AP Volunteer News

Lani Warsh - Lani, a trained Pastry Chef, joined AP in January 2010 from Toronto, Canada. She took on the critical role as our first Intern. Lani was instrumental in implementing our Community Outreach program and developed strong and trusting relationships with the families of AP residents. Lani had a great time teaching the intermdiate English class about different cultures around the world and even gave them a cooking lesson! We thank Lani for over four months of dedication and invaluable support to the residents, staff, and community members of AP. We will miss you dearly, Lani.

Michael Johns and Kepi Roberts - Mick and Kepi are from Tasmania, Australia and are currently living in the volunteer apartment next door to AP. Mick is our second Intern and will focus on our Community Outreach program. He is working closely with Makara, AP Program Coordinator, to increase AP's efforts to help our community members in need. Kepi is guiding our 5 film program graduates in creating a documentary video about Aziza's Place. She has a degree in Film Theory and Film and Television Production and is excited to work with the children on this project. Mick is teaching our advanced English class and Kepi is teaching the intermediate level. When they aren't at AP, you can find them cruising on their new motorcycle or braving the mid-day heat playing tennis. Mick and Kepi, we are so happy to welcome you.

Davina Clay- The kids at AP were ecstatic to see Davina back in Cambodia in April. Though many of the kids were away for Khmer New Year, Davina had a chance to hang out at AP and take a field trip to the swimming pool. She first volunteered at AP in the beginning of 2009 and took on helping to establish the Aziza Foundation UK when she returned to the UK. The UK Foundation focuses on funding Aziza's Place and upcoming projects in Cambodia. Davina is now the Finance and Administration Manager at the Aziza Foundation UK, take a look at the Foundation's work here.

To all of our past, present, and potential volunteers- don't forget to keep in touch on our Volunteer Blog

Volunteer Highlight - Davina Clay

Davina Clay joined us in February from Outreach International, a volunteer organization based in England. She was a sales representative before discovering a hidden talent for teaching at Aziza’s Place. Davina has been doing an incredible job creating unique lessons plans and engaging her students in fun and interactive ways. We all know which is the fun class at AP.



Davina Clay
Age: 25
Originally from: Bath, England
Living in: London, England
Occupation: sales representative
Fun Fact: Davina is glad she came in the dry season. She’s sick of rain (England).


What brings you here? What is you motivation to come
I wanted to help children learn that if they want something and are willing to work for it, there are opportunities out there - no matter what your background. I also wanted to challenge myself and learn about different cultures.

I was working in London in quite a challenging role which was starting to take its toll. I watched a programme on television about young children who were branded as witches. It was the most harrowing programme I have ever watched. The next day I went into work and realised that I can do something different, I can help in my own small little way so I left my job and came to Cambodia.

What are you doing at AP?
I am teaching English - Grade 3 and I love it!

What preconceived ideas of Cambodia did you have before that have been changed since being here?
I didn't realise quite how western the city had become - not in the culture and values but in terms of local amenities. I didn't expect so many people to speak English.

What’s your favorite memory at AP?
There was a thunderstorm while I was teaching my lesson. I teach in an outside courtyard section of the building which was sheltered but still ‘at one’ with the elements! Suddenly there was the loudest thunder I have ever heard and it sounded as if it was a meter above our heads. I looked down to my class and four out of five of them had leapt from their seats and run inside screaming! It was by far the funniest thing I have seen here, they were so quick and then just started laughing. When they returned we saw frogs hopping across the water – that was a bit unexpected as well.

What advice would you give to new volunteers?
Plan your lessons well and always have back ups. Always start the lesson with something really fun, and make the rest as interactive as possible.

What is something unique about where you come from?
Where I come from many of the buildings are hundreds of years old. They are preserved well and look really pretty. Everything is very green and there are lots of cows, they are very different from the cows here though.


After AP, Davina is planning to move back to Bath, England with her parents before working again in London.She’s also hoping to help out the Aziza Foundation UK with fundraising events and other administrative tasks.