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Name: Sharon Sykora
Volunteer Role: Health Care Team Member
Duration: 3 months, 1 month at a time
What inspired you to choose volunteering at SC?
I have traveled extensively, but nowhere I visited touched me the way Cambodia did during my first visit in 2007. I knew then that I wanted to become more involved in Cambodia and help in some way. Research led me to Sustainable Cambodia, through which I helped provide a village well then sponsored a number of students. I was particularly impressed with the integrity of the organization. So, I already had a relationship with SC when, upon retiring, I had the opportunity to volunteer on-site.
What role do you take on at SC, and what does it involve?
As an older volunteer (in my 50’s,) I worried about whether I’d fit in. I needn’t have worried. I was warmly welcomed by a wonderful group of people. I didn’t know what I might do when I arrived in Pursat, but a quick glace around showed me that there was no shortage of things to be done. I had a medical background so I offered to sort and organize the boxes and boxes of medical supplies that had been donated over the years. Supplies that the SC campus couldn’t use were donated to the town hospital. I met a couple of Peace Corps volunteers and worked with them to develop a First Aid course. On my first visit, I noticed that very few Cambodians seemed to be wearing glasses. I wondered if they had very good vision or if they didn’t have access to vision care. Because I had vision screening experience, I decided that on my next visit, I would to do vision screening at the school. SC staff introduced me to a local optometrist who agreed to provide more complete vision testing and provide glasses at cost to the students that I identified in need. I also taught staff at 2 schools how to do the vision screening themselves so that vision help could continue to be provided to all the students. Appalled by the abundance of empty plastic water bottles everywhere, I worked with other volunteers to coordinate with a recycler and held a recycling contest with the students. I also escorted students to the local hotel pool and helped a few with becoming water-safe.
Where do you see your work make an impact?
Lasting impact is difficult to judge, but the experience made my continuing support of SC more personal and therefore more meaningful and satisfying than simply sending money to a faceless charity. I believe I’ve made a concrete difference in the lives of the children that I sponsored, met, and watched grow into adulthood.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering here?
As unlikely as it sounds, my very favorite thing to do was going over to the school early each morning to pick up trash with the students. They were amused that I was doing that and were eager to “help me out.” I enjoyed the peaceful early mornings and the casual interactions with the children.
What have you learned through your time at SC?
As unlikely as it sounds, my very favorite thing to do was going over to the school early each morning to pick up trash with the students. They were amused that I was doing that and were eager to “help me out.” I enjoyed the peaceful early mornings and the casual interactions with the children.
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