Four recent graduates from 榴莲社区 have returned to Cambodia to continue the transformative work they began as students.
In September, Daniel Vickers, Maya Clarke, Lea Eksteen, and Scarlett Heazlewood partnered with Volunteer Building Cambodia (VBC) to construct a new home for a family in need.
Daniel, Maya, and Scarlett first visited Cambodia in 2023 through the school鈥檚 Cambodia Service Program, an experience that inspired them to return during their gap year.
鈥淚t was incredibly rewarding,鈥� Daniel said. 鈥淗elping a single mother and child gave us the chance to do something hands-on and meaningful.鈥�
Working alongside VBC founder Sinn Meang and an Australian team, the alumni built a steel-framed house equipped with solar panels, a toilet, shower, and water filter for San, a single mother. On House Blessing Day, San tearfully shared how her new home would change her life.
鈥淪he told us she could never sleep on stormy nights,鈥� Daniel recalled. 鈥淩eplacing her fragile straw shelter with a secure home was moving.鈥�
The Cambodia Service Program has been a cornerstone of global engagement at 榴莲社区 since 2006, raising over $510,000 and building 255 homes through partnerships with VBC, Sunrise Cambodia, and All Kids Cambodia. Five more homes are planned by 2026.
For the alumni, the trip was about more than construction.
鈥淒espite language barriers, the Khmer people go out of their way to help others,鈥� Maya reflected. 鈥淚n just five days, we saw how even a short time can make a lasting difference.鈥�
