EveryChild
4 Bath Place
Rivington Street
London
EC2A 3DR
T +44 (0)20 7749 2468
F +44 (0)20 7729 8339
Danny Icke's visit to Cambodia
Danny Icke travelled to Cambodia to meet the little boy he sponsors.
The miracles of Cambodia
I've always considered myself lucky to be able to sponsor a child so I was delighted when the opportunity arose for me to meet the little boy I sponsor in Cambodia.
It wasn't my first time in Cambodia, I'd been there as a backpacker a few years earlier. I'd seen with my own eyes what a beautiful country it was and felt the kindness and hospitality of the Cambodian people " but I'd also seen the poverty firsthand too.
I remember one particular girl who was scavenging on Phnom Penh's rubbish dump. She was around six years old, dirty and heart-achingly skinny. Her sad eyes reflected her desperation and resignation. It was a meeting that touched me in a profound way. Something inside me changed that day.
Things are bad - but there's always hope
It would be easy to become despondent with the situation, but luckily there are people out there with more fortitude than that. Things are bad, but they're far from helpless thanks to organisations like EveryChild and their local partner SCADP (Street Children Assistance and Development Programme). During my visit to the project, I felt privileged to witness some of the exciting work being done by these fantastic organisations.
I drove through the community I'd read so much about, exchanging smiles with the locals and, best of all, I was able to visit the children who benefit from the support of EveryChild and their sponsors. I was delighted to be able to give £ 1,000 " which was kindly donated by my company, A J Bell Group " to the Prey Veng Child and Community Project.
It was exhilarating meeting Ratha
Without doubt the most exhilarating moment was meeting the young boy that I sponsor, Ratha, and his family. We met at the village school amongst a class full of children. He was not used to being in the spotlight and clearly found all the attention a little bit daunting. However, seeing the other children happy and excited helped Ratha to relax a little more.
Although it had not come instantly there was a fragile bond developing between us. I tried not to push him or scare him away having decided early that the best policy was to let him come to me in his own time. Slowly but surely we were starting to connect, establishing a relationship that will grow through the years. Now when we exchange letters they will always evoke memories of the day we met in Cambodia, that shy little boy and his cheeky smile.
The exciting thing is that it's all so achievable. A series of little miracles and chain reactions are changing lives and communities. I honestly can't think of a more rewarding way to spend just 50p a day. Not only does it make a big difference to the child you sponsor, but it is good for your soul too.
If you are interested in learning more about going on a visit, please email our Sponsorship Team or call them on 020 7749 2480.