Hello Everyone.....
Well it has been some time since the last formal update on the Tiger Foundations progress, but I would like to take this opportunity to let you all know what has been going on since I last wrote.
An Aussie in Cambodia
At the beginning of August, Kenny Williams moved from Australia to be based for the Tiger Foundation in Cambodia. Kenny is a long time friend, so it was with much appreciation from myself that Kenny took this huge step in life to help the foundation become established in Kampong Thom, Cambodia.
Kenny is now settled into his new life in Cambodia. While still not 100% used to the local food, he is endeavouring to become accustomed to many other things that Cambodia has to offer. Since Kenny's arrival we have been able to start some more projects, I have displayed photos for you to view of these projects.
Project Completion
One of our first projects was Phase One of the Vegetable Garden program.
Thanks to our wonderful team of volunteers from Singapore led by Anita Pereira, along with members of the schools teaching staff and students we have now created together a fantastic vegetable garden. This garden is phase one in a two phased program which will see the school become self sustainable for the cultivation of vegetables to make into soup for the children everyday before they start school.
The next project to be undertaken was that to transition the existing Kindergarten building from a run down dilapidated classroom with broken concrete floors, busted furniture and barren walls, into a smart tiled, freshly painted new classroom room that the children and the teachers would love to work and learn, photos are attached for you to see this fantastic transition of this room.
Now that the wet season is well and truly entrenched in Cambodia the school is once again experiencing its annual flooding period. This is one of the projects which we will take on board once the wet season has past, thats is to drain the school properly by implementing a flood prevention system.
Various construction projects such as the library extention, the development of a new canteen building, the secured perimeter fence, the pond re development will all wait until the end of the year, when the dry weather will allow us to proceed.
Until then its all about raising money for these projects as well as getting more wonderful volunteers to support our cause. I have quickly learnt that by having a day job as well as running a foundation can all be pretty much like hard work.
But it is easy for me to remember how fortunate I am, my mind quickly leaps to the 1000 school children, the teachers, the parents at the Aknuwat School and how tough life is every single day just to have food on the table.
In these difficult economic times it is hard to ask people to reach out and give all of the time, but rest assured every little bit does help, often a small gesture goes such a long way, we have already seen this many times over in Cambodia.
Fundraising and Support
The Australia Chapter and the Singapore Chapter of the Tiger Foundation are now full steam ahead in raising funds to support our projects. If you can help out in any way possible with your time, or by talking with your network about what we are doing it is amazing what people can do to help us, we continue to come across wonderful people everyday.
We are still working together with the Charities Commission in Singapore to be come a licensed charity organisation. Today we are operating under the Tiger Foundation Ltd business registration.Once we do become registered we will unleash our impressive website on the world.
Your Chance to Visit Cambodia
Between now and Christmas there are various volunteer groups planning to go to our school in Cambodia.
Why not join one of them?
Its a fantastic experience, as I say to everybody, there is nothing quite like seeing it all for yourself.
So by all means go to visit Kenny if you can, he will greet you with a huge smile, as well as share many hilarious stories about life in Cambodia. At the same time you can see for yourself what the Tiger Foundation is aiming to do and how you could help out in some way. We will of course assist you with the planning for the trip.
So until next time I wish you all farewell and thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about the Tiger Foundation.
Best wishes,
Mark
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
The Latest News - June 6th 2008
Well as always there is much to report from the Tiger Foundation. On May 23rd the first Tiger Foundation project took place at the Aknuwat Primary School in Kampong Thom.
It was a blast, hundreds of people turned up from all quarters. There was a bunch of volunteers from Singapore, China, Australia and Cambodia. Hundreds of school children, their parents as well as many village folk. Our friends from DHL in Phnom Penh all arrived as scheduled to assist. The school is now looking much cleaner.
Over the coming months many more activities will take place at the school in Cambodia. We are now working on various construction related projects, the new library, the flood prevention system, the gardens, the development of the pond at the school as well as the painting of the school.
