CARING THROUGH EDUCATION

BY FIONA EWINGTON

AS THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS COME TO AN END AND OUR CHILDREN HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL, DESPITE THE RELUCTANCE FROM SOME STUDENTS, IT’S GUARANTEED THAT PARENTS IN OUR REGION AND AUSTRALIA ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN.

For some countries, such as Cambodia and Vietnam, an education is a privilege and not something that governments actively encourage.

In Cambodia the reasoning can be traced back to when the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia in 1975. Not only did schools close but the buildings were destroyed, or the government took them over for other purposes, leading to poverty and deception.

For Noosa locals Peter McDonald and partner Judy the plight of the young people in Cambodia was brought to life when they visited the country on holiday.

While there, they were horrified by the corruption they witnessed in the government school system and by the lack of education children in the region of Battambang received.

Recognising education is the only pathway out of poverty, and to try and help, they joined the Khmer New Generation Organisation (KNGO) that works to improve the lives of children and youth through education in this area.

Coincidentally another group of Noosa locals had joined a similar organisation to help children in Vietnam - Project Vietnam Incorporation. The Sunshine Coast-based organisation has volunteers throughout Australia and overseas. Once they heard about it, Peter and Judy joined this group too.

PVI volunteers raise funds and travel to Cambodia and Vietnam each year to build new schools, or upgrade old facilities in schools, hospitals and health clinics.

In addition to educational equipment, they provide training scholarships and health programs, as well as sanitation facilities such as a flushing toilets and fresh water to schools.

In Noosa, members of KNGO and PVI get together within the local community to raise funds by volunteering at sporting events, such as The Noosa Triathlon and The Noosa Ultra Trail. The funds enable them to carry on their vital improvements with some volunteers travelling to Vietnam and Cambodia, either utilising their trades, or painting the buildings or working with the children in the schools.

“Everyone and every little bit helps,” Peter explains.

Taking educational equipment such as computers and clothing to the schools is part of the trip. Increased freight charges, coupled with rampant corruption, means everything donated must be carried in their luggage.

Humanitarians around the world are making a difference in Cambodia with Angelia Jolie, perhaps with the highest profile, being awarded Cambodian citizenship for the work she and her foundation Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation have done.

Locals in our region are to be commended for helping those in countries less fortunate than ours. For more information on joining PVI please visit the PVI website or projectvietnam@hotmail.com or KNGO Australia at kngoaustralia.org.