AUS student volunteers embark on a cultural and service journey in Cambodia

Crossing cultural and geographical boundaries, the Community Service and Outreach (CSO) office at American University of Sharjah (AUS) has recently concluded a volunteering trip to Cambodia, embodying the ethos of global citizenship and the transformative power of volunteerism.

This initiative, part of the university's annual international outreach, involved 14 student volunteers and a chaperone, engaging in a series of community service activities across Cambodia. 

"This trip was more than just a volunteering opportunity; it was a journey of personal and collective growth. Our students not only contributed to the communities in Cambodia but also gained invaluable life lessons in empathy, cultural diversity and the power of service,” said Aisha Ali, CSO Manager at AUS.

The adventure commenced in Phnom Penh, where the volunteers were immersed in an orientation session about Cambodian culture and the forthcoming volunteering experiences. Following this were explorations of local sites, including the lively Night Market. The group then transitioned to Siem Reap, embarking on a significant project to renovate the Aranh Sakor Cuthbert Primary School. The volunteers divided their efforts, with one team focusing on the refurbishment of the school's corridor walls, while another constructed benches for the waiting area.

Their endeavors extended to the Home English School in Siem Reap, where they revitalized classrooms through painting, decorating, decluttering and constructing a handwash sink. The team further engaged in interactive activities with local students, encompassing face painting, badminton and drawing, all against a backdrop of gentle music, fostering a sense of joy and communal unity.

The volunteers' contributions also included donations, such as play equipment, over 80 handcrafted toys made by AUS students in the AUS Toy Stories Workshops and a meal prepared using local recipes. The team also experienced the historic Angkor Wat temples and delved into the local market culture.

Their outreach efforts reached an orphanage in Samrong town, where they interacted with 132 orphans, providing not only entertainment through games but also essential donations like chairs, study tables and whiteboards to support their educational needs. In Samrong's Greenway School, they conducted educational sessions in English, American Sign Language, mathematics and cultural dances, leaving a legacy of a donated computer, a sound system, stationery and games.

Miryana Baghdadi, a third-year industrial engineering student, shared her profound experience: "Renovating schools and an orphanage and engaging with the children, taught me the value of empathy and the profound impact of our actions. This journey has broadened my perspective, deepening my appreciation for diverse cultures and their beliefs."

Melvern Ricky, another industrial engineering student, described the volunteering experience as one of his most insightful.

“The memory and feeling that will resonate with me is innocence—the sheer innocence of the children and their happiness over the simplest of things, an experience we often lose touch with as we age. Furthermore, the connections formed among us volunteers are more than just friendships; they are relationships to be treasured forever,” he said.

For more information on community service and volunteerism at AUS, click here.