My good friend Kenny will relocate from Australia to live in Kampong Thom in August. Kenny will be our man on the ground. He will be responsible for managing all of the Tiger Foundations projects as they happen as well as to welcome volunteers who are coming for various events.
The Tiger Foundations website will be launched in July. Our web lady Katherine is working hard in putting some great ideas together so that we have a user friendly web environment.
Over the coming months you to can help out either by coming to Cambodia or supporting one of our country organizations.
To be put in touch with your local Tiger Foundation team simply send an email to philpott.mark@gmail.com and I will make sure you get looked after.
Bye for now,
Mark
It was a blast, hundreds of people turned up from all quarters. There was a bunch of volunteers from Singapore, China, Australia and Cambodia. Hundreds of school children, their parents as well as many village folk. Our friends from DHL in Phnom Penh all arrived as scheduled to assist. The school is now looking much cleaner.
Over the coming months many more activities will take place at the school in Cambodia. We are now working on various construction related projects, the new library, the flood prevention system, the gardens, the development of the pond at the school as well as the painting of the school.
My good friend Kenny will relocate from Australia to live in Kampong Thom in August. Kenny will be our man on the ground. He will be responsible for managing all of the Tiger Foundations projects as they happen as well as to welcome volunteers who are coming for various events.
The Tiger Foundations website will be launched in July. Our web lady Katherine is working hard in putting some great ideas together so that we have a user friendly web environment.
Over the coming months you to can help out either by coming to Cambodia or supporting one of our country organizations.
To be put in touch with your local Tiger Foundation team simply send an email to philpott.mark@gmail.com and I will make sure you get looked after.
Bye for now,
Mark
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A Special Kind of Mum
I cant exactly remember when was the last time I spent Mothers Day with my Mother. So it was indeed a special day last Sunday, May 11th when I finally got to do this once again.
Down in Australia on business I was able to manage getting some much anticipated time with my family.
There was to be more to this Mothers Day than I had expected. My Mum being the Mum she is, surprised me by organising an impromptu meeting with her fitness class companions.
You see most days my mother gets up before 6am and joins a bunch of fabulous folks to participate in what I would simply express as a fantastic way to start the day.
Under the crisp clear blue autumn skies of the Gold Coast in Australia here I was about to go walking as well as doing exercises around a sports field with a bunch of complete strangers at 6am in the morning.
Each day this small but exclusive group descend on the Robina Common to participate in what is best described as a cross between an Australian version of the Golden Girls and House.
My Mother had proposed that this particular session would conclude in an opportunity for me to promote the Tiger Foundation.I didn't want to miss the chance.
We started the fitness session with self appointed, self titled Staff Sergent Keith filling in the role of usual team leader Jonathan who was absent. Keith impressed with his desire to try to bring some kind of order to the group.
It quickly became obvious to me that Keith despite his efforts to tire the group quickly with repetitive push up orders was not going to win this battle.
It wasn't long into the session (maybe 2 Min's) that any signs of the evenings sleep and drowsiness was replaced by witty comments directed at any unlikely suspect among the group.
I thought it was impossible to be so alert and witty at this time of the day. I was very quickly proved wrong, again I heard another wise crack resulting in a direct hit on its intended victim.
I was now breathing awkwardly, half my breath was dispelling air through laughter the other half busy to get oxygen into my lungs to do the next command thrown out by Keith.
As the sun started to rise on the horizon the beauty of this moment finally hit me. Here I was on this crisp and beautiful morning sharing with my wonderful mum one of her hobbies. It was tremendous.
As we all moved around the sports ground, twisting, bending, lunging I suddenly realized that some of the groups lips were getting a fearsome workout compared to the reest of their bodies.
Initially I wasn't sure that this witfeast was just put on for me, but I soon discounted that thought, this goes on everyday no matter who is around.
