Volunteer Testimonials
It was a great pleasure to have been the first English teachers at the Smiling Hearts Association For Children School . Of course , it is always slightly daunting to meet a new class of children , of different ages and abilities . It took a little while to get used to the different levels but the children were an absolute delight to teach . They gave us so much pleasure and we were sad to leave . Since our first day , there have been several changes to the school , which has made a considerable difference . There is an extra classroom which means , children can now be split into another group which makes it much easier , the ones can start with the ABC’s then the next group who can make sentences and finally those who are more advanced . I am very happy that they are now in these groups as the children will have more chance to im prove . We wish Aly and all her helpers and the Children “ Good Luck ˮ for the future .
Love John and Rick , UK
Teaching English at SHAC hs been a tremendous opportunity to connect with Cambodia and her people. Before coming to Siem Reap, I traveled through Thailand, becoming disillusioned with tourism; I felt like just another cog in the machine. I found it difficult to get a sense of the local culture by simply hanging out with other Western tourists and sight seeing. Come volunteer in C ambodia; there is so much to be done, and any help you can provide will be appreciated. The children are polite, happy and ready to learn. Acquiring English as a second language will be an immense benefit to their lives. Hope to see you soon!
Dru from USA
We were introduced to Aly and S.H.A.C. by About Asia and were instantly overwhelmed by the incredible progress and positive attitude that this school has made in just four months.
Aly, the Director, is an incredible lady with unstoppable passion and this is reflected in the three class-roomed school and playground, which between herself , have built in their own garden. Dedication is an understatement and the rewards are seen best in the children. Their happiness is priceless and the efforts that every child makes to learn, attend classes, and even arrive up to two hours before classes just to clean, is so humbling. They just want to be there and really do ask for nothing more, only permission to attend the classes and be given an opportunity they would otherwise not have. 
S.H.A.C. relies solely on private donors and volunteers. It is supported by several Cambodian volunteers who help out before/after a long day at work. We have seen first-hand how donations take effect and how quickly it takes for Aly and her team to implement the necessary developments, such as building a new well one day after receiving the kind donation. It has been a privilege to work here and without a shadow of doubt, both Judith and I will be in contact for many moons to come and look forward to seeing how S.H.A.C.'s children grow up happier, healthier and more educated for it.
Thank you to the children for such a rewarding teaching experience.
Martin & Judith, LONDON, UK
It has been my privilege and honors to teach the students ob and participate in the educationally vibrant environment of Smiling Hearts Association For Children . This project is so necessary and well done.
Love ,
Andy. USA
This is one of my dreams to become a teacher, and it come true . Before the first lesson I am a bit stressed because I don't think that I can teach the students. I believe my level in English it not perfect , but nothing to worry about if you have confidence . It's a very rewarding experience .
Love from Teacher Song Wut
My name is Mel from the Australia.Teaching English at Smiling Hearts is a lot of fun .The kids are really well behaved and eager to learn , I love to see them get excited when they see us coming in each day to teach them . They are really friendly atmosphere here , and the kids come in early before class because they love the school and are able to play with their friends . I haved loved my first few days at Smiling Hearts and I’m glad I can spend a few more weeks here .
Melissa , Brodrick ( Mel ) . Australia
Hi My name is Liam. From Australia, the first time I came to the School I was very nervous,however after the first lesson the students made me feel very welcome .They are very well mannered and love to learn . I would urge anyone who wants to voluntary to get involved with Smiling Hearts as it is a very rewarding experience .
Liam, AUSTRALIA
My name is Denise from the UK . I was introduced to Aly by Scott from Trailblazers whilst on holiday in Siem Reap. Initially I was a little reluctant and anxious about working with children because I had not done this type of work before, however, I could see the merits in the project and that they needed help so I decided to give it ago. I volunteered for 8 days and absolutely loved it. The whole atmosphere of SHAC was very warm, supportive and welcoming; and, the children were so endearing.
