cambodia's future.

RSVP to Joanna Sizer to joannasizer@gmail.com
(Spaces are limited so do hurry)

Empowering Women in the Developing World

The Harpswell Foundation provides leadership training and accommodation to Cambodian women who have shown strong academic ability and/or leadership potential with the aim of them moving into leadership roles in Cambodian business, law and politics.

Specifically, the women develop negotiation, critical thinking and presentation skills. There are two dormitories across Phnom Penh, with approximately 80 women.

The NGO was visited by Hilary Clinton last year and has funding and support from the UN, Peace Corps and MIT University. A large number of the women have gone on to accept work experience in the USA and permanent employment in Phnom Penh following their time at The Harpswell Foundation.

For more information see The Harpswell Foundation.

To sponsor The Harpswell Foundation, please get in touch with Rachel.