Callum’s Story

I'll never forget the smiles on their faces

In 2018 Callum was appointed Project Leader for the University of Leeds’ Cambodia Project. The project allows students from the University to go to Seametrey Children’s Village, a primary school near Phnom Penh, Cambodia and teach a range of different subjects to the children…

As Project Leader Callum’s role was extremely varied. He had to put the team together, find sponsors to support the fundraising for the project, and communicate with the School Director and different authorities. He had a lot of responsibility when it came to the well-being of his group, making sure that they were fit to work both mentally and physically, for the project was both draining and exhausting. The average working day ran from 7am-3.30pm and the students taught English to different teachers and workers after school too! Callum’s group joined with other volunteers at the school – young people from Germany, Austria, Indonesia, Mexico, France etc. all worked together to help at the school and make a difference to the lives of the children that they were teaching! The mix of nationalities was a real bonus for the project. It allowed the volunteers to interact with people from different cultures, backgrounds and experiences.

All of Callum’s group had individual classes to teach throughout the day and they also made a video with the children which you can see at

Callum taught a range of subjects from English, Science and Maths to Music, Art & Craft and Sport. This allowed him to see the children in different settings and to see where their skills lay. Each of the children are incredibly talented in their own way – whether it comes to their Messi-esque footballing ability, brilliant drumming or their fantastic craft skills. It was a pleasure to witness these children
have fun and enjoy life at school. For many Cambodian children, the reality is that they are unable to attend school or have any form of education. Often, especially for the village children, their childhood consists of labour, helping in the family shop or even worse begging on the streets. This school works to give these children a positive start to life that has the potential to propel them from poverty into a life with good prospects.

Callum will never forget the smiles on the faces of the children that he taught. They were mesmerised by the volunteers, by their way of life, even the way that they spoke. For Callum, to be able to bring the children such enjoyment, even if it was only for two months, was a real pleasure. The volunteers were teaching these children invaluable life lessons – whether it be washing your hands before you eat, or teaching them English vocabulary that they can use in everyday life – Callum knows that they had an positive impact.

Finally, Callum would like to thank the Bursray Fund for as it made a major contribution towards funding the project. This award enabled Callum to help the lives of hundreds of children in Cambodia, and to leave a legacy at the school. And countless memories for Callum that will remain forever.

Project Organiser: HCPT