After an hour of what one could only describe as an hilarous gyrating circumnavigation of the park it was time for refreshments. Yes the order was now to proceed to the local coffee shop for phase two of the workout.
It then came as no great surprise that upon arrival at the cafe the banter continued, in fact now that everybodies breathing was some what stable (all but mine that was) the banter moved to another level.
Yes I got to speak about the Tiger Foundation, as expected these wonderful folk all put up their hands to help us out in some way. On the spot donations have already generated enough funds to purchase a Well cover for the Aknuwat School, a fantastic contribution.
I knew after I left that day that this wouldnt be the last I hear from this bunch. You see, when great people get involved, great things happen. It's a fact of life.
I would like to thank my Mum for taking me along and allowing me to participate in what was a very special moment......imagine whats going on in your neighborhood while your fast asleep early in the morning?
Get out and check it out, you never know how you could help the Tiger Foundation.
Thanks Mum.
Down in Australia on business I was able to manage getting some much anticipated time with my family.
There was to be more to this Mothers Day than I had expected. My Mum being the Mum she is, surprised me by organising an impromptu meeting with her fitness class companions.
You see most days my mother gets up before 6am and joins a bunch of fabulous folks to participate in what I would simply express as a fantastic way to start the day.
Under the crisp clear blue autumn skies of the Gold Coast in Australia here I was about to go walking as well as doing exercises around a sports field with a bunch of complete strangers at 6am in the morning.
Each day this small but exclusive group descend on the Robina Common to participate in what is best described as a cross between an Australian version of the Golden Girls and House.
My Mother had proposed that this particular session would conclude in an opportunity for me to promote the Tiger Foundation.I didn't want to miss the chance.
We started the fitness session with self appointed, self titled Staff Sergent Keith filling in the role of usual team leader Jonathan who was absent. Keith impressed with his desire to try to bring some kind of order to the group.
It quickly became obvious to me that Keith despite his efforts to tire the group quickly with repetitive push up orders was not going to win this battle.
It wasn't long into the session (maybe 2 Min's) that any signs of the evenings sleep and drowsiness was replaced by witty comments directed at any unlikely suspect among the group.
I thought it was impossible to be so alert and witty at this time of the day. I was very quickly proved wrong, again I heard another wise crack resulting in a direct hit on its intended victim.
I was now breathing awkwardly, half my breath was dispelling air through laughter the other half busy to get oxygen into my lungs to do the next command thrown out by Keith.
As the sun started to rise on the horizon the beauty of this moment finally hit me. Here I was on this crisp and beautiful morning sharing with my wonderful mum one of her hobbies. It was tremendous.
As we all moved around the sports ground, twisting, bending, lunging I suddenly realized that some of the groups lips were getting a fearsome workout compared to the reest of their bodies.
Initially I wasn't sure that this witfeast was just put on for me, but I soon discounted that thought, this goes on everyday no matter who is around.
After an hour of what one could only describe as an hilarous gyrating circumnavigation of the park it was time for refreshments. Yes the order was now to proceed to the local coffee shop for phase two of the workout.
It then came as no great surprise that upon arrival at the cafe the banter continued, in fact now that everybodies breathing was some what stable (all but mine that was) the banter moved to another level.
Yes I got to speak about the Tiger Foundation, as expected these wonderful folk all put up their hands to help us out in some way. On the spot donations have already generated enough funds to purchase a Well cover for the Aknuwat School, a fantastic contribution.
I knew after I left that day that this wouldnt be the last I hear from this bunch. You see, when great people get involved, great things happen. It's a fact of life.
I would like to thank my Mum for taking me along and allowing me to participate in what was a very special moment......imagine whats going on in your neighborhood while your fast asleep early in the morning?
Get out and check it out, you never know how you could help the Tiger Foundation.
