Volunteers With Riverkids

We would like to express our gratefulness to all the volunteers overseas that take their time out to come to Riverkids whether it might be for a week or a month. Their willingness to sacrifice their time to work with us, using their own money and support to be here with us goes a long way.

Each volunteer contributes in many different ways; they bring and introduce different activities and games that the kids have not known of before. The volunteers teach and contribute in English class, computer class and art class. Through these classes, the kids are able to gain a lot of knowledge, physically as well as mentally. Not only do they learn new skills, they are also exposed to a different culture and are able to learn about a different type of interaction.

Though the kids are benefited through the classes, the staffs at Riverkids gain just as much new knowledge as the kids do. They are also able to learn about another culture, each volunteer is a new experience for them. The Staffs are Riverkids faces a different kind of issue and stress every day, and just like any other job, they get worn out. Volunteers who come to Riverkids help take some of their load off for a short while, as well as motivate their staff to continue with their work. For our staff to be able to meet these generous volunteers who are willing to come half way around the world to contribute to the mission of Riverkids is a huge encouragement to all of us.

I remember walking into Riverkids the first time, I saw all of their facial expressions questioning and wondering whom this random little girl is but yet greeted me with a smile filled with excitement. Each volunteer is like a new adventure for each of the kids, their eyes looking at you waiting for the new games you will teach, or simply awaiting for a hand to hold on to.
Once again, both the staffs and the kids at Riverkids are delighted and grateful to have volunteers come and reach into our lives time and time again. Nothing we do or say can repay all the ways you have affected and left a legacy with us.

Donation Of Milk Powder Given to Riverkids

Recently, we received news from Sister Evon in Singapore about a generous donation of milk powder. Sister Evon cooperated with another person to donate 66 boxes, nearly 680 KG of powder milk to Riverkids. You can imagine our joy and delightfulness upon hearing about this donation.

Upon receiving this news, it has been extremely difficult to get the milk powder from one country to another. The process of shipping and customs caused many headaches. It took a total of about 1 month to work through the customs but through many challenges, we finally got the milk powder from the port about two weeks ago.

When we received the milk powder, first thing we did was check the expiry date, which happens to be in about a month from now. Since we have to make sure everything is consumed before the expiry date, we thought of a few options to benefit the community around us. Firstly, we contacted the authorities around the community to get in touch with the local families with toddlers from 1-3 years old to provide them with a can of milk powder per family. Many of these families don’t have enough to eat for themselves, more less nutrition for their child. We provided milk for around a thousand families. When they came to Riverkids to obtain their can, we could see the joy on their face as they held their child and crowded around the tables. It was truly incredible. Secondly, we gave an average of 3 to 4 boxes with about a dozen cans per box to varies NGOs. Some of these NGOs include: Help Cambodia, Daughter’s NGO, University of Nation Cambodia, Rescue, Sunshine, the Sao Sary Foundation,ARM International and Care For Cambodia.

When the families and NGOs come to receive the donation of milk powder, they have to sign a contract and respect three important points. The three of which include consummation of milk only in February, only toddlers 1-3 years old will consume the milk and finally, the milk powder cannot be taken to the market to be sold.

Lastly, we contacted a bakery to use the milk powder we provide to make cake for Riverkids everyday. Each child in Riverkids has been given a piece of cake and a glass of milk every day from February 11th and will continue until the end of February.

We want to express our delightfulness and gratefulness again for this donation to Riverkids. As it says on the boxes “growing up milk”, these children will not only receive nutrition, but they will also feel the love and care from all around the world.

Nutrition Program of Riverkids

Many of the children from the slums receive no money and no food. They don’t get any nutrition in their bodies; therefore they look skinny, pale and very sad. Though we might see a smile every now and then, when we looked deeply into their eyes, they seemed afraid. Occasionally when they do receive small amounts of money, they go and buy candy to fill their hunger, which is very unhealthy and is only satisfying for a short time. They do this partly because they have not been taught any better.

As a result of this, the Riverkids Project decided to set up a Nutrition Program to teach them about nutrition and how to improve their health, which consequently will improve their lifestyle. The program involves teaching them about the benefits of a healthy diet, as well as providing them with some hygiene food and good nutrition when they come to class at Riverkids. Some of the snacks that they receive include soya milk, Milo, banana cake, sticky rice and different kinds of fruit; mainly bananas and apples.

Since then, we have seen drastic changes. Not only have they learned more about healthy nutrition, but they are also happy and full of hope. They are not scared and are able to play with confidence. The daily nutrition that they get impacts the way they act beyond what we might think.

Riverkids sends our deepest thanks and appreciation to all donors throughout the world who are supporting our Nutrition project. An example of 2 such donors are Ms Cecilia and her friend from Singapore who visited the kids and kindly contributed $62 USD which has been added to the program budget.This is very much appreciated as it allows Riverkids to buy more nutritional food for the children.We also wish to thank all the volunteers and those who are dedicating their time,effort and thoughts towards the program.