Green Gecko Project :: 2005-2025

19/08/2025

We are saddened to share the passing of our much-loved friend and benefactor, 𝗥𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗠. Richard was one of those 𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗲, 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗯𝘆 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘁. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering belief in others transformed lives in ways we will never be able to measure. For 15 years, he and Joanna stood beside our Green Gecko family — as our greatest supporters, strongest believers, and staunchest allies. With their faith in us, we found the courage to reach for goals that felt inconceivable.

Because of Richard – Joanna and Jarvis Ford – vulnerable children who once begged and slept on the streets of Siem Reap now walk proudly through the halls of universities, ministries, and hospitals. They are graduates, doctors, architects, social workers, and community leaders, thriving, contributing, and giving back to their communities. Richard and Joanna’s 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗚𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, every milestone, every smile.

But Richard’s true legacy isn’t only in the projects he made possible. It is in the values he lived by and passed on to us all — 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. He showed us what it means to live and give with an open heart. The ripples of his goodness will continue to flow through every life he touched — not only here in our Gecko family, but across communities and organisations worldwide.

To us, Richard was never just a benefactor. 𝗛𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆. A guiding light. A role model. A man who gave quietly, deeply, and consistently, without ever seeking recognition — and in doing so, left an indelible mark on us all.

Rest peacefully, dearest Richard. Your light will shine on through the generations you lifted up. As we have always said… “𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝘆.”

I know I may have gone overboard with this album, but I wanted to gather as many memories of Richard as possible — and to share the children’s words of gratitude, along with the intimate blessing they held for him when they heard the news that has stunned and broken hearts all over the world.

𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 to Joanna, the Collins family, everyone at Jarvis Ford, and to the many friends and charities around the world who were touched by Richard’s love and generosity.

07/08/2025

Last week, I received a message that stopped me in my tracks.
It simply said:
“𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱,” (emotional emoji)
…alongside a screenshot of a young man delivering much-needed goods to people in crisis.

I looked at the photos and had to do a double-take.
Why is my friend sending me a photo of Rem?
But it wasn’t Rem — it was our Gecko son 𝗦𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗺.

In the face of devastation and displacement brought on by the recent war, here Sottoum was — gathering resources, inspiring others, and mobilising his community into action. Just like his Gecko dad, Rem — our very own Captain Crisis — had done with the kids, time and time again.

And although the resemblance was undeniably striking — seen in these pics of then and now — this time, the humanitarian efforts weren’t under the Green Gecko banner by former streets in colourful t-shirts. They were carried out through the 𝗞𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗞𝗣𝗣𝗔), where Sottoum was recently elected President — and under his leadership, they were doing all they could.

Instead of calling for foreign aid, Sottoum's message went out to his fellow Cambodian farmers — a powerful call for solidarity between brothers and sisters, countrymen and women, standing up for each other.

He organised.
He did the heavy lifting.
And he delivered the support with his own hands, directly to those supporting the front line.

He also kept his community informed every step of the way — every riel (dollar) spent, every item bought — Sottoum conducted himself with the same honesty, accountability and integrity he was raised with at Gecko.

So yes, my friend, I can see what 𝘄𝗲 created.
Because 𝘄𝗲 have always been big believers that:

💚 Role modelling matters.
💚 Education matters.
💚 Compassion matters.
💚 Community matters.

While we may have helped plant the seed… it was a global village that raised these kids.
And it’s 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 — not just for themselves and their families, but for their communities and their country too.

🙏 If you’d like to join us in supporting Sottoum’s ongoing humanitarian efforts, our fundraising page is still open and offering the same tax deductions. https://www.greengeckoproject.org/flex/donate-online/46/1 We'll ensure every dollar received is passed on to Sottoum’s frontline relief program.

