Bridge Builders: Takoda Cheng’s Journey from Visitor to Volunteer in Lavalla, Cambodia

Last December, Takoda Cheng of Marist Youth Ministry embarked on a meaningful volunteering experience with Bridge Builders. Having previously visited Cambodia as part of the MYM immersion program, Takoda was so deeply moved by what he witnessed that he felt compelled to return as a volunteer. During his time there, he taught English to local children - an experience he describes as truly beautiful. Read more about his experience.

When I decided that I would volunteer a month to teach English in Cambodia, my family were surprised to say the least. It would be many firsts for me: my first solo trip, my first volunteer experience and my first proud step into the greater Marist family outside of Australia. Originally, I thought I was just there to help the students develop their English proficiency, but as the days passed, I realised La Valla was much more than a school.

Class photo with Grade 3  

As time passed; the shared meals, games between classes and random fruit picking in the afternoons broadened my understanding of what it really means to attend La Valla and be part of the Marist family in Cambodia. 

The trip started with lots of introductions, new faces, a new language and a very warm welcome from the staff and students. I kept an open mind throughout my experience, giving me the opportunity to teach students from ‘The Village’ (an extension of La Valla supplementing students’ learning while attending the local high school). This led to a broad schedule, teaching students from Grade 3 all the way up to Grade 11 a variety of topics each week. Every classroom was filled with students with curious minds ready to learn each day, always grateful for the education and always aspiring to succeed.

Fun selfie wearing play props with students in Grade 5

After classes from 8am-4pm each day, they spent more time doing homework in the evening, in the mornings before school and sometimes on the weekend. All this work, on top of daily chores, I never heard as much as a sigh from anyone - just discipline, persistence, and smiles from cheek to cheek.

My favourite memories were made outside the classroom, where the students exuded even more energy. When school finishes for the day at La Valla, the students would rush back to their dorms and get ready for a swim. Once that pool gate opens, dozens of students, carrying floaties with them, jump into the pool and start splashing around - filling the air with screams of joy and laughter. At the same time, a volleyball game starts on the court with a mix of staff and students on different teams. In the evening, the students devour dinner and spend more time for other activities around the school until the sun goes down. The same goes for the older students at The Village, where soccer, volleyball and badminton were played after dinner.

I always loved joining in and playing sports everyday, not only because I loved sports, but the emotions, expressions and liveliness transcended the language barrier between the students and myself. 

Throughout my time in Cambodia, I felt part of the Marist family at La Valla - connecting with staff and students alike, becoming part of their lives. I felt a sense of belonging but also fulfillment each day, knowing that I was giving my all to the students - and I could tell they were enjoying my company with them as well. I admired how much they did each day; morning chores before school for 8 hours, followed by playing sports in the afternoon, helping the cooks prepare food and homework in the evenings.

I remember just standing in the dining room one night as the students were doing their homework, and just saw them heads down writing away. It then dawned on me that they were still kids. Most came from provinces hours away, studying and looking after themselves each day - while still contributing to the greater community at La Valla.

However, it only reinforced the familial characteristics and relationships at La Valla - how relationships were formed not by blood, but by living, eating, and learning together. 

I felt the teaching experience gave me a chance to step away from the constant hustle at home, letting me focus on the teaching and connections with the students. There was plenty of time each day to reflect about the thousands of things I did, with each day being unique from the last. The joy coming from the kids reinforced how important an education is, but also how to be grateful and make the most of each day.

It gave me a greater appreciation of my own fortunes, but also shaped my life aspirations to continue supporting others to receive an education. For my faith, I had the chance to go to Khmer mass - where students would always come along with us. While at the parish, others in the congregation would always sit with students and care for them - helping with hymns, giving food before we drove back and just smiling with them. Looking back, they were powerful moments where God’s love was expressed through altruism and kindness. 

I think the most inspiring thing for me were the conversations with Br Brian Kinsella, Br Alan Shelly, Kylene Fleming, Tony and Br Greg McDonald - all of which I will forever be grateful for. They guided me around the school when I first arrived but provided me even greater insight as a young Marist. Our dining area was a space where wisdom was shared - sometimes just before bed or during the students’ homework time in the evening.

I remember having a conversation about the mission of Marcellin and how La Valla truly achieved this - by providing an education to children with disabilities, some from poverty or difficult home lives. La Valla opened the gates of opportunity to a quality education as well as a chance for the kids to grow and flourish into the best versions of themselves.

As they sung with Tony, “We are the world. We are the children. We are the ones that’ll make a brighter day, so let’s start giving,” - they will be the ones to illuminate the world with love and joy.

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Words & Pics by Takoda Cheng