SUNRISE CAMBODIA
S P R IN G N E WS L ET T ER 2 0 1 7
A December to Remember
Be a part of the season of giving and support our Early Learning Centre and education initiatives. Please donate to our Christmas Appeal – see pages 4 and 5.
Meet Our CEO
Get to know our CEO, George Passas. In this issue’s Q&A, he discusses his vision for success that will better position Sunrise Cambodia to fulfil its mission into the future.
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‘The Heart of Sunrise Tour’ Travel, explore and be a changemaker. The Heart of Sunrise Tour is your opportunity to go behind the scenes of Sunrise’s projects. Be a part of a unique travel experience!
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Sunrise Cambodia
A note from Geraldine Cox AM
Greetings to all friends of Sunrise.
H
ere is another update on what I have been doing from July to the end of September. It is important for me to let you know what I am doing so you are aware of how involved I am in everything that happens here in Cambodia. I never forget that without you, there would not be a Sunrise Cambodia. During this period, I visited Kambala School, Meriden School and Knox Grammar School, and it is heartening to see Australian children raising money for Sunrise. I caught up with long-standing valued sponsors in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, and enjoyed their company over lunch. In the first week of August, I presented at the United Nations-sponsored 8th University Leadership Scholars Symposium hosted by Humanitarian Affairs UK in Bangkok, Thailand. It was quite a thrill to make a presentation with the UN logo behind me. I enjoyed being in Adelaide for
our Board Meeting and welcoming our new Chairman-elect, Nick House, to the Board. It is also pleasing to still have our previous Chairman, Kevin Tutt, on the Board. I then accompanied four of our students to Australia for our one-month annual orientation course at Central Coast Grammar School, Gosford. Not only had the students never been on a plane, but they had never used a lift, escalator or a moving walkway, and, as you could imagine, were completely overwhelmed before boarding. This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for the Sunrise students, and our relationship with CCGS is precious to both myself and the kids. I accompanied two boys for a special piano training course at Prince Alfred College in Adelaide. This school has been a supporter of Sunrise for many years. The College financed this trip and we were all blown away when the piano teacher reported that both boys were scholarship material. What a thrill!
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Back in Sydney, I had the pleasure of presenting to a great group of staff at the Google HQ. This was a fantastic opportunity to spread the Sunrise message, and I am hoping this marks the beginning of an ongoing relationship. After so much time away, it was wonderful to be back home in Cambodia and to the heart of Sunrise. I hope you enjoy the Spring Edition of the newsletter, and always remember that we are grateful for your support. Please make a contribution towards the Christmas appeal and make it a very special Christmas for the Sunrise kids. We couldn't do what we do without you! Love and light,
Geraldine Cox AM Founder, Sunrise Cambodia
Sunrise Cambodia
T R AV E L
W I T H
U S
'THE HEART OF SUNRISE TOUR' 9
J U LY
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J U LY,
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Escape the world you know for a country whose history will open your mind. This is a travel experience that will revive your soul. See what Sunrise does and why we are so driven to make a difference in communities where help is needed most.
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he Heart of Sunrise Tour is a unique opportunity to venture behind the scenes of Sunrise Cambodia's projects. This is your chance to experience Cambodia’s vibrant culture and see first-hand the difference your contribution is making towards education and community development in Cambodia. The trip commences 9 July, 2018, but the fun starts now! Fundraise a minimum of $5,000 (minimum $7,500 for couples) for the work of Sunrise, cover your travel expenses and you’re set to experience a fulfilling trip of a lifetime! Our fundraising staff will give you all the support that you need to maximise your fundraising potential. The most rewarding part is that you will get to witness just how far your fundraising efforts go in Cambodia. There are no age restrictions. However, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver. Bring your kids along and enrich their lives through this cultural and fulfilling experience. The itinerary includes: • The opportunity to see Sunrise Cambodia’s projects in Kandal, Siem Reap and Kampong Speu, with personal tours conducted by Sunrise staff and Sunrise founder, Geraldine Cox AM • Cycling through the UN World Heritage-listed temples of Siem Reap and watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat • A chance to learn how to cook traditional Khmer delights with Sunrise hospitality students Not only will you get to explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, but you will also be travelling off the beaten path and gain a deeper appreciation of the region’s people and culture. If you are passionate about changing the world, this is your chance to do it!
Please visit sunrisecambodia.org.au to download the full itinerary and trip notes. Call 1300 894 591 or email us at hq@sunrisecambodia.org.au with questions or to sign up.
# H E A RTO F S U N R I S E
Join the Sunrise children in a music lesson in Kandal. Explore the UN World Heritage-listed temples of Angkor Wat. Witness the unique way of life of the floating villages near Siem Reap.