Thanks Mum.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Food For Thought
The whole world is a global village.Imagine that the village is composed of 100 inhabitants, there will be:59 Asians, 14 Africans, 4 Americans, 13 Europeans.There will also be 51 women and 49 men.We will count 50 young people under the age of 25.20 persons (only men) will possess 80% of the village and of its wealth.Only 1 woman will possess her own land.Between 5 or 6 women would have been violated.42 persons will never have access to water.50 persons would live in the centre of the small village.50 others would be dispersed in the surroundings.33 inhabitants would live in a situation of armed conflicts, between which 23 would be women.5 men and 1 woman would be military or policemen.5 children would work in slavery conditions and 1 little girl would be working as household without being paid.60 persons would be able to read, write and count. 40 of them would be men.50 inhabitants would have access to health care.20 persons would have access to a computer, 15 of them with internet connection.1 person would be considered as rich, by possessing more than 50% of the village and of its wealth.80 persons would have a religion, 40 of them would be obliged to practice it.The library of the village would be only accessible to 24 persons.The cinema would be visited each week by a person, always the same.The electricity would be cut approximately 50% of the time, 30 persons would be wasting 90% of the natural and energy resources of the village.The figures can go on for pages and pages. This allows us to put again into perspective each of us on this planet, and to measure what we are, us, human beings. If you want to help the Tiger Foundation please contact Mark Philpott at philpott.mark@gmail.com
Friday, April 18, 2008
Clean Up Weekend Aknuwat School - Cambodia
Over the weekend of May 24th/25th a team of volunteers from the Tiger Foundation will travel to Kampong Thom in the heart of Cambodia to start the foundations first project. The project is aimed at cleaning up the school of all the rubbish and debris laying around causing an incredible mess as well as unhygenic conditions.
The Tiger Foundations 4 Pillar approach to activities at the school focus's on Environmental issues as well as Education, Exercise and Engagement.
Volunteers from Singapore, UK, China, Australia, India and Malaysia will descend on the school over the weekend in May to enjoy this activity along with the school children, teachers and community members.
If you are available and would like to join this event then please contact Mark Philpott at philpott.mark@gmail.com for further information.
The Tiger Foundations 4 Pillar approach to activities at the school focus's on Environmental issues as well as Education, Exercise and Engagement.
Volunteers from Singapore, UK, China, Australia, India and Malaysia will descend on the school over the weekend in May to enjoy this activity along with the school children, teachers and community members.
If you are available and would like to join this event then please contact Mark Philpott at philpott.mark@gmail.com for further information.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Tiger Foundation Launch Singapore - April 13th
A huge thank you to all of you who attended the launch of the Tiger Foundation in Singapore on Sunday. It was a great success, made possible only by your attendance and subsequent support. I have been busy the last few days with people contacting me on how they can help the Tiger Foundation. So the objective of this email is to communicate to you all on how you can take the next step in supporting the Tiger Foundation.
Those of you attending Sundays event would remember that we have designed the Tiger Foundation to focus on FOUR Pillars of Activity. These pillars are,
1) Education
2) Environment
3) Exercise
4) Engagement
We have a lead person now assigned to each Pillar. These people are currently creating a strategy of which we will then align projects within that Pillar. You will then be able to consider what project you can support along with ‘how’ you can support those projects.
But you can take action NOW , you can already reach out and advise me, as some of you have already done, on WHAT pillar of activity you would like to support, what interest you may have, particular skill set, passion or network that you can bring to help us out.
Additionally I am still looking for people to help on various elements of the Tiger Foundations core set up.. We have some research projects to complete as well as internet development to be done, so please, if you are interested in either of these, let me know.
Project No 1 – Clean Up Day – Akunwat School – Cambodia
So here is your first chance to help out on the ground in Cambodia as well as to get your first experience of what life is like at the school we are supporting. I will lead a team of volunteers on the weekend of May 24th, 25th to go to the school to clean up all of the rubbish. Yes rubber gloves on and away we go. While there, you will be given a first hand tour of all of the projects that the Tiger Foundation will under take. You will meet the children, the teachers as well as sample local food and hospitality. A trip you won’t want to miss. We need to plan fast, so please send me your commitment to support this event as soon as possible.