Miss you all and I hope to return soon x
I first went to visit SHAC last weekend to ask about volunteering and I could hardly believe what had been achieved in such a short time. But then I spoke to Aly and I realised how it had happened. She is full of energy and enthusiasm for this project. It's in her blood. On Monday I met the students and the other volunteers and the picture was complete. It feels more than a school, it's a mini community.I am teaching grade 2 and the children are fantastic. They're so keen to learn. They write everything down and all are willing and eager to stand up in class, read aloud or write on the board. I have been at SHAC for 3 days now and am loving it. I enjoy thinking up different games to help the kids to learn. I'm only here for another 6 days, wish I could stay longer.
Anyone in Siem Reap should visit SHAC to see the amazing things Aly and her team are doing and buy a t-shirt! I love it and it will be a perfect reminder of my time here :)
Karen from Bristol, UK
My name is Sandra. Smiling Hearts became my choice for my voluntarist as I had the chance to meet Aly who's mind bubbles with plans and schemes and love for the kids. I can hardly think of any better principal for those wonderful children. She created not only a school there, but a real community where you can feel that all the kids find a second home at least for 2 hours a day.
Teaching the children which I am doing for the first time in my life is a wonderful experience! It gets strenuous for my voice and my nerves at times;), but this is nothing compared to what I get in return. The hugs that you get at and end of a lesson, the flowers they bring you on the way home, the smiles they spread so generously.
I feel very blessed being able to teach here - not only because I had the chance to earn enough money being able to come here and spend it for this voluntarist, but also having a chance to meet these wonderfull kids, a great principal and to make this unique experience. Who ever thinks of doing this - please just go for it! You don't need to be a professional English teacher or a native speaker (which I'm not myself). You'll be able to teach the first or even third grade enough with a proper English knowledge. The kids get a chance to learn a lot and you'll learn and experience a lot too!
Smiling Hearts is not just a name! You can feel the smiling hearts in this small and touching surrounding.
Teaching at SHAC has to be one of the amazing things I have experienced in my life ! Although it didn’t last very long , the while 2 weeks I was here made me realize how much these kids need education . All of them are very eager to learn and their presentation despite everything they lack is simply awe-inspiring . For these children in education is a privilege . I’m glad I would give a little bit back of what I got as a child , and I wish I had more time and the means to do more for them and the school Would I recommend to teach at SHAC ?? Yes !!!
Rofika Ismail
"The time I spent teaching at Smiling Hearts Association for Children was a rewarding and remarkable experience. I was more than inspired by the eagerness of the students to learn, and their perseverance despite their circumstances. I was also very touched by their kindness and affection towards each other and towards me. They taught me a big lesson on how to be a good teacher. Because the school relies so heavily on donations for supplies and volunteers for teachers, I would urge you to help in anyway that you can. The children will really appreciate your support and they will make it known. They're such lovely hearts!"
Love from Rose Vu
Mark & I have loved every minute we’ve spent here at SHAC. We were originally going to volunteer for 3 weeks but extended our stay to a month because the cause is so important and being here is so rewarding. From teaching in the classrooms to spending time with the children; from lesson planning out of school hours to learning more about real Cambodian lives; we’ve gained so much from helping out here.
Aly and her family of children look after you and ensure you feel comfortable and happy for the duration of your stay. The school may rely on charity from others but
, whatever it lacks in funding, SHAC certainly makes up for in the love, care and trust that all of the children offer on a daily basis. They are funny, engaging and always smiling; quite simply they’re brilliant kids and make every day spent teaching worthwhile.
At SHAC Aly has put her time & effort into building not only a school but a family & community for everyone who attends here be it as a student, a teacher or as someone who stops by for a couple of hours. If you can’t help out in person the
n please make a donation as your good deed for the day – no school is more deserving!
Kirsty Evans from Birmingham, UK & Mark Strachan from Glasgow, UK
''I came to Smiling Hearts with no previous teaching or voluntary experience and had no idea of what to expect. Although slightly daunting at first, I have now taught here for three weeks and the staff and children have been so friendly and welcoming that I have loved every day here.