C H A N G E T H E WO R L D O N E J O U R N E Y AT A T I M E
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12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS Make it a December to remember for the community kids attending our Early Learning Centre and their families.
- DAY 7 -
$400 buys a communal water pump.
- DAY 1 -
$30 buys a water filter for children’s families in our community-based support program.
- DAY 9 -
- DAY 2 -
$50 buys 75 school notebooks.
$1,000 buys 1 house renovation for a family in the community.
- DAY 10 -
- DAY 3 -
$2,000 buys a set of playground equipment.
$100 buys a bicycle enabling a child from the community to travel to school.
- DAY 11 $5,000 renovates 3 classrooms.
- DAY 4 -
$150 buys 3 ceiling fans.
- DAY 5 -
$200 buys 12 sets of Khmer textbooks for the library.
- DAY 12 -
$10,000 buys 15 desktop computers.
- DAY 6 -
$300 buys 3 first aid kits.
Your generosity will speak volumes amongst the Sunrise community. Please visit sunrisecambodia.org.au/christmasappeal and make a tax-deductible donation today.
Q & A
W I T H
G EO R G E
Meet Our CEO
PA S SA S
Sunrise Cambodia FAICD FCPA
After over 30 years in the corporate world, George Passas was ready to bring his governance and management expertise to the not-for-profit space. With a fresh direction, Sunrise Cambodia is turning talk into action, promising a more sustainable future for Cambodian communities. in one of the poorest countries in the world. I have a great team and we all work hard to make a difference to these children and their families. What are some of the most challenging parts of your job? The perpetual lack of resources - it’s the nature of the charity space. Just when you think you’re on top of things there’s something that comes along and challenges all your knowledge. One thing is certain: it’s never dull. There’s always something to do, plan for, strategise around and, of course, fund. There is never any shortage of projects to have on the short list. What is it like to work closely with Geraldine Cox? She’s a perpetual entity in motion. She never rests; there’s always another donor or corporation to call, an idea to develop, a project to fund. She is truly a driven type of person. “No” and “It can’t be done” are not phrases that are in her vocabulary. She’s always thinking of the children in Cambodia and what it takes to improve their lives. Even after they leave Sunrise’s care, they still are Sunrise kids. They still maintain contact and visit after they graduate.
Above: The Indomitable Duo - CEO George Passas FAICD FCPA and Founder Geraldine Cox AM ready to take Sunrise to new heights. Describe your previous experience before landing your role as CEO at Sunrise Cambodia. With a background spanning some 30 years in finance, government and law, I have had a diverse career to build a good skillset in financial, operational and stakeholder management. Working in the banking, finance and legal sectors required great relationship building. I was later appointed as Deputy CEO of a major membership body which required high-level stakeholder management. This led to appointment as CEO of a NSW semi-government instrumentality in the community services and health sector. These were my first foray into the not-for-profit sector. I think these experiences have all added up to being aware that any good enterprise, whether in the not-for-profit sector or otherwise, is founded on looking after your staff and stakeholders. I’ve also learnt that “not-for-profit” is really a misnomer. You really have to be financially aware so as to be able to realistically deliver your plans. What do you love the most about your job? It’s super busy but super rewarding. I get to combine all my Board engagement and governance, financial, operational, relationship and stakeholder knowledge and skills with the knowledge that, at the end of the day, it all serves to improve the lives of children
“Our supporters just want us to get on with the job of making a difference where it counts.” It has become clear that Sunrise is heading towards a new direction. What are you most positive about with respect to these changes? I think things have to be simplified – there’s a need to get back to basics. The fundraising space is very competitive. Sunrise has a simple mission: to care for and educate underprivileged children so that they can become leaders in their communities and help those communities, too. We want to create a lasting difference. Our supporters just want us to get on with the job of making a difference where it counts. I think our supporters really appreciate this. How will you contribute to the success of Sunrise? I’m a motivator and a collaborator. I’ve been doing this for a long time and I know the formula for success. I work at Board level but I spend time with my people. We get the higher-level right but we get the mix of people right at the “doing” end. That way the Indians and the Chiefs get to do what they do best and work
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Sunrise Cambodia
VOLUNTEER INSIGHTS
Volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved with charities who are always in need of extra help with day-to-day tasks. Sunrise Cambodia’s volunteers are truly valued for their enthusiasm in "doing their bit" to support our cause. We couldn’t imagine a Sunrise without them! Left: Chantola Long (bottom right) pictured with the enthusiastic Sunrise Cambodia Team and Founder, Geraldine Cox AM. Photo taken on Geraldine's last day in Sydney at the Sunrise Cambodia Australian office in Clovelly.
