Showing posts with label Appeal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Appeal. Show all posts
It has been such an incredible year at Journeys Within Our Community (JWOC) and we would like to share some of our most beautiful photographs with you. So much happens at JWOC in one year and we have done our best to capture the smiles and hard work that happens in the community.
READ MORE
Happy Holidays from everyone here at JWOC
Two years ago, JWOC ran a match appeal for Subscription Donations that raised over $10,000. This year, we’d like to beat that number! We are asking donors to set up a running donation which means JWOC can depend on your contribution each month. And better yet, your 12 month donation will become 13.
Communities around Siem Reap depend on JWOC to improve their economic situation and access needed services. Despite what we have accomplished together, there are more families and children who need our help. By becoming a Subscription Donor you help us keep our projects running.
READ MORE
Everyone in the JWOC family values our Subscription Donors and to show our appreciation one of our supporters has generously offered to match the first month, dollar for dollar, of every regular-giving pledge set up in March. That amounts to 13 months of donations for the price of 12 for each donor who participates!
 |
| These smiling students attend our free Computer Classes |
Look at what we were able to do in February, in part because of support from people like you:
-Hygiene training in three primary schools
-50 Home Gardens in two villages
-Our first micro-loan cycle of the year
-Over 35 JWOC classes that educate and build skills
 |
| Gourds growing in new Home Gardens |
We value each donation and will always strive to obtain the greatest possible benefit from each dollar you entrust to us. And remember, if you are an American tax-payer, $20 a month x 12 months equals an annual tax deductible charitable donation of $240.
Make a decision to become a JWOC Subscription Donor today! Click here to set up your monthly donation.
 |
| Children listen intently during a hygiene training session |
You can donate via PayPal by clicking the subscribe button or via Network for Good by checking the recurring donation box after following the link. You can select how much you want to give each month and you can change or cancel your gift at any time.
A little goes a long way in Cambodia. Many thanks to all of you who help us make a difference in peoples’ lives.
Happy New Year!
We've got four simple ways you can get involved and help raise funds for JWOC...
READ MORE
At JWOC we are excited about everything 2013 holds and we would like you to be a part of it – this year we're asking you to make a New Year’s resolution to get others involved and make your support go even further.
We've got four simple ways you can get involved and help raise funds for JWOC...1. Check if your employer will match your donation. Many do. There is a list of companies with established schemes here but it’s also worth checking directly – you might start something!
2. Write a review here. By writing a review you can help us find new donors. More and more people are using sites like GreatNonprofits.org to decide where to donate. Your reviews will let them know JWOC is a great choice.
3. iGive isn’t just for Christmas- they will give us money all year! By signing up to iGive you can raise funds for JWOC every time you shop online.
4. Spread the word by Liking and Sharing our posts on Facebook. With just a click you can help us reach new supporters.
We look forward to hearing from you in 2013!
With best wishes
The JWOC Team
P.S. If you’d like to make a pledge to donate directly you can sign up for a monthly subscription donation here. By donating each month you will provide great support to our ongoing projects.
Season's Greetings!
It’s December already and we’re counting down to the holiday season. This year JWOC has got four great ways to help you celebrate this time of giving while also helping communities in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
.JPG)
READ MORE
It’s December already and we’re counting down to the holiday season. This year JWOC has got four great ways to help you celebrate this time of giving while also helping communities in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
Find out more below- we’re certain you’ll find something that fits what you are looking for!
By choosing a JWOC Gift for friends and family, you are sending something special that not only shows you care but also helps our projects in Southeast Asia. From books to microloans there’s a range of giving levels to choose from.
We’ll send an e-letter, with a personalized message from you, to your recipient letting them know of the great gift you have chosen for them.
Just register with iGiveand buy your holiday gifts at any of its 1000+ participating stores and JWOC will receive a portion of the sales. There’s no cost to you and no cost to us- a real holiday win-win!
JWOC has set up a shop on redbubble. Featuring a collection of eye-catching pictures from our projects and the countries we work in our shopis a wonderful place to order prints and greeting cards.
After clicking on the picture you like you’ll see the options for ordering- from a postcard to a large framed print.