The school director, Aly, and her family dedicate all their time to the school which has been unbelievably built in their own back garden. The children from the surrounding village that attend are the most generous, gentle and caring people I have ever met, despite a lot of their situations being incredibly unfortunate. It's so impressive how eager these children are to learn English and how proud and enthusiastic they are about Smiling Hearts School. These children are so underprivileged yet have the ability to have fun at the school and they have made me laugh every single lesson I have taught here.
Aly and her staff are so appreciative of any donation - big or small, whether it's your time to help teach the kids, money to aid the running of the school or a simple set of colouring pencils for the children to draw pictures with. With funding solely from donations, this is a cause where every little really can help them.
I will miss this adorable place which serves such an amazing purpose - providing children with an invaluable skill in learning English that is not provided for them by their government. Not only this but it gives these children a sense of hope and pride: that they belong as part of a collective unit and can come to this school to learn and play together and just enjoy having fun being children. Thank you Smiling Hearts for an amazing few weeks, you are all very special people and I will never forget you and the work that is done here.''
Rosie Manson, London, UK
Working at SHAC is an unforgettable experience where you can develop amazing relationships with both students and teachers . It's a beautiful place where children are given the opportunity to grow , develop and learn as children in a safe environment . As a volunteer ,( would be surprised ) if you didn't grow as a person too . Seeing first hand how the donation of time , money and school suppplies lillerally changes these children's lives in both hambling and inspiring Being a part of that ... words don't do the experience Justice . You need to come and experience this for yourself.
Love from Carole
I have really enjoyed the three weeks that I have been teaching at Smiling Hearts. The children are so enthusiastic and sweet and sometimes a bit crazy ;)! I love them! The other teachers are lovely too. Aly, you are doing an amazing job. I love it how you just started a school in your own backyard. That makes Smiling Hearts a very sustainable organization run really by and for the community. Please keep up your great work!
I am very sorry I have to leave. If I come back to Cambodia, I will sure go back to teach at Smiling Hearts! Love , Esther !!
Esther
Volunteering at Smiling Hearts School has been the high light of my round the world trip . I was a little nervous before arriving at the school as I was unsure of what to expect . There was no need to be nervous , I was welcomed into the school like an old friend . Aly and the team showed me around and before I knew it . I was teaching
ABC’s to a group of Smiling happy and enthusiastic Children . I teach Grade 1 in the morning , which is full of fun , the group age ranges from 6 years to 12 years and they are full of character and warmth. In the afternoon I teach Grade 3 . The most advanced in English. I enjoy the conversation we have I hope that I am teaching good English . They are so bright that they often correct my miss spellings ! Overall I can’t recommend enough The Smiling Hearts school, it’s a fantastic place to spend time . The school is part of the local community , it has been built in the garden of Aly’s house it serves the two Villages surrounding it . The children love to learn and would not get the opportunity to learn English if Aly had not opened the school. Smiling Hearts is a very special place and will stay in my heart long after I leave : )
Amy !!!!!
Since the very first day I arrived, I was mesmerized by the enthusiastically of the children at Smiling Hearts. As soon as I walked through the gate I was welcomed by smiling and singing children. I have noticed the children are very eager to learn, they're musical and cheerful. Every day we (- the children and I) have learnt something new, laughed and we have had so much fun together. It has been an amazing and inspiring experience to have been working for Smiling Hearts.
Aly is a generous and caring person with a big heart. She does everything she can to empower, educate and give hope to her 130 children. She loves them as if they were her own. I think she is a wonderful role model for the Cambodian villagers in Siem Reap.
It has been a mutual learning experience and we've learnt so much along the way. I hope to come back some day soon.
Judith
"Hey everyone, my name is Virginie and I come from France. This summer I have been teaching for a month at Smiling Hearts Association for Children. The first few days, I was astonished by the school's facilities and by the warm welcome from the children, Aly and the staff. Then I felt like part of a family with children giving you endless hugs and love, and volunteers and staff with who I shared great times. I really enjoyed my stay there, it was a fullfilling experience."
