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GCP 2024 | Day 1: Hello Siem Reap!
GCP 2024 | Day 1: Hello Siem Reap!
27 May 2024 | Monday
Our journey began early as we assembled at the school parade square at 5 am, surrounded by our families who came to send us off. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation for the days ahead.
Our journey began early as we assembled at the school parade square at 5 am, surrounded by our families who came to send us off. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation for the days ahead.
Ready to go!
With sleepy eyes but eager hearts, we boarded our flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, ready to embark on this meaningful service-learning adventure. During the flight, everyone found their own way to pass the time—some played games, others watched movies, while a few caught up on some sleep. After a three-hour journey, we finally touched down in Siem Reap, where we were warmly welcomed by our local tour guide, Mr Cameron, who would prove to be an invaluable resource throughout our trip.
With sleepy eyes but eager hearts, we boarded our flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, ready to embark on this meaningful service-learning adventure. During the flight, everyone found their own way to pass the time—some played games, others watched movies, while a few caught up on some sleep. After a three-hour journey, we finally touched down in Siem Reap, where we were warmly welcomed by our local tour guide, Mr Cameron, who would prove to be an invaluable resource throughout our trip.
All Aboard!
Our first glimpse of what would be home for the next four days came through the bus windows: low-rise buildings, expansive plains dotted with rice fields, and cows grazing in the fields. It felt as though we had stepped into an entirely different world. As we travelled, Mr Cameron provided us with fascinating insights into the rich history and culture of Siem Reap, setting the tone for the experiences that awaited us.
Our first glimpse of what would be home for the next four days came through the bus windows: low-rise buildings, expansive plains dotted with rice fields, and cows grazing in the fields. It felt as though we had stepped into an entirely different world. As we travelled, Mr Cameron provided us with fascinating insights into the rich history and culture of Siem Reap, setting the tone for the experiences that awaited us.
Our first stop was the Eco-Soap Bank, a remarkable social enterprise that left a lasting impression on all of us. This initiative employs local women to recycle leftover soap, which is then redistributed or sold to schools, NGOs, and other organisations at affordable prices. It was inspiring to see how such a simple idea could have such a profound impact, reducing disease, saving lives, and providing job opportunities in the process. Many of us were also struck by the sheer volume of leftover soap, prompting us to reflect on our own waste habits. The workers guided us through the process of transforming used soap into new bars, showing us the tangible results of their efforts.
Our first stop was the Eco-Soap Bank, a remarkable social enterprise that left a lasting impression on all of us. This initiative employs local women to recycle leftover soap, which is then redistributed or sold to schools, NGOs, and other organisations at affordable prices. It was inspiring to see how such a simple idea could have such a profound impact, reducing disease, saving lives, and providing job opportunities in the process. Many of us were also struck by the sheer volume of leftover soap, prompting us to reflect on our own waste habits. The workers guided us through the process of transforming used soap into new bars, showing us the tangible results of their efforts.
This is just one portion of the many leftover soaps delivered to Eco-Soap Bank.
We tried making our own bars of soap.
After our visit to the Eco-Soap Bank, we enjoyed our first lunch in Cambodia, savouring the rich local flavors and experiencing the warmth of Cambodian hospitality.
After our visit to the Eco-Soap Bank, we enjoyed our first lunch in Cambodia, savouring the rich local flavors and experiencing the warmth of Cambodian hospitality.
We bonded over the scrumptious lunch.
The afternoon took us to Sentures d'Angkor, where we participated in candle-making and weaving workshops. The experience was both educational and fulfilling, as we learned that much of the packaging for their products comes from the sugar palm tree—an abundant, natural, and recyclable resource in Cambodia. We left with a deeper appreciation for the resourcefulness and creativity of the Cambodian people, who skilfully use what nature provides to create beautiful, sustainable products. We also had the chance to take home our very own candle and palm leaf box as souvenirs. A highlight of the tour was when the beekeeper showed us a honeycomb and let us taste the raw honey directly from it—a truly delightful treat!
The afternoon took us to Sentures d'Angkor, where we participated in candle-making and weaving workshops. The experience was both educational and fulfilling, as we learned that much of the packaging for their products comes from the sugar palm tree—an abundant, natural, and recyclable resource in Cambodia. We left with a deeper appreciation for the resourcefulness and creativity of the Cambodian people, who skilfully use what nature provides to create beautiful, sustainable products. We also had the chance to take home our very own candle and palm leaf box as souvenirs. A highlight of the tour was when the beekeeper showed us a honeycomb and let us taste the raw honey directly from it—a truly delightful treat!
Learning how to weave a palm leaf box.
Learning to make our own candles.
The beekeeper showing us the honeycomb.
As the day came to a close, we returned to our hotel, where we shared our hopes and goals for the trip by setting our service and learning objectives. Some of us hoped to be able to bring joy to the children at the primary school, while others hoped to make a lasting impact through our efforts. This session was both insightful and meaningful, setting a thoughtful tone for our daily reflections in the days to come. We then completed our planning and preparation for the activities at Prolit Primary School the next day. With our hearts full of purpose, we eagerly anticipated the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of the children we would soon meet.
Debriefs and reflections at the function room of the hotel, where we would return to daily.
The day ended at around 10 pm, with everyone retiring to their rooms to take a well-deserved rest after the long day. Day 1 was just the beginning, but it already set the tone for the meaningful experiences and connections that lie ahead.
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