I've been putting off writing this last one. Partly because missing 10 days of university requires some catching up upon return (regarding sleep and work), but mostly because I don't want to accept that this incredible adventure has come to an end.
Day 9 was our last day of work, as Rom and I visited two new primary schools to conduct 'needs assessments'. This involved scoping out new locations to expand our project beyond the pilot scheme at Chambok Meas Primary School, to potentially implement community gardens where there is a need for them. We saw a lot of potential in one school in particular, due to it's prime soil conditions, a vast plot of land available (situated next to a pond; the short distance being ideal for watering the garden), but mostly the community needs which had similarities to that of Chambok Meas.
The school has 250 students between 8 and 13 years old, 8 teachers, and 4 classrooms. The community need for a garden stems from the problems that occur within it, including poverty of the students' families, living far away from the school, and the sad reality that the kids don't eat at school. When talking with the Principal, she explained that a garden would allow the students to learn new skills and encourage development. She added that a sustainable, long term garden would, at first, allow students to take the produce home because in most cases there isn't enough food at home for all members of the family to eat. Then, when the garden is more established, they could sell some of the produce to self fund seeds and continue the cycle of sustaining this crucial food source.
Sustainable Cambodia has given glowing reviews of the school's motivation to better the school community and grounds, which was evident after meeting the Principal. After a game of soccer with the kids, we left with an exciting new direction for the Grow team to expand our successful pilot study and help even more kids to stay in school through sustainable agriculture. Romy has said it's important I mention she won the 'football' game, which as much as I don't want to admit, is true.
It's important we thank Grow's founder, Laila Haddad, who started this incredible project back in 2020, and envisioned it's growth and success long before we joined the team. We hope we've made you proud in continuing your incredible work.
In the end, it was tough to say goodbye to our friends at Sustainable Cambodia. We found that we formed a great connection with them in such a short time, fuelled by our combined passion of rural development and bettering the lives of those who need it most. We really hope to visit again in the future!
Thank you to everyone that's followed us on on our adventure to Pursat, Cambodia, through this blog. Since coming back to Exeter, Romy and I are overwhelmed with the interest in our trip and the work we conducted out there. We really appreciate your support and encouragement.
The next steps of our project wouldn't be possible without the help of Alex, Sneha, Ana, Phoebe, Kate, Vivian, and Nazli, our dedicated team back in Exeter. Keep an eye out for what events we have planned next on our social medias. There will be plenty of exciting ways to get involved in supporting our gardens that make a real difference to the lives of Cambodian children.
Lots of Love,
Toni (and Romy)