Another year has come to an end and I would like to use this moment to thank all supporters and donors of Thomlang – Cambodian Youth Support. Thanks to you, we are able to look back on an amazing third year in action! We were able to see some of our students graduate from university, language or vocational school, while also welcoming a number of new students and families in need into our organization to support them in their everyday lives.
Click through our 2024 photo dump with a bunch of never-before posted pictures!
This year, I was once again able to spend time on-site in Cambodia, even though it was one of my shortest stays of just three weeks due to work obligations in Austria. The schedule was insanely packed, trying to meet everyone and give them the time and attention that they deserve in this short time. These trips to Cambodia are still of huge importance, as this is the time when my students and I can not only see each other through a screen but actually spend valuable time together in person. Even though many of them are already becoming more mature and independent, our relationships have grown so incredibly deep and meaningful throughout the past twelve years, that I struggle to really put them into words. My stays in Cambodia are always real highlights for everyone involved because they do not only include meetings with our students to discuss their progress and the next steps in their studies or professional life, and home visits to check in on all the families we support, for example through the distribution of food donations or school supplies, and to listen to their current needs, but also leisure activities.
The Making Of:
The Result:
These free time activities are often activities that our students would not be able to afford, but give them an insight into the rapidly developing urban life in places like Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville and ultimately create new memories for us as a “family” to bond and look back on. This year, for example, we had a few dinner parties at Phnom Penh’s all-you-can-eat buffets, movie theater nights to watch the latest Khmer-produced movies or picnics at the beach. These are the moments in which our students can escape the struggles, stress, and worries, decompress, and enjoy life for a minute.
Just like in the years before, I arrived just in time for Pchum Ben, one of the two biggest Cambodian holidays. Since many of our students do not have a traditional familial background in the form of parents or other close relatives, some feel particularly lonely on national holidays. Therefore, it has become one of our traditions that we spend these days together, going to the pagoda during the day to partake in Cambodian customs, and throwing a big party with dinner and karaoke at night.
I am also extremely grateful for the fact that our donations have been consistently increasing and the group of people who show interest in the lives of our students and the success of our projects is growing – we currently reach 6,500 people from all over the world with our posts and videos through social media and our kids receive words of encouragement from across the globe from New Zealand all the way to California.
Now we are looking ahead to a new year, per usual full of motivation and joy to be able to continue to support our many members in their everyday lives and in their personal development. There will be some new university enrollments, language school courses, as well as families in need who will receive our help, and I will definitely be making one, if not two, on-site visits.
Until then, I would like to thank you all again for your loyal support and wish you a Happy New Year!
Best wishes, Julian
! No donations are used for travel expenses, leisure activities, or dinners !