Help Richard & Kirstie upskill Cambodian teachers and empower vulnerable young women

We are Kiwi teachers who share a heart for working alongside Khmer to lift standards in education and enable young people to break free from cycles of poverty. Having lived and worked in Cambodia for the past two and a half years, we’re keen to partner with local organisations to help effect positive change.

Kirstie has been working with Child Rescue as manager of the aftercare and reintegration programme in Siem Reap. This has given her an opportunity to learn first hand about the issues and pressures facing teenage girls and their families, which lead many to enter the sex industry. She has built connections with local NGOs and participated in Chab Dai, a group of Christian organisations working against trafficking. Kirstie has been managing a Khmer team and has learnt many invaluable lessons about working in the Cambodian cultural context.

On their return to Cambodia Kirstie will focus on providing support, empowerment, training and other opportunities to vulnerable girls and their families. She hopes to assist them to develop skills and gain confidence in order to break the destructive cycle of poverty.

Richard is committed to education and is preparing to work as a volunteer for the NGO See Beyond Borders in which Khmer and expat educators collaborate to upskill teachers and engage communities in learning. He will continue to work with Prison Fellowship, running a 12-step programme in the local prison and supporting prisoners’ families.

Initially we will focus on intensive language study in Phnom Penh before returning to Siem Reap to take up our new roles later in the year. A strong grasp of the language is essential in order to engage with Khmer effectively.

Please support us financially in our work with Cambodian teachers, prisoners, and vulnerable young women. We are both working in a voluntary capacity so depend on the generosity of like-minded people.

Richard and Kirstie are seeking NZ$15,000 towards the cost of language-learning and transportation.

$4,500 is required to cover the costs of ongoing language-learning throughout the year, including 6 months full-time study with ‘Gateway to Khmer’ (G2K) in Phnom Penh. The remaining funds are required to help them buy a second-hand vehicle for treacherous country roads; as well as supporting their everyday living expenses for food and rent.

(Imported cars carry hefty taxes/duties and a reasonable quality second-hand 4-wheel drive costs around US$15 000.)