Ever wanted to make a difference, a big difference, but didn't know where to start? Tania (who is also one of the co-creators of the Hug-a-Bub wrap carrier) is an amazing example of someone who did just that.
After seeing an article in an in-flight magazine, Tania read about an orphanage in need in Siem Reap, Cambodia. A month later, Tania was in Cambodia and was sensitised to the plight of the Cambodian children. Soon after she returned home but it wasn't long before she packed up her entire life and headed back to Cambodia with no plan.
At first her efforts were focused on feeding the street children. And she was joined by Rem Poum, a local man who would become her husband and the second half of the Green Gecko Project. As the numbers grew it became increasingly difficult to find a place to feed them, and more than that Tania wanted to focus on something that would look after their future as well.
They approached an English school about paying for some of the street children to attend, but the school said no - the children were stinky, dirty and noisy and other parents wouldn't like it. And so, Tania and Rem hired one room and one teacher for one hour a day and started their own exclusive class instead.
The high attendance and enthusiasm of the children took everyone by surprise and within three months the project had leased an old police station that would serve as their headquarters and a school for the children. One of the biggest challenges has been convincing the families that it is worthwile for children to spend time on their education and away from street begging, something that provided immediate income for the family. And this became even more difficult in 2006 when begging was outlawed, leaving some families without any income at all. This was the birth of the project's family outreach work and currently the Green Gecko Project is supporting 33 families.
At Green Gecko, the children can eat a hot lunch, attend an English class, feel secure, play, get a hug, put their pictures up on the wall, have a shower, get their hair combed, nails cut, brush their teeth and receive medical attention. They can attend fun excursions and receive the chnace to expand their interests and knowledge of new subjects, by participating in dance, art and craft, drama, photography, gymnastics and performance classes.
You can find out more about the Green Gecko Project, Like them on Facebook, Make a Donation or Become a Sponsor.
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