If you give via Crowdrise you get to design your own e-card to let your recipient know you’ve donated in their honor. You could choose a nice, festive portrait of yourself to adorn the front cover- like this one from Free Classes Project Manager Somit!
.JPG)
As hard as it is to believe, November is here again and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. For the first time in 10 years I am actually celebrating Thanksgiving here in the US, a strange experience after years of trying desperately to find a turkey dinner in Cambodia! The truth is that I’ve struggled to write this letter because living in California again I feel further from the amazing projects and daily inspiration of JWOC. Then I realized, this is how our donors and supporters feel!
It’s hard when I’m here to remember the villages that didn’t have clean water, but always had a smile; the scholarship students who every time they saw me ran up and told me about their latest accomplishment and the hundreds of students that flock into our school to study English, learn basic IT or just to read a book in our peaceful and clean library. Like everyone I’m consumed by my own kids’ lives, my work, getting dinner on the table and in the day- to-day business of life, and I forget the everyday struggle so many people face in Southeast Asia and the amazing work that JWOC does to help them better their lives.
This year alone we’ve brought clean water to 13,000 children in Siem Reap through our Clean Water for Schools initiative. We’ve had over 700 students a week pass through our gates and attend our classes or enjoy ourlibrary, we’ve given 36 new scholarships to studentswho otherwise would have no chance of going to university and expanding their horizons further than they or their parents ever imagined. All of our projects continue to grow in strength and impact communities in Cambodia, Laosand Myanmar.
Writing this I’m reminded of how proud I am of what we’ve accomplished. I say ‘we’ because without our donors Brandon and I would just have had an idea, nothing more, it’s because of you that we were able to take that idea and see it grow beyond what we ever thought possible!
This letter is a thank you to you and a heartfelt plea to also remember the communities JWOC is a part of. Like you I no longer have a daily reminder of the work we do for the people of Southeast Asia, but also like you, I’ve been touched by them, by their perseverance, by their gratitude and by their smiles. I look forward to going back and seeing first-hand all the work JWOC is doing, but for now, please join me in going online and donatingso our projects can continue and we can make a difference from afar.
Happy Thanksgiving and Many Blessings,
Andrea
JWOC Founder
P.S. If you are already thinking ahead to buying holiday presents, remember JWOC Gifts – they are a great way to show you care!
UPDATE: We have now received funding for all the items on the list! Thank you to everyone that donated and helped make Back to School a success.
.jpg)
Muang Nga Teacher packs- $20
Class set of mini-white board pens- $4
READ MORE
Back to School! This familiar phrase is all around us now, signifying the end of the summer vacation and the start of another school year!
For many parents and grandparents it’s a time of buying all that is needed for the new school year- books, uniforms, pens and more. This September we’re asking that alongside your regular purchases you also buy something for a child in Southeast Asia.
JWOC has a Back to School Wish List of things we need to help us give children the opportunity to learn and create. Take a look at the list here and see what you could donate.
2012 Back to School Wish List
.jpg)
Uniform set for a school child - $10
Uniforms are compulsory in the state schools in Laos, but the cost is prohibitive for many of those living in rural areas. By providing a uniform you are providing an opportunity to go to school. The set consists of two shirts or blouses and two skirts or trousers plus a pair of shoes.
`
JWOC Teacher sets - $14
JWOC’s Free Classes Project relies on its enthusiastic and committed teachers to be able to deliver free but high quality English and Computer classes. This teacher set provides our teachers in Cambodia and Laos with the basics they need to run their classes. Each set consists of 3 refillable board markers and ink, 1 board eraser, 1 folder to keep all the paperwork neat and a copy of the Teachers’ Book for the course they teach.
Muang Nga Teacher packs- $20 Limited government funding on education means public schools don’t always get the budget they need. These teachers’ packs make sure that the teachers at Muang Nga Primary School in Laos get at least the essentials so they can get started with their classes. Each pack consists of pens, markers, chalk, attendance books, report paper and other needed school stationary.
Class set of mini-whiteboards- $25
These mini-whiteboards help make language learning fun by providing scope for numerous interactive games and practical activities. These will be used in our Free Classes in Laos, enhancing the lessons of students of all ages and levels. Each set consists of 20 boards, pens and erasers.