In closing I would like to thank you once again for your interest in the Tiger Foundation. We are an organization that thrives on participation and interaction from its members so please never hesitate to get in contact with me on how we can make our organization even better for people to support.
Always remember that “it’s better to light a solitary candle than to curse the darkness”
Thank you all,
Mark Philpott
Tiger Foundation
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Team Australia's first Meeting - Brisbane April 10th
On Thursday evening April 10th in Brisbane, Australia, the Tiger Foundations 'aussie' Chapter convened for the first time. The members discussed the way forward sharing ideas, experiences as well as structuring the strategy to develop the Tiger Foundation in Australia.
With all of the ideas discussed at the meeting I am sure it won't be long before Team Australia unleashes some awesome potential for the Foundations first project in Cambodia at the Aknuwat Primary School.
Lets keep a look out for the Green and Gold of Team Australia.
With all of the ideas discussed at the meeting I am sure it won't be long before Team Australia unleashes some awesome potential for the Foundations first project in Cambodia at the Aknuwat Primary School.
Lets keep a look out for the Green and Gold of Team Australia.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
The Easter Visit
The Tiger Foundation in Cambodia
My recent trip to Cambodia with my brother Mark over the Easter break was always going to be confronting and rushed, however I wanted to observe first hand what the conditions and challenges were for the “Tiger Foundation”. By visiting the area myself I could also better understand what support could be offered by the many people who said to me before my departure “tell me what I can do to help”.
We flew into Phomn Penh on Easter Friday – given it was already dark we could only see a little of the city and headed straight to our hotel for a much needed meal and shower. “Raffles Hotel” it was, so not much in the way of roughing it our first night!
Next morning was an early start as we climbed into our pre-booked car and headed off along the main (and pretty much only) road towards our destination in Kampong Province.
The road was as you would expect, similar to others in more remote areas of Thailand and Vietnam, quite chaotic - driving in amongst bullocks pulling carts packed to overflowing with all manner of things, entire families travelling perilously on small cc motorbikes – the best I saw was one mother breast feeding as they drove at about 60km an hour along the road with 2 other kids on the bike and Dad oblivious to everything happening behind him, focused on driving his family to their destination.
The journey took about 3 hrs and at around 10am we pulled into “our school” – Aknuwat School in Kampong Thom village. The school was much as I expected, in need of a paint, barren grounds with large patches of dust and some ramshackle side buildings - more ruins than useful buildings, a scattering of sad looking trees and a few small patches of colour with some potted plants that were clearly suffering under the pale blue/grey skies and scorching sun.
As we pulled up, we were greeted enthusiastically by a group of teachers – including headmistress Molly. We were taken inside to her office, which doubles up as a teachers’ room and I am sure all manner of other things. Surrounding us on the walls were old blackboards, so well used they had turned shiny and were almost impossible to write on (I know because I tried). The school roll was kept on one of these boards, specifying the number of kindergarten and also primary school children. Over 1,000 in all, listed in detail and with numbers next to each class – no computer records here!!
We sat with our interpreter (one of the teachers at the school) and began to “converse” with the teachers. My brother, Mark having been there a few times before was well known to them all and gave them an update on progress around planned projects and new ideas he’d had since his last visit. The teachers listened intently and were clearly engaged with plans to improve their situation.