To see this inspirational story unfold:
📎 Sottoum’s original post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CSEbeKobe/
📎 His follow-up update: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B8y93k531/

𝗦𝗼 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝘀𝗼𝗻.
We may have passed the baton… but it is you that has grabbed it with both hands.
No one could ask for more. ❤️

20/03/2025

@'Success beyond success' is when you stumble upon one of your Green Gecko kids being celebrated as a success story by another esteemed organization!

A big thank you to Spean Chivit for making such a positive impact in our community, for welcoming Kim Miet into your fold and giving her the platform to truly shine! 🌟

"SUCCESS STORY: Youth Leading Youth
This is what it's all about – empowering young people to empower other young people.

Kim Miet has been a regular participant with us for nearly three years, especially during her final year of school when she would come in to study and connect with friends.

With a passion for animals, Kim has dedicated countless hours to volunteer work with organizations like Paw Patrol Cambodia and World Vets, and she also works as an assistant at a veterinary clinic.

This week, we had the privilege of inviting Kim to speak with our Future Focus group about animal welfare. Her talk resonated deeply with our community unit, showing how animal welfare plays a key role in understanding broader community well-being."

Full story: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DzdEP8vjq/ 🙏 Sam Walker

We're so proud of you, Kim Miet! 💚🦎

28/09/2024

⭐️ From the STREETS of Siem Reap to the COUNCIL of MINISTERS and CENTRE STAGE with the PRIME MINISTER ⭐️

Anyone who knows Gecko is going to know Kim Suan. She was the bubbly, wide-eyed, talkative kid who shared her story - and the story of her Gecko siblings - in our video 14 years ago. At the end of it, sitting in a rice field proudly wearing her Gecko T-shirt, she confidently declared that she dreams of having her own NGO “to help other beggar children change their lives, just like me.”

But this week, Kim Suan blew us out of the stratosphere by not just reaching that dream but surpassing it in ways NONE of us could’ve EVER imagined. She graduated TOP OF HER CLASS with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from the Royal University of Law and Economics. And to top it off, she received her diploma from none other than the PRIME MINISTER of Cambodia, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet 😮😁

Too many tears to find the right words to describe ‘the feels’ we’re all feeling right now. Suffice it to say when I told Kim Suan it was like being on Cloud 9, she replied, “No, Mum, WAY higher than that!”

With her outstanding dedication, achievements, and results, Kim Suan caught the attention of her lecturers and Professor. On a surprisingly less-travelled path, she transitioned from university student to Assistant to the Senior Minister and Chairman of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council in Cambodia’s cabinet in a blink of an eye. For the past year, she has been working alongside the country’s dignitaries, leaders, and lawmakers and continuing to impress with her dedication and diligence.

Can we please just STOP and let that sink in for a moment… 🤔🤯

I’m crying - crying because I’m happy, crying because I’m proud, and crying because I’m completely overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible opportunities afforded to Green Gecko by our donors, friends and partners, who gave us the courage and security to encourage our kids to shoot for the moon…and in Kim Suan’s case... way beyond. 🥹😭

The icing on the cake, for me - other than seeing our girl in her cap and gown - was sharing stage side with Kim Suan’s mother, sister, and Kate. It was an honour and a privilege to cry, laugh and beam with pride together. The whole event was an indescribable experience that not only reflected the deep relationships we've forged with our families but the boundless empowerment we’ve bestowed upon our kids. 🦎💚

I honestly don’t know how it gets better than this.

So, WE APPLAUD YOU, dear Kim Suan. Today, yesterday, and tomorrow, we give you the standing ovation you deserve. 👏👏👏

22/05/2024

To ALL of our AMAZING Gecko VOLUNTEERS! ⭐️
As National Volunteer Week unfolds in Australia, we want to acknowledge, celebrate and express our heartfelt Gecko gratitude to each and every one of you who volunteered with Green Gecko Project. Our kids often say, "We wouldn't have this day without Gecko," but we know that Gecko wouldn't have this day either without our friends, donors, and VOLUNTEERS!