If you have any questions or doubts about volunteering there please do not hesitate to contact me: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Hi Aly and everyone at Smiling Hearts!! I am not sure if the flooding has gone down or if you are back to school yet, but just wanted to say thank you again for welcoming me so kindly to smiling hearts and for all your help the past two months. I had an absolutely amazing, life changing time and I have been telling everyone about the great work you are all doing there. I am proud to have been part of it and would love to return some day. I am only sad that I didn't get to say goodbye to my beautiful children before I left. I wonder if, when school resumes, you could read out the message below to my morning and afternoon class. Thanks so much :)
Best,Lisa
Hi , I am Margot , from France . It is a pleasure to come to Smiling Hearts Association for Children every day and spend times with those children . The Khmer teachers are very friendly , courageous and helpful . I have been teaching at Smiling Hearts for 3 weeks now and I really hope to come back on my next time in Siem Reap . The school is getting bigger and there is always more children coming . If you think staying in Siem Reap for a while , come and give a bit of your time to teach those children who really need it !!!
Love from Margot : )
I have been working at Smiling Hearts Association for Children ( SHAC ) for just over two weeks and have absolutely loved my experience so far . Every body is so lovely and welcoming and there is a great atmosphere in the school . The children are fantastic- well behaved , well mannered and extremely keen to lean . The rewards for teaching these children are great and they are so appreciative of every things . It is brilliant to see what has been achieved in just over a year and I can't wait to see what will happen over the next couple of months that I will be volunteering here .
Love Jenny . from UK
Hello , I'm Julien , I've taught in school before . It has been a refrying and eyes opening experience for me here . There is such as enthusiasm to bean amongst so many of these children . Thank you to Smiling Hearts for Children ( SHAC )
Juien
I have felt truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to share some time with a group of such beautiful and inspiring individuals. It has been one of the most fulfilling and special experiences I have ever had . My only regret is not having the time to stay longer ! Say to those of you traveling through Siem Reap , who wish to do something positive and rewarding , come down to Smiling Hearts Association for Children meet the Director , Staff and the Children you will not be disappointed . Thank you and farewell Aly and all at Smiling Hearts , Hopefully see you in 2012 .
Chris Coombes , Somerset , UK
Having never really worked in a school before , naturally on my first day I was quite nerves were unfounded as the children and staff were perfectly welcoming and a joy to be around what Aly has achieved is inspiring and I hope to return to the school in the future .
Clare Fearm, Somerset , UK
A firm believer that all children deserve a free high quality education , Volunteering to teach English at Smiling Hearts Association for Children was a no-brainer. My time teaching at SHAC has been the most rewarding experience during my time abroad . The school Director Aly is 100% committed to her students the staff is unbelievably friendly and the kids are an utter joy to be with everyday . Even if you can only offer a day or two of your time , I urge you to come down to Smiling Hearts and see the magic that happen here everyday . You won't regret it !!
Best, Sabastian , Turner . Evanston , IL USA
www.seaBassOnTheRoad.wordpress.com
I hadn't planed on doing volunteer English teaching on this trip but two and a haft weeks later I regretfully have to say good bye to Smiling Hearts and all of the smart kids and staff I've met . But I will return one day , as this has been one of the most full filling experiences of my life. I highly recommend Smiling Hearts Association for Children to any one who wants to help out and improve the lives of this children . You will not regret it .
Ryan Mosby
I am very happy to met Aly and the Teachers at Smiling Hearts and to be able to share in helping children to learn to speak and write in English . The Children are all so wonderful - helping and loving . I had not taught before and was a bit nervous , But I have learned and grown from the experience . I am glad to have had the opportunity to help and i will probably to come back to help again in the future . The School does a lots to help the children with minimal resources . I encourage other to give either their time or their money to help .