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ur volunteers are truly making their mark as an advocate for change. Their dedication and compassion for Sunrise’s cause is a true testament to their commitment towards the not-for-profit space.
Their outlook is particularly important in understanding their motivation to volunteer their often-limited spare time to help. Chantola Long, who started volunteering at Sunrise in August this year, says he was inspired after seeing Geraldine present at the United Nations sponsored 8th University Leadership Scholars Symposium hosted by Humanitarian Affairs UK in Bangkok, Thailand. “After listening to [Geraldine’s] speech and becoming inspired so much by the mission of Sunrise Cambodia, I asked Geraldine for an opportunity to volunteer,” he said. Tola is currently completing a Master of Commerce (Finance) and working part-time in customer service. As a Cambodian, he is aware of the social issues that continue to plague his country. Volunteering for Sunrise gives Tola a sense of fulfilment by giving him the opportunity to make a difference where he can, whilst remarkably managing other responsibilities around work and study. “Volunteering helps me feel fulfilled because it makes me think that I am not living my life just for me but to have an impact on others as well regardless of how big or small the impact is. Most importantly, volunteering allows me to do something for the
WANT TO BE A PART OF SUNRISE? Join us as a volunteer!
children in my country whilst I am away in Sydney,” said Tola. Another valued volunteer, Lalitha Edupally, is a digital marketing professional who has been volunteering with Sunrise since July to help with the web operations involved in our work. She is drawn to the integrity of the cause and the warmth of Sunrise’s employees, all of whom make it worthwhile to volunteer in her spare time. “Apart from the organisation's noble cause, I am very much impressed with the people. They are very warm, open-minded and have a great work culture,” said Lalitha. In addition to contributing towards causes that focus on education and helping underprivileged children and communities – both of which are very close to her heart – Lalitha can appreciate the fact that volunteering allows her to break away from her regular work routine. “I am also doing part-time courses with a tight schedule, working with Sunrise Cambodia in my spare time gives me a refreshing break from the routine,” she said. The commitment of our volunteers like Tola and Lalitha is invaluable to the work of the Australian office. We truly appreciate the generous contribution of their time and skills, as well as the incredible positive feedback we receive from them. Volunteering for a cause you believe in can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience and the relationship built over time is mutually beneficial. Be a part of a worthy cause and get involved by contributing the skills you already have. If you would like to volunteer one to two days per week at our Sydney office, please apply via the Sunrise Cambodia website: sunrisecambodia.org.au/howto-help/volunteer/. We look forward to hearing from you!
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M A M A' S
DAYC A R E ,
BRIGHT AND EARLY
K A N DA L
Since 2010, we have strengthened our community development projects by expanding Sunrise Cambodia's all-encompassing health, education and community support program for local families. Sustainable community development is made possible with our donors’ generous funding, which allows for strategic planning that aims to maximise resources and rebuild communities from the ground up.
M
ama’s Daycare and Learning Centre in Kandal provides a learning environment specifically designed for nurturing preschool children during the early stages of their education. This is a particularly crucial time as children start to develop social and behavioural skills. Research shows that children aged between three and five are at their learning peak and can absorb substantial amounts of information that will support them throughout their schooling. Mama’s Daycare and Learning Centre takes full advantage of this important period by providing a learning environment that effectively stimulates the mind and cultivates their social and language skills. The Centre follows the standard schooling model, where children attend school for a portion of the day and return home when their parents and caregivers can pick them up. This is particularly beneficial for working parents and caregivers, allowing them to fulfil their responsibilities whilst their children are given full supervision and quality education at Mama’s Daycare and Learning Centre. This establishment is one of Sunrise’s key developments as we continue to work on and improve our sustainable community development programs. Mama’s Daycare and Learning Centre aims to address the need for more early education centres in Cambodia, where only 13% of children aged between three and five have access to early childhood education. Only 27% of five-year-olds are enrolled in preschools, meaning that most underprivileged children are rarely given the opportunity for an early education. Sunrise Cambodia is committed to continue its work to see a change here.
Your generous support has made all our community projects possible. Okun (thank you) for your generosity, kindness and compassion for nearly 25 years. It is truly making a world of difference to the lives of the Cambodian people. K E E P
I N
TO U C H
W I T H
S U N R I S E
We love hearing from our supporters. Please contact Sunrise Cambodia if you have any questions or would like to share stories and feedback. Our office hours are from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Email: hq@sunrisecambodia.org.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sunrisecambodia
Phone: 1300 894 591
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sunrisecambodia
Head Office: 39 Burnie Street, Clovelly NSW 2031
Twitter: www.twitter.com/sunrisecambodia
Post: PO Box 2266, Clovelly NSW 2031
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/sunrisecambodia
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