In March 2007 I went to Siem Reap in Cambodia to do some volunteer work for a non-Government charity called Green Gecko.
Green Gecko was set up by Tania, an Australian lady who originally went there as a tourist, and her Khmer husband Rem. On her visit to Cambodia she was so upset by the amount of street kids that were begging that she decided that she would do something about it. Her ultimate wish was to get all of the children off of the streets and have them all in education in the hope of a better future. The problem was the parents. If the children were taken off of the street, and weren't able to beg for money from the tourists they wouldn't have money for rent and no food on the table.
When I worked at Green Gecko last year I taught an English class once a day. Most of the children in my class were around 11 years old. They all were exhausted as they had been on the streets for most of the night before, and still they were anxious to learn. They really enjoyed their lessons and BEGGED for tests! When I wasn't teaching the children, it was time to play. I became aware very quickly during my time in Siem Reap that as the main bread winners for their large families they had grown up too quickly. At Green Gecko was their time to be children. They played games, they made things, and like every other child, they would argue and fight from time to time. I saw most of the children working on the streets at night and it was heartbreaking. They were the working adults. They were ashamed when they saw me but their parents were not far away, watching their every move to ensure that they were earning the money. I hated seeing the way the tourists treated them. Ideal photo opportunity for the tourist but completely unaware of their situation or what the consequences of giving them money would be in the long run. Unfortunately most mornings there would be incidents and upsets to deal with. I remember one morning finding my favourite little boy, Bon Ton, lying on the floor in the fetal position completely silent. I sat with him and hugged him and waited for him to tell me what the problem was. He couldn't explain because of the language barrier but as he lifted up his shirt I could see the whipping marks all over his back. This was the punishment that his dad had given him as he hadn't earned enough money from the tourists the night before. Many of their parents were unemployed and so spent their days drinking or gambling and unfortunately their children felt the consequences of this.
 
I returned to Green Gecko at New Year and was amazed and over the moon by the change. 100% of the children are now off of the street. A deal was struck with the parents. Their rent is paid by Green Gecko and in return the children are all now at full time school. In some cases a business was set up for the parents so that they could now earn their own money. They are all also now enrolled in Khmer school. Their entire day now is spent learning. They mostly all now live at Green Gecko, which relocated to a larger plot of land last September. The children have a set routine. They are happier and settled.
While this is an amazing achievement for Tania, Rem and the team there, it is a monthly struggle. In order to keep it going they need funds to continue coming in. This goes towards food, medical treatment, school uniform, school books etc for all the children. As well as that, rice is sent home to the family once a week, rent is paid for the family homes (they are currently building communal bedrooms on the land so that the kids can have their parents live close to them) and their medical treatment is also paid for. There is a support network for family and children.
 
I am taking part in the British 10k Run around central London on Sunday 6th July. I'm absolutely dreading it!!! While it may sound like a small run to some people, I HATE HATE HATE running and will hate it every step of the way! BUT I know that it is for a special cause and I will be looking forward to returning to Gecko later this year to see how the money I have managed to raise has been used.
Thank you so much for your support. The kids will be over the moon and so will I
Lou
xxx
PS
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Globalteer gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. As Green Gecko are not UK based Globalteer (who I was sent to Green Gecko through) have set up a JustGiving account on their behalf so that money can be donated to them from the UK. This is why your receipt will say that you have paid Globalteer. The full amount that I have raised will be sent to Green Gecko
Thank you SO much for your support

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