Next, we walked around the perimeter of the school grounds. The temperature was in the mid 40’s and there was not a breath of wind – stifling hot. The grounds were pathetic, barely any shade, a terrible stench from the 3 toilets for over 1,000 kids and a pile of rubbish behind the school together with more dust. There was just no respite from the heat. The grounds offered no place for kids to congregate, play or just be – it was just too hot and too inhospitable. We checked out the storm water drains that run down the side of the grounds, and could clearly see they were completely inadequate for what must be a deluge of water during the wet season. This is the main reason the school grounds flood every year, rendering the grounds completely useless for play or school activities in that season also. There is a fairly major engineering project required to re-route and re-engineer the area to divert the flood water. Until that is completed nothing much can be done to improve the grounds usefulness. My brother has this as his top priority and is working with local and Singapore based people to get a plan together to do the work. Next a visit to the local well, the source of the school’s drinking water. I looked down the well and all I could see was what appeared to be an oil slick and some indescribable things floating on the top. The only filtering process this water goes through is into a terracotta flower pot (provided by UNICEF) and then straight into plastic water containers for drinking. I watched as Molly the headmistress took some water from this container and thought “my god what is she drinking in that concoction?” They of course think it’s clean and I guess comparatively speaking it is. Oh how they would love access to the waters of Warragamba Dam!!
The school children came out of class en-mass post our walk around. Seemingly a never ending flow of them, holding hands, walking around, forming small groups and congregating as children tend to do. There was nowhere to sit in the shade, little in the way of play equipment and what there was – was rusted and dangerous. In summary, school grounds bereft of anything that resembled a playground or a place where children would want to engage in games, chatter or anything similar. The grounds are so inhospitable and the sun so hot, that children are sent home over the lunch break. Since they come from between 1km and 7km away, parents (and in a lot of cases grandparents) have to come and collect them on pushbikes and motorbikes. They go home and come back again at 2pm. While the kids were away, I took an impromptu English lesson with the teachers and Molly, trying to make them laugh by writing on the board and telling a few stories with it. I was so hot, I was nearly dying but they live in these conditions every day so I just kept drinking from my water bottle and enduring.
Next, we went over the road to see Polly – a local woman whom with her husband’s support has built a teacher training school. There we met about a dozen young men and about the same number of women, who had come in from regional and rural areas to undertake teacher training in an effort to boost teacher numbers. They train under the watchful eye of teachers at “our” school across the road. Their living conditions are absolutely terrible. The dormitory they live in is literally falling down, I had to watch my step as I went up the rickety steps and then edged along the deck as it had rotted floorboards and was full of holes. There were 8 or so to a room, no ventilation and a tin shack which doubled up as a toilet and laundry, its roof was blowing precariously in the wind when we were there, would be great in the monsoonal rains having to perform your ablutions in those conditions!!
The kitchen facilities looked like hell, with birds nests in the rafters and the walls filthy with dust. A relatively clean plastic table cloth sticky-taped to the communal dining table was all the colour and only attempt at brightening up this abysmal scene that I could find.
These trainees are paid US$3 per day – they are the future of this country and not surprisingly the “drop out” rate is high as they miss their families and often head back home to help out or go off to the city to work as a factory worker as the pay is better.
When the children returned from the lunch break, I started to hand out the Easter eggs (not the best treat I could have come up with as they were melting in the heat) and some small koala bears I bought at duty free. They loved these and the 60 or so I bought soon went, I wish I had a suitcase of them, it felt so inconsequential but just seeing their little faces when they got a small gift was priceless. During this, we noticed a small girl crying while holding the hand of another and we asked the translator to ask her what was wrong. She told the interpreter “I am hungry”. That just about did it for me. I looked around and wondered how many other little bellies (just back from lunch) were empty because there was just no food. We managed to get her some dry bread to help in the short term. The diet here is largely rice as Cambodia has to import 80% of its vegetables from Vietnam and as such children get little or no protein and no vitamins and minerals. Vegetables are not cheap and rice makes you feel full so that’s what they eat. Dental decay is rife and general health very poor. Average life expectancy early 50’s……60% of Cambodia’s population is under 15 years – and what of their future? It’s not great from what I saw.
It was clear to me that focusing on the schools and influencing the younger generation through education in the areas of nutrition, hygiene, play etc is key.
