Cambodia Solar Project - Pre-installation Trip (Jun 2016)

As the 11th service learning trip to Cambodia since 2011, the project this summer not only sustained the relationship cultivated through previous trips between HKUST student community and the Cambodian children and youth, but also researched on how to introduce a solar panel system at two local underprivileged orphanages and other sustainable ways to support them. During this 7-day trip, participants visited Who Will Village, Wat Opot Children Community as well as Cambodian Children’s Fund Centre.

In preparation of the service trip, participants attended pre-trip and team-building workshops. Through these workshops, participants were able to learn more about the needs of the Cambodian children, sustainable energy, and solar system.  

On the first day, the team visited a local market to purchase materials as well as to get an insight into the local Cambodia culture and lifestyle. For day 2 onwards, the participants visited two children villages to collect data for installing solar panels. They measured the sun-light intensity, calculated the land area, studied the land use, and proposed their idea to the founders of two children villages. Also, they carried out interactive activities for the local children and workshops on sustainable energy to youth of Cambodian Children’s Fund. On the final day, the HKUST team also visited the Royal Palace and Genocide museum, furthering their understanding of the Cambodian religion, culture, history, as well as society. It was a perfect way to end the service learning trip to Cambodia.

The trip was definitely a life-changing experience for all participants. Some increased their awareness of the resources issue of Cambodia as well as our society, some started to appreciate and treasure the chances and resources that are easily accessible to them, some learned to venture out of their comfort zone and to explore other aspects of their lives, and others discovered their strengths and weaknesses. Most importantly, everyone gained a life-long memory and relationship with each other and the children of Cambodia.

The smiles on the children's faces assured that the participants' efforts and volunteering had paid off. To ensure that the Cambodia Service Learning Trip continues to improve, the participants are happy to share and pass on their experiences to the participants of the next trip, to propose a solar panel installation plan, and to launch a website to raise fund for two children villages. Even though the trip has finished, the will and passion to reinforce the betterment of Cambodian younger generations will never wither in the HKUST community.