Reds10’s Aftercare Lead, Ryan Scholz, and Graduate Architectural Technologist, Sam Millard have recently returned from a two-week volunteering trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia. They were in Cambodia with Developing World Connections (DWC), a Canadian charity that connects individuals and resources through international community development.
In the outskirts of Siem Reap, families live in floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, making barely enough money to survive working in harvesting and fishing. Some families reside in wooden-framed homes along the riverbanks, while those without land often live in small boats on the river.
During their time in Cambodia Ryan and Sam were part of the DWC's 'Raise the Roof' programme which focuses on sustainable construction projects, working with other volunteers alongside local people, who were chosen by the host community.
The team joined forces to provide three floating homes to families in the area to boost their wellbeing, safety and security, with one of these families living outside with nowhere to call home.
Over the two weeks, the team built these homes from scratch. The work involved using heavyweight drills, adding rebar and bolts, painting timber, and making sure roofing nails were watertight. This was crucial, as Siem Reap receives an average of 1,470mm of rain per year. This was all whilst battling 30+ degree heat, adverse weather conditions and sickness.
Ryan, Sam and the other volunteers were welcomed and immersed in the community as they built these homes with local children watching their work and showing interest in the project.
The three homes were successfully delivered to families for whom a liveable home provides immeasurable impact. These secure homes not only support the families' prosperity at school and work but also help to break the cycle of poverty, benefitting the wider community.
Well done to Ryan, Sam and the rest of the team for this amazing work. Reds10 are proud of your commitment and dedication to providing life-changing opportunities to those in need.
"It was an experience like no other and all the hard work felt like nohing when we handed over the houses to the families. I am incredibly thankful and strongly recommend anyone to try something like this if they can".
Sam Millard, Graduate Architectural Technologist, Reds10
I would like to express my deepest thanks to Reds10 for allowing Sam and me to be part of this amazing project with DWC. It has been truly humbling and rewarding to collaborate with such a dedicated team in building and delivering floating river boat houses for families in need.
Witnessing the smiles on their faces and feeling their gratitude was overwhelming, and I am so proud to have contributed to making a difference in their lives. If you have never considered working on projects with DWC, I strongly recommend checking out the incredible work they do. The impact they have is truly life-changing".
Ryan Scholz, Aftercare Lead, Reds10