Since 2005, your passion, energy, and commitment have helped our kids become the fabulous, well-rounded rockstars they are today… and no doubt helped Rem and I survive this wild ride.

To all the volunteers around the world who shaved their heads, jumped out of planes, ran marathons, made pickles, dressed in green, hosted high teas, sizzled sausages, and countless other ‘fun’tastic ideas they came up with to ‘fun’draise for us.

🙏WE THANK YOU!

To all the volunteers who (literally) sweated it out at Gecko Central, introducing our kids to hundreds of interactive lessons that sparked their curiosity and broadened their minds. From song-writing to spaghetti bolognese, teeth brushing to tye-dying, hula hoops to hairdressing, swimming to s*x education, circus to CPR, cycling to recycling, drama to DJing, beatboxing to breakdancing, papier mache to pirate hunts… you gave them you’re all.

🙏WE THANK YOU!

Whether you were with us for three months, three years, or 13+ years, your love, energy, and dedication have shaped our kids into who they are today.

On behalf of our Gecko kids, families, crew, and donors,

🙏WE THANK YOU!

You are the pebble throwers who helped create the ripple effect of goodness that our kids now carry on, inspiring them to be their best selves and make a difference in the world. Just as you did in theirs.

From us to you, forever and ever.

🙏WE THANK YOU! - AWKOON CHIRAN!

PS: If you're a past Gecko volunteer, please share your memories with us in the comments below. Let us know what year you joined us, how long you stayed, and what activities you remember doing with the kids (there were too many to mention them all above!). We'd love to take a trip down memory lane with you. If you have any photos of yourself with the kids, please post them too! We're sure the kids would love to see you again and reminisce about the good times you shared together!

28/04/2024

Many of you may remember seeing posts about ‘Bepsi’ – our fun angel – and the valuable lessons and opportunities she brought to the Geckos with her infectious enthusiasm and dedication to all things health and happiness.

Upon her passing, Bepsi left the Betsy Scholarship Foundation to encourage, empower and support Geckos and Safe Haven Medical Outreach staff to embark on careers which will continue to improve the health and well-being of their Cambodian community.

We're over the moon to already see the impact of Bepsi's love and generosity unfolding. Meng Houy, one of our former Tiger Club kids, is now thriving in his third year of medical school at the University of Puthisastra. Coming up to Siem Reap for Khmer New Year – on the very few DAYS OFF he has all year - Meng Houy asked if he could hold a CPR/Choking workshop with our younger Geckos … “just like Bepsi did, Om Kate.”
⭐️
WOW, um, YES, of course!
☺️
Oh, how our Gecko hearts swelled with pride… as I am sure they did in heaven!
😇
Well done, Meng Houy, for ensuring that Dr Betsy’s values, spirit and legacy continue to shine in - and through - our Gecko family for generations to come.
💛

26/03/2024

“𝙒𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛-𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚 …. 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙪𝙥.”

“𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚.”

“𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚. 𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙥 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙖 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙘.”

These are just some of the encouraging comments our Geckos garnered from their recent Youth Leadership course at Possibilities World… and you guessed it… we couldn’t be prouder.

𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 is Cambodia’s leading personal and professional development trainers and facilitators, and for the past decade, we have had the privilege of working, learning and growing with them. They have created exciting programs for our Gecko staff, parents and kids to engage in experiential initiatives, critical thinking activities and communication exercises to deepen empathy and promote solutions-based approaches for all of us.

Recently, our remaining group of Young Adults had their turn! They attended a custom-made 2-Day Youth Leadership Workshop, focussed on self-esteem, strong leadership qualities, teamwork skills, and financial literacy. What we love about working with Possibilities World is that our Geckos are being mentored and trained in their own language by strong Khmer role models who know and understand their culture, challenges and traditions.