Gillian Corkery, Australia
To all of those people who are considering volunteer teaching work in Cambodia, I have spent the better part of a month volunteer teaching for Smiling Hearts School . And I can not express how rewarding it has been . It is amazing to see the amount of dedication and charity that goes into this program . The community is so welcoming , and the staff ad students are so supportive , that I can not imagine spending my time elsewhere . There are time when you are remember where these children come from , and it make your hart hurt . But it is also difficult to imagine that these beautiful kids who are so hungry to learn , so joyous and loving , could come from such tough backgrounds . It is inspiring to see their efforts, and it is truly special to be a part of their lives. The experience of knowing each of the children by name , knowing their character , what makes them laugh , and what makes them learn is amazing . When I speak to friends and family about any given student every things lights up . I will miss each of them dearly and only hope that others will help them as well . It is the most charitable thing I've done in my life and by far the most enjoyable volunteering experience I've had . Again , I can not express in words how special Smiling Hearts is for the community and how incredable it is to be a part of this wonderful program !!!
Steve from USA
Witnessing the work that Aly and her staff do everyday to create better lives for local children has been an incredibly inspiring experience . The enthusiasm of the students is equally as inspiring , and the classes are so much fun . I really look forward to teaching each day . It is so important that these children are exposed to English early on , as it sets them up to succeed later in life . I have been volunteering for two weeks now , and I only wish that we could have stayed longer . It will be hard to say good bye next week !! If you're interested in volunteering in Cambodia and want to be a part of a really effective project , I strongly recommend coming to SHAC !
All the best, Jill from USA
I have just completed one's month with Smiling Hearts Association for Children ( SHAC)and can honestly say it was one of the best experiences I have to date .It is a small school of consisting of 4 classrooms teaching from grade 1 to grade 4 and 130 children aged between 5 - 15 . On my first morning I have introduced to the 4 other volunteers and I have encouraged straight away to assist one of the fellow teachers with the morning class . The class times run from 9: 00 to 11:00 am with a 15 minute break in between and then classes resume again at 3:00 until 5:00 pm again with a short break in between . The first time I walked into th class I was pleasantly surprised at the politeness of the children and how wonderfully sweet they were . Ricky the other volunteer put me at ease straight away by guiding me through her methods of teaching so I quickly felt confident . Over the 4 weeks , I developed my own way which was often playing with new vocabulary in the 1st session and playing games in the 2nd session . I had a different group in the morning to the afternoon . After 4 days at the school , I was already starting to feel at home and building a fun and respectful relationship with my students . However , it was one the 4 th day that Aly took me through the register and explained the stories of some of the children and I must admit I felt very naive and humbled hearing this . I saw the children in a different light and felt different walking back into class . The children play happily and though their concentration can sometimes slip in the heat . they want to learn and they want to have fun . We did have lots of fun and laughter in my time with them and it is an experience I will never forget . I also appreciated the assistance of Aly's 2 Cambodian teaching assistants who had a sound grasp of English and were extremely helpful in bridging gaps in communication with the children and would also offer assistance any time I required it . I will certainly be returning to the school at some point in the future to see the progress of this young school and its students . I wish Aly and her team every success in making this a successful , positive and structured facility of the development of children who victims of HIV, Orphaned and / or are living in poverty .
Many thanks, Gemma
Volunteering at Smiling Hearts has been a hugely rewarding experience that i'd recommend to anyone of any age. The kids are full of energy and enthusiasm. The classrooms are very basic, but with the spirit the children bring, all you need is a good grasp of the English language, patience and the ability to improvise. Aly (The Director) is a wonderful woman who strives to provide all she can for the students. I will continue to support her cause after i leave as i think the work she's doing in Siem Reap is incredible.
Many Thanks,
Paul Burgum
Unfortunately I only allowed myself 2 weeks to teach at Smiling Hearts but I could have easily stayed here for another month. The school is very basic, but its the people/volunteers involved and the enthusiastic children are the ones who make this school such a great place. I have taught children in Australia before but this is a completely different experience, the children are full of energy and willing to learn anything you throw at them. I plan on continuing to support Smiling Hearts as the work that Aly and all the other volunteers do is so detrimental to the kids future. If you're thinking about doing this, then do it, you won't regret it.
Thanks for everything Smiling Hearts and I'll be back
Tom McNicol