Class set of mini-white board pens- $4 Last year we were fortunate to have sets of mini-white boards funded for our classes in Cambodia. This year we would like boxes of replacement pens so teachers can keep using the boards for fun and participative activities.
Visual aids kit- $25
Visual aids and props can really enhance a lesson, whether for children or adults. Tactical learners especially appreciate being able to handle the new vocabulary while role plays allow teachers to take situations out of the textbook and into real life. We would like to provide two kits for Muang Nga School to help our teachers teach and our students learn.
Class set of English course materials - $40
Being able to study English for free is an amazing opportunity for disadvantaged children living in Southeast Asia. JWOC’s Free Classes provide this chance to over 700 students. These sets of course materials provide our young students in Cambodia and Laos with their own copy of the textbook and workbook.
Complete set of language learning flashcards- $55
Flashcards help make lessons more interesting, interactive and fun, benefiting both our teachers and students. These complete sets cover all key vocabulary at each level we teach in Laos. The cards are in colour and laminated making them eye-catching and durable.
Reading and Drawing class materials - $100
Opportunities for reading and creative activities are very often lacking from the public school timetable due to the time constraints caused by having too few schools and teachers. JWOC’s Reading and Drawing Classes in Laos give children those opportunities. The set of materials consists of children’s books in the local language, colouring sheets, crayons, coloured paper, glue, scissors and more and will replenish the set bought last year. Mark your donation- Drawing
Toys for the library toy box- $100
Our library is getting more popular by the day and it’s time for some new toys. We would like to double our number of building blocks, add to our range of puzzles and introduce a few new soft toy characters. For children coming from some of the poorest households in town our library and its toy box are a wonderful opportunity to play and be creative.
Pre- School Mats - $60
The pre-school classroom at Muang Nga School in Laos is in need of a set of replacement floor mats. These mats make a comfortable and clean playing and learning area perfect for small ones attending the growing pre-school class.
CD Player - $35
Our school in Cambodia has been using the same CD players since it opened and a couple of them are now giving up on us! We need to replace them as being able to provide listening practice via the course CD is vital for our older students and for our younger students sing-along songs are a great way to learn.
Computer for lesson preparation -$450
Our scholarship student teachers running our Free Classes in Laos currently don’t have regular access to a computer, relying on the small number offered by the university or having to try to work in internet cafes. We would like to provide them with a dedicated laptop to allow them to prepare lessons and research teaching methodologies and resources online as well complete their university assignments.
5 hula-hoops - $25
Despite many children having not had the opportunity to use one before hula-hooping has become a huge hit at JWOC’s school in Cambodia! At any time of day you’ll find several children practicing their skills or inventing new moves. The hoops are also incorporated into learning activities and games in the library and kindergarten.
10 class sets of certificates- $15
In our Free Classes in Cambodia and Laos we award certificates to all students that successfully complete their English or Computing course. Receiving a certificate is a proud moment for all our students and for the adults it provides them with proof of a qualification they can use to help to apply for jobs. Recognizing their hard work and achievement spurs our students on to study well again in the future.
Thank you!
When I was at year 4 and5, I was lucky to get the scholarship from JWOC in order to continuing my education. I was very lucky and happy at that time. I am now graduating in August and I am going to find a job as a teacher in Luangprabang first. If I could not get a job here, I will return my hometown and work there. This is one of the problems I am thinking and deciding in order to get a good job.
As parts of my volunteer works at JWOC throughout two years, I could learn many new things as well. I could learn a lot about working, teaching and learning styles. It’s worth and valuable for me. I gained lots of new experiences from JWOC. Yes, I was lucky to have such a great opportunity to learn and develop myself. My learning-teaching improve as well as thinking because of JWOC. I compared everything in the old days and now. Everything changed.
Furthermore, my English also improved while I was volunteering at JWOC. I could meet and make new friends as well. JWOC supported me with great assistances especially the financial aids. From that time, JWOC is there for me throughout two years. Of course, JWOC is not only help me with financial aids, but also trained, taught me many new things that I never study before. I will never forget these things. Everything I got from JWOC is very useful and valuable for me.
