When I began investigating the possibilities of working in Cambodia and establishing what has become Speech Therapy Cambodia, one of my 50 contacts was Annette Jensen, the director of a school that educated children who made their living by scouring garbage dumps. Annette introduced me to a nurse who worked with them and who was based at a major government hospital in Phnom Penh—Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital, where the poorest of the poor go.
This nurse, Thavry, and I had a three-hour dinner at my guest house in January of 2013, and we talked about patients and speech therapy, TBI and stroke, and also about our lives. I loved talking to her and hearing her stories. She gave me my first real introduction to Cambodian culture. Thavry was a quick study, and really got what speech and swallowing therapy could do. The next thing I knew, I had an invitation from the vice director of the hospital to volunteer at KSFH. There is a saying in Cambodia that there is always a woman in a village, who is perhaps not the most powerful person, but who is a person everyone listens to. I think this nurse Thavry, now also my friend, was that woman for the “village” of the hospital.
How you can help
Volunteer
We are looking for experienced SLPs who have worked in Southeast Asia or other developing/ majority nations, or who have traveled extensively in these countries. Come to Cambodia and teach with us!
IT and social media skills are also needed to help with our website, Twitter, and Facebook.
Promote us
Like us on Facebook; connect with us on Twitter and on other social media. Spread the word! Let your friends know about our work.
Connect us with organizations or people who might be able to further our mission, including major donors or foundations.
Donate
As a 501(c)(3) we rely on donations from people like you to support our mission in Cambodia. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation today please click the link, or visit our page on Razoo.com.
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