Testimonial Letters from Volunteers

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world."

—American anthropologist Margaret Mead

Trailblazer Foundation’s mission and work is compelling enough that many individuals have traveled from all over the world to offer their help as volunteers. Others have either worked with or provided financial support. Here are what a few of them have to say about Trailblazer Foundation’s work:

From New Plymouth, New Zealand...

As someone who has spent four years working in Cambodia in the field of Community Development, and as Project Coordinator on a United Nations Refugee Care Programme, I am very much aware of the importance of involving the community in all aspects of the decision making process in all aid projects.

In my dealings with Trailblazer Foundation and my conversations with Scott and Chris, I am sure these issues are being addressed fully. I am aware of the enormous need for this type of work in Cambodia, and am sure the project will be a great success. —Roger Wilson

From Oslo, Norway...

Working in a collaboration project between Agder University College in Norway and the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports in Cambodia, I work with 7 schools in Cambodia. Some of these schools are situated in quite rural areas, where the situation of drinking water is especially poor.

I will use an example from the Chong Khneas Primary School, which is a floating school at the Tonle Sap. Here we observed students drinking water from the lake during their school day, while everything from the nearby toilet went directly into the water.

Knowing that stomach pain, diarrhea and their thirst affects the students’ concentration, we were very happy to learn about the work of Trailblazer Foundation and the production of locally produced water-filters. Through funds from Norway, we have placed three filters at the Chong Khneas Primary School

Also, we are happy to see the children using the water-filters not only during their school-day, but also to bring to their homes.—Kamilla Solheim, Associate Professor, Agder University College

From Canada...

Global Medic has worked in Cambodia since 1999. We were really pleased to be able to partner with the Trailblazer Foundation. They are a hands-on group that produces really effective results.
—Rahul Singh, Director, Emergency Programs, Global Medics

From South Bend, Indiana, USA...

When I hear of Trailblazer Foundation’s goals and their detailed plans to achieve them, I am certain that Chris and Scott will make the best use of any monies they receive. Their purpose of sustainability is one of the greatest goals for a project, and their enthusiasm is very contagious.
—Andi Danner, Sunnyside Presbyterian Church

FromTacoma, Washington, USA...

Hello, My name is Nathan. I am 23 years old and am on a 70 day independent tour of southeast Asia, to see and experience the people and the cultures. I entered Cambodia through the south, via Sihanoukville.

After two days there I went to Phnom Penh were I learned the overwhelming history of Cambodia, which I had none of. I went to Siam Reap next to see the Angkor ruins for one week.

I had two extra days till my flight left. I came across a flyer for the Trailblazer Foundation and gave Chris and Scott a call to discuss volunteering with them, the first time I had ever done any thing like this. I was very impressed with them, their attitude, and their projects (a school and bio-water filters). I agreed to help.

The first two days of volunteer work was great, lots of good old hard work pouring concrete for the sand filters. Also, lots of talking where I learned a great deal about their NGO and Cambodia's situation. I decided to stay for one more week and help.

Cambodia and Trailblazers have changed my look on the world. I feel very lucky to have had this experience and meet to Scott, Chris and some of their friends they have made in Siam Reap. I will return to my travels and to the states with a new outlook and appreciation of life and all the opportunities I have. — Nate

From Great Britain...

Have had the most amazing week in Cambodia. I've now seen a very different side to this country and its people.

I've spent the last 5 days in Siam Reap with 2 volunteers, a couple who are part of an organisation called Trailblazer. They are setting up to build a school in an incredibly poor part of Cambodia and they have enlisted the help of some lovely local guys who act as their drivers, translators and helpers. They have shown me the best side of Cambodia and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with them all.

Yesterday we visited the village where the school is being built, it was quite an experience! We handed out the clothes I'd bought for the kids....then we had a look at the two pump water wells & toilets which have just been constructed.

Believe it - these people have never seen a toilet before this and have used water from a dirty hole in the ground up until recently (hence half the village has malaria & typhoid). Scott & Chris have a huge job on their hands... I've never experienced anywhere quite like this. —Louise