The Volunteer Vortex

For those not in the know, an NGO is a non-governmental organization; basically the international equivalent of a non-profit. These babies abound in Cambodia as this country is in need of so much to rebuild after the death and destruction of the Khmer Rouge. While Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge were only officially running the country for four years, they managed to kill over two million people (1/3 of the Cambodian population - all of the educated, foreign language speakers & even those with glasses).

Since the NGOs, like non-profits, are typically underfunded and understaffed, they jump at the chance for some quality free help. We've noticed a common theme from our own experiences and with others with whom we've talked about their volunteer stints.
Job descriptions, cultural trainings, introductions, explanations, or even a little hand-holding do not exist. Beginning a volunteer stint is more like jumping into the middle of a situation and starting to run at top speed, don't forget to tie your laces tightly.

When Stephen and I inquired into teaching English at an orphanage we'd read about, the director told us to come for a visit and experience a class. After watching the class for a few minutes, the next thing you know, we are co-teaching that class and teaching on our own the next day. No talk about what level English, how long the kids have been studying, what are the goals or focus. Get 'er done because everyone is too busy to help.

A local NGO was planning a fundraiser and I stepped in to help for a week while the main event planner was on vacation for a week. On my first day "in the office", I'm contacting CEOs of local businesses about ticket sales & ticket deliveries, asking local businesses for sponsorships and sending out press releases all without really understanding the nature of the event or understanding much about the actual NGO itself. And, of course, there are the techical problems of working in a developing country, e.g. constant computer issues not to mention cultural and language barriers with the co-workers.

Before you know it, the main event planner has quit her volunteer position and I'm the new expert on the event, being asked questions and telling people what to do. To say I found it stressful is an understatement.

We have been staying with a former CBS TV Producer who is volunteering for a month to make a PR video for another NGO. It is a project that under 'normal' working conditions would take 4-6 months to complete with an entire team dedicated to the project. We've witnessed her struggle with the local film crew while attempting to learn the scope of the project without much internal help.

Needless to say, volunteering can be very challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Stephen and I found the teaching in the orphanage to the be the highlight of our trip so far and were heart broken to leave all the kids.

AS THE TUK TUK SPUTTERS...

After and oh-so-sad send-off from our kids in Phnom Penh (we needed party for them, so we staged a fake birthday bashed w/ hot dogs and a baked a cake - interesting load on the Moto that morning), we are off again and landed back in Bangkok - familiar ground. We have a few interviews here in Bangkok and then meet our newlywed friends, Brett & Kimberly fresh from India. Then it's off to Railah Beach for climbing (again) and then Indonesia for more surf and sand....running from the rain! peaceout!