This message is about the whole school charity, United World Schools (UWS), and the recent Year 13 volunteering trip to O Saphy village, north-east Cambodia. O Saphy is a new school that we have agreed to support until 2027. The focus of the trip was a 4-day stay in O Saphy village where over 90 children go to school. It is an isolated farming community that grows mainly rice and cashew nuts. An electricity line has recently been established but the village is not yet connected.
Since 2017, the BSP community have supported three UWS partner schools, donating over 160,00 dollars in that time. This money has been raised by the whole school community but especially by sales from the second-hand uniform shop. One particular parent volunteer has been a constant presence with this, but the family is leaving this year, so a huge thank you to them for their considerable commitment. They have enabled this partnership to grow into something that significantly widens access to education by building and supporting schools in rural indigenous communities.
We were asked time and again by community leaders, O Saphy teachers, pupils and homestay families to keep supporting their school. BSP students have had an amazing experience; they taught lessons, played games and enjoyed being welcomed into the O Saphy community.
Below are some comments from students who attended the trip:
“It was by far one of – if not the – best experiences of my life! It was so fulfilling and heartwarming to connect with the children, to see the school and the people that we help support. The students loved everything that the BSP community donated and the time we had with them, it was so special to see. So honoured to be a part of this experience.”
“The Cambodia trip was an experience I will never forget. It is a trip that forces you out of your comfort zone and teaches you so much more than you expect. I found communicating with other adults and children without knowing how to speak their language humbling, and was honoured that they were willing to share so much of their culture with us through dance, food, and activities. I made memories I will cherish for the rest of my life and would be the first to sign up to go back!”
“This trip has helped me in so many ways. It was at times a very difficult experience but that made it all the more fulfilling. Looking back at the trip, by far the highlight was volunteering in the village. It showed me so much about such a different, yet amazing culture, as well as helping me to show the importance of family, friends and a sense of community. The lessons I learnt will stay with me forever, and I consider myself so lucky to have been a part of something so amazing.”
“Going to Cambodia was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m so glad I went. It was such an amazing experience that I will never forget. Meeting the children for the first time at O Saphy and seeing the big smiles on their faces is something I will never forget. Connecting with the O Saphy teachers and UWS staff made it even more special. It was an amazing experience for sharing, learning, and building community.”
“The experience of meeting students from O Saphy school was one full of positive energy and a memory I will cherish forever. The UWS staff helped me create that memory by translating and teaching me Khmer and Cambodian culture, bringing the feeling of community and family to myself and the other BSP students.”