Yes, I love my volunteer work very much even I had a tough time or work to do, but I never give up until the present time. I led the students to play games and we did arts and crafts differently each week. I also taught them Basic English as well. Of course, students like it very much. They are very motivated about learning. They are also curious to learn new things. I also went to the Big Brother Mouse organisation to study and develop myself . It’s good place to practice English face to face with English native speakers.
This weekend we are celebrating all of the JWOC scholarship students’ successes. I could have a great time and enjoy my last time meeting with everyone at JWOC. I am also sad to leave JWOC as well. I wish to express my true feeling to JWOC, sponsor and Lao Managing Director as well.
I would like to express my thanks, gratitude to JWOC that offered me a great opportunity, assistance and suggestions to me. I am very impressed about that.
I also would like to extend my sincere thanks, gratitude, and appreciation to my sponsors, Todd and Shiela for financial aids, suggestions, encouragement, support and sharing ideas and experiences in the email with me.I am deeply indebted to Nicole, the Lao Managing Director, who is supported, trained, taught me a lot of new things and great suggestions. I wish to express my thanks, gratitude to her that always encourage, motivate, and advise me throughout the time.
I think I would not be successful and graduate my education without your help mentioned above. I also hope I could not find these people anywhere else besides JWOC. I am very very happy!!! I am the one who is Lucky! I will never forget your generosity.
If you would like to change a life and sponsor a student, please take a look here to find out more.
As parts of my volunteer works at JWOC throughout two years, I could learn many new things as well. I could learn a lot about working, teaching and learning styles. It’s worth and valuable for me. I gained lots of new experiences from JWOC. Yes, I was lucky to have such a great opportunity to learn and develop myself. My learning-teaching improve as well as thinking because of JWOC. I compared everything in the old days and now. Everything changed.
Furthermore, my English also improved while I was volunteering at JWOC. I could meet and make new friends as well. JWOC supported me with great assistances especially the financial aids. From that time, JWOC is there for me throughout two years. Of course, JWOC is not only help me with financial aids, but also trained, taught me many new things that I never study before. I will never forget these things. Everything I got from JWOC is very useful and valuable for me.
Yes, I love my volunteer work very much even I had a tough time or work to do, but I never give up until the present time. I led the students to play games and we did arts and crafts differently each week. I also taught them Basic English as well. Of course, students like it very much. They are very motivated about learning. They are also curious to learn new things. I also went to the Big Brother Mouse organisation to study and develop myself . It’s good place to practice English face to face with English native speakers.
This weekend we are celebrating all of the JWOC scholarship students’ successes. I could have a great time and enjoy my last time meeting with everyone at JWOC. I am also sad to leave JWOC as well. I wish to express my true feeling to JWOC, sponsor and Lao Managing Director as well.
I would like to express my thanks, gratitude to JWOC that offered me a great opportunity, assistance and suggestions to me. I am very impressed about that.
I also would like to extend my sincere thanks, gratitude, and appreciation to my sponsors, Todd and Shiela for financial aids, suggestions, encouragement, support and sharing ideas and experiences in the email with me.I am deeply indebted to Nicole, the Lao Managing Director, who is supported, trained, taught me a lot of new things and great suggestions. I wish to express my thanks, gratitude to her that always encourage, motivate, and advise me throughout the time.
I think I would not be successful and graduate my education without your help mentioned above. I also hope I could not find these people anywhere else besides JWOC. I am very very happy!!! I am the one who is Lucky! I will never forget your generosity.
If you would like to change a life and sponsor a student, please take a look here to find out more.
In this post 2nd Year student Borey talks about his experience as a JWOC Scholarship Student and the difference his scholarship has made to his life. If you would like to help change a life this year please take a look at our FAQs page to find out more.
In 2007 I graduated the high school at Svay Rieng province and I came to Siem Reap to get a new job here. I hoped to study at the university because I didn't want to stop studying, but that time I had no money for study fee so I really needed help. In 2010 I found Journeys Within Our Community (JWOC) and I applied to be a scholarship student the first time in my life. The amount of applicants was over than 300, so I had no hopefulness I can get a scholarship. But I got a scholarship! I promised myself I must study hard and do everything to return JWOC and my sponsor.
