| Well, where do I begin? Before I came to Cambodia and Vietnam, I had some knowledge about “Giving It Back To Kids” and expected that I may shed a few tears, become emotional now and then, and maybe feel a little sad. BUT, how wrong can one be!!! |
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| It hit me on those first few days in Cambodia, visiting ‘New Hope Home‘ then to Marlene and Vera’s Homes the following day. Once I heard some of their shocking, yet honest, tragic stories of where they had come from and of how now, they are able to turn their lives around with educational opportunities, stability and love, gives me feelings of hope and admiration for these young men and young women. With compassion, empathy and understanding of the GIBTK team, I feel excitement for their futures ahead. |
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| So for me, I shed more than just ‘a few tears’ witnessing the massive challenges in overcoming obstacles with perseverance, to achieve their goals and dreams. Something else I was able to observe and was extremely impressed by was the Wheelchair Program (in Vietnam) which was particularly close to my heart coming from a background in nursing and care giving. The look of absolute delight on these women’s faces, once they were presented with their new wheelchairs, was pure joy and happiness. |
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| The first lady we visited was a 93 year old amputee, who hadn’t been able to mobilise outside of her home, for many years, to visit a market or the local shop. The elation at regaining some independence will be priceless to her |
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| The second lady had a dilapidated, rusted old wheelchair that definitely needed replacement. She will be putting the new chair to good use as she goes about her daily tasks of cooking, washing, cleaning etc., with more ease. Not only will she have greater independence, it will increase her emotional well-being. |
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| What a wonderful experience to watch how the mobility and freedom of the wheelchairs will change their lives. To know that over 206,000 wheelchairs have been distributed in Vietnam is a fabulous achievement. |
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| We had the chance to see so many different facets of the amazing work of Giving It Back To Kids, and I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to be part of it. As I said earlier, how wrong could I have been, but how glad I am that my expectations were so far exceeded! |
| “We highly appreciate you and thank you for transforming lives” |
| Robert Kalatschan Giving it Back to Kids www.gibtk.org |