This time, we extended the invitation to the youth of REACH Siem Reap, a like-minded NGO we admire and support. By having REACH students in the workshops, our Geckos were challenged to learn and use these skills in a way that they would in the real world with peers and people they don’t necessarily know, with their wider community… not just with their Gecko siblings.

The feedback we received about the kids' participation made our hearts glow… even the quieter ones of the group shone in their own ways. It reassured us that even though our youngest – tiger club kids – didn’t experience the challenges and struggles that made our original Geckos so tenacious… they still have what it takes to be positive members in society and potential changemakers for Cambodia.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱, for the last 10 years of partnership. Your wonderful teams have been an integral part of our Gecko Family's growth. We know that your skills, mentorship and role modelling will be an everlasting gift.🎁

For more warm and fuzzies - including feedback from the kids in their own words - please read on.

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱:
“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘸𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦.”

“𝘈 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘏𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴, 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘧𝘶𝘭.”

“𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥”

“𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦. 𝘏𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭. 𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘺𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘺.”

𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗼𝘀:
“They taught me to be more courageous know myself better, dare to face before anything, and taught me to be a good leader.”

“They teach us a lot about helping be united and I felt safe and cozy.”

“I am happy to study PW because it works well and it is different from other projects I have studied before because it teaches me how to save money, get rid of anger and how to do good things as a team.”

“…the best things that I love in this course is about walking out from my comfort zone and they also keep remind me that ‘learning by doing’”

“PW Workshop is important to me because : - it teaches me a lot about being a Leader - I learn how to work as a team - sharing experience and knowledge - knew how to know people's color - meeting new people - knew how to save money - Learn about meditations - sharing stories - learn about STAR model - learn about SUPER HEROES POSE ...... Now I can change myself : - stop stay in silence places - able to join other activities - stop being nervous too much and shy - know how to speak with people outside - save a little money every Month”

13/09/2023

10 YEARS AGO TODAY, I had the absolute honour of receiving the Order of Australia AM Award from Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO.
🏅
As I said back then, although my name is printed on the certificate and engraved on the medal, they are not mine alone. I proudly and justifiably share them with Rem and our dedicated, loyal and committed crew. I also share them with every donor, volunteer, fundraiser, friend and family member who has supported us on our phenomenal journey.
🏅
Above all else, I share them with our incredibly courageous, dedicated and compassionate kids, who are – and continue to be - the real heroes in this story, our lives and being awarded this level of recognition.
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https://bit.ly/3rkKxRI

It's 13th of September 2013 and Rem and I are at Government House Canberra.

My heart pounds while I wait silently for my turn to enter the Drawing Room. As the Governor General’s Secretary reads my name I step forward through the double doors and stand reverently as my citation is read. I am now in the presence of Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO and a room full of incredible and distinguished Australians who have dedicated themselves to exemplary service in their chosen fields and endeavours; I feel like I'm in a dream.

The second mention of my name and appointment is my cue to walk to the front and centre of the room to face the Governor General. Her Excellency warmly and personably speaks to me of our work in Cambodia and as she awards me the Member of the Order of Australia medal, I feel immensely humbled and honoured to be here on behalf of my Gecko family.

Although my name is printed on the certificate and engraved on the medal, they are not mine alone. I proudly and equally share them with Rem, with our committed crew, every volunteer and donor, fundraiser, friend and family member who have supported us on our amazing journey. And above all else, I share this with our incredible kids, who are the real heroes in our lives.

31/08/2023

The moment when you read a line like this...
"...𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆!"
and you realise they are talking about a Green Gecko kid!

🥹 HAPPY TEARS 😭

“It is such an honor to share information about Physiotherapy and promote Safe Haven with high school students. We are really grateful that the high school students know more about physiotherapy” Kimkhoun, Safe Haven Physiotherapist.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗞𝗶𝗺 𝗞𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗻 WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!
💙(the smiley female Physiotherapist in blue!)

🙏Thank you Safe Haven Medical Outreach for the invaluable work you do.