In the foundation year, I knew the university and working as a volunteer at JWOC in Clean Water Project. I need to get all grade C up in order to get the scholarship. Fortunately, for Semester 1 I got all grade A and semester 2 I got A four and a B+ in five subject. My sponsor were very happy for that result because they knew that what they gave me is not useless.
During nearly two year in the Clean Water project I receive so much knowledge and experiences. I know how to work with people, how to communicate, group working, and I can share my knowledge got from JWOC to other people in my community and to the other people who do not or not yet getting to know.
In the foundation year, I knew the university and working as a volunteer at JWOC in Clean Water Project. I need to get all grade C up in order to get the scholarship. Fortunately, for Semester 1 I got all grade A and semester 2 I got A four and a B+ in five subject. My sponsor were very happy for that result because they knew that what they gave me is not useless.
During nearly two year in the Clean Water project I receive so much knowledge and experiences. I know how to work with people, how to communicate, group working, and I can share my knowledge got from JWOC to other people in my community and to the other people who do not or not yet getting to know.
JWOC told me about how to use the internet as before I do not know what is internet and what is email. JWOC changed me so much, at first I was a person with lack of skill or even can say no skill that cannot do anything for community or society, but now I become a new person that have everything - knowledge and experience from the university and from JWOC. I am very very happy when I can see the smiling of my parents because they do not have enough money for me to study at university. I would like to say "Thanks" to my sponsor and JWOC also that chose me to get a scholarship and give me what I need the most in my life. I am so happy!!!
Every month our scholarship students write to their sponsors to update them on what they have been doing in their studying, jobs, family and volunteering. For the students' sponsors it is a lovely way for them to learn more about their student's life and country.
In this post we share some excerpts from their emails so you can also learn more about our Scholarship Programme and the students we support.
READ MORE
In this post we share some excerpts from their emails so you can also learn more about our Scholarship Programme and the students we support.
Bouakham- "In my English class, I always use games which I have learnt from JWOC in my teaching. Students love them very much because it helps them to relax and not stress when they are learning English. Therefore, it helps them to learn English well especially English vocabulary. Using my new skills I have opened a small English class and taught English for free for students."
Bopha-"My most joyful time this month is working at Art Class. The children are great. They are likely coming to JWOC by themselves. That says that they really like Art Class activities and understand about its benefits. They dare express their ideas and their feeling to others. They learn to do things by themselves with less help. And the most important point I would like to share, they are more aware of their responsibilities on the environment. I am very appreciated of them. "
Savin- "JWOC have good workshop a lot. Yesterday I joined one-it is so good. I wish you good luck, good health, good happiness and get successful in your work. Sending love from Cambodia!"
Mengty- "Last month after I finished my final exam at university, I went to my homeland with my friends to meet my family. I was feelings very happy when I met them, because I didn’t meet them many months ago. They asked me a lot about my living in Siem Reap and my studying at here also, especially my mother. She always told me that “you must study hard to get a bright future”, and motivated me to put effort to studying."
Bopha-"My most joyful time this month is working at Art Class. The children are great. They are likely coming to JWOC by themselves. That says that they really like Art Class activities and understand about its benefits. They dare express their ideas and their feeling to others. They learn to do things by themselves with less help. And the most important point I would like to share, they are more aware of their responsibilities on the environment. I am very appreciated of them. "
Savin- "JWOC have good workshop a lot. Yesterday I joined one-it is so good. I wish you good luck, good health, good happiness and get successful in your work. Sending love from Cambodia!"
Srey Ney - "This week I went to the old village for check the filter that we take to them a few months ago and asked them about the result before and after they used the filter. The answer from them is the good result because before they never understand about the important clean water and they always sick in their family because they never care about the hygiene and how they use the water. But after we went to the village and teach them about the hygiene and how to use and importance of the filter. Now they get the knowledge more than before about hygiene and activity they do every day. I’m so happy when I hear like this."
If you would like to sponsor a student you can donate online or by check, marking your donation ‘scholarship’. We ask you make a 4 year commitment to your student. If you are able to send sponsorship for the full four years that is wonderful, but don’t worry if not, you can donate for each year individually ( $500). Please make your donation before 31st August to make sure we can match you with a student for this coming academic year.
I look forward to welcoming you as a new sponsor and introducing you to your student in September!