17/08/2023

Over these past 18 years, there has been no denying what fighters our Geckos have proven to be. Our original 70+ kids remember life on the streets and all the struggles and darkness that it entailed. These 70+ kids demonstrated courage and determination beyond belief and are now reaping the rewards of their hard work.

Jump to 2013 when 30+ younger siblings – Terrific Tigers – joined the Geckos. Although they were from the same families, they were different. They had – credit to Gecko and their families – not been as privy to the adverse effects of living and working on the streets, nor the ‘challenges’ their older siblings had endured. Through the success of Gecko’s Sustainable Family Program, their formative years were more stable; they grew up like ‘normal’ kids where education, hygiene and nutrition were a given, not a privilege. They felt safer and more secure and had the opportunity to have a childhood.

Their older Gecko siblings – through pure grit and fire-in-the-belly - trailblazed a smoother path for them, and now it is their turn to show us what they're made of.

This is where our new GECKO GAP YEAR was born.

The concept is that all of our Grade 12 Graduates will be supported to experience different employment and/or volunteering internships for one year before they enter Tertiary Education. Unlike their predecessors, our students are now ‘age appropriate’ with their peers and have many more career options available to them. With more courses opening up every year, the choices can be daunting.

The GECKO GAP YEAR offers our Grade 12s the freedom to explore, discover and make choices with new ideas and life skills without the pressure of ‘needing’ to earn an income while doing so. Our ultimate goal is that a year of self-discovery will ignite their burning passions and create a positive path for the next leg of their exciting journey.

We are blessed to have so many compassionate community partners within Siem Reap who are giving our Grade 12 Graduates a chance to see what living in the ‘real’ world is like. Although not compulsory, some of our Grade 12s are even receiving a small salary for the first time, helping them understand what it feels like to spend and save their own money and be proud of their hard work to get that paycheck every month.

A big thank you to our ‘GAP YEAR VILLAGE’ for 2023: Safe Haven Medical Outreach, Treehouse International School Siem Reap, The Village bakery and cafe, Angkor Hospital for Children, Alchemy Movement & Wellness, UFO STORE - Siem Reap, and Bambujaya Bilingual School for helping us open the world to our Geckos.

Congratulations, Grade 12ers, for making us and your families proud. We are loving seeing you blossom in your new roles and can't wait to see how your gap year adventure unfolds.
👏👏👏

23/07/2023

Our long-time Gecko friend, supporter and cheerleader extraordinaire - Tori Higgins - has never waivered or even slowed down in her enthusiastic support, praise and acknowledgements of the Gecko family in all these years.

Today Tori posted a fb memory of a video clip from Centre for Musical Arts captioned “Children’s voices from Dubai and Cambodia uniting together with a Cat Steven’s song!”

For many years – through Tori’s introduction – Tala, Brian, and their gifted staff volunteered in their holiday break to teach our Geckos music. As you can see, they brought so much joy to our family, and this video - now 8 years old – has brought so many wonderful memories back to me.

It has left me emotional and quite astonished at how many incredible life-altering, life-enhancing experiences our kids have had the privilege of participating in.

Internationally acclaimed classical musicians, sweaty and dusty from sitting on the floor of our grass hut music room... teaching former-street kids how to sing a Cat Steven song that he specifically chose for us to record!

Seriously, how did this even happen? Perhaps when we were in the thick of it, I couldn't see much of the forest for the trees. But now that I have the space to stand back and reflect, especially when I see posts like this… I am honestly blown away.

Truly humbled and overwhelmed reminiscing about the generosity of spirit that has been afforded to our family over the years.

Thank you, dear Tori, Tala, Brian, CMA team and Yusuf / Cat Stevens. Thank you to ALL our incredible long-term and short-term volunteers who brought so much richness to our kids’ lives.

They are amazing young adults who wouldn’t be who they are today without the smorgasbord of love, talent and inspiration that people like you have provided for them.
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