I am even more convinced of this now and I am keen to do my part. I am working with a WA company to build some sun shades which we can get shipped to the school thereby providing some much needed shade for the children. I am also liaising with one of the inventors from the ABC’s ‘New Inventors” program who has devised a below ground waste management system for use in third world countries. My brother is working with “Room to Read” – an ex VP of Microsoft who is now running this program full time. He is also working with engineers and architects in Singapore who are volunteering their time to come up with solutions for the other issues in these categories. Mark thinks he has also found 2 teachers (experienced in developing countries) who are prepared to go to the school for some months to spent time supervising some of our early initiatives and to provide English tutorage to the local teachers amongst other things.
What do we need? Well yes – donations will help as we have plans for a number of initiatives in the areas of engineering, clean water, sanitation and waste management. We are looking to be as environmentally friendly as we can in our endeavours and already have some great people working with us out of Singapore on some of these projects. But we also need volunteers, including people who are well connected and have people they know who might be able to help in the areas I have outlined.
My next communication will be to provide more detail around some of the initiatives we have planned and also of our plans for the Australian chapter of ‘The Tiger Foundation” – which I will head up.
Let me know if you would like to be involved and I will invite you to our first meeting and/or just keep you in the loop re our progress via email. If I don’t hear back from you that’s fine too, I just hope that by reading this – the least I will have done is to make each and every one of you be a little more grateful for the life we have here in Australia and to make you more aware that we can make a difference if we choose to do so.
Thanks for “listening”.
Sandra
My recent trip to Cambodia with my brother Mark over the Easter break was always going to be confronting and rushed, however I wanted to observe first hand what the conditions and challenges were for the “Tiger Foundation”. By visiting the area myself I could also better understand what support could be offered by the many people who said to me before my departure “tell me what I can do to help”.
We flew into Phomn Penh on Easter Friday – given it was already dark we could only see a little of the city and headed straight to our hotel for a much needed meal and shower. “Raffles Hotel” it was, so not much in the way of roughing it our first night!
Next morning was an early start as we climbed into our pre-booked car and headed off along the main (and pretty much only) road towards our destination in Kampong Province.
The road was as you would expect, similar to others in more remote areas of Thailand and Vietnam, quite chaotic - driving in amongst bullocks pulling carts packed to overflowing with all manner of things, entire families travelling perilously on small cc motorbikes – the best I saw was one mother breast feeding as they drove at about 60km an hour along the road with 2 other kids on the bike and Dad oblivious to everything happening behind him, focused on driving his family to their destination.
The journey took about 3 hrs and at around 10am we pulled into “our school” – Aknuwat School in Kampong Thom village. The school was much as I expected, in need of a paint, barren grounds with large patches of dust and some ramshackle side buildings - more ruins than useful buildings, a scattering of sad looking trees and a few small patches of colour with some potted plants that were clearly suffering under the pale blue/grey skies and scorching sun.
As we pulled up, we were greeted enthusiastically by a group of teachers – including headmistress Molly. We were taken inside to her office, which doubles up as a teachers’ room and I am sure all manner of other things. Surrounding us on the walls were old blackboards, so well used they had turned shiny and were almost impossible to write on (I know because I tried). The school roll was kept on one of these boards, specifying the number of kindergarten and also primary school children. Over 1,000 in all, listed in detail and with numbers next to each class – no computer records here!!
We sat with our interpreter (one of the teachers at the school) and began to “converse” with the teachers. My brother, Mark having been there a few times before was well known to them all and gave them an update on progress around planned projects and new ideas he’d had since his last visit. The teachers listened intently and were clearly engaged with plans to improve their situation.
Next, we walked around the perimeter of the school grounds. The temperature was in the mid 40’s and there was not a breath of wind – stifling hot. The grounds were pathetic, barely any shade, a terrible stench from the 3 toilets for over 1,000 kids and a pile of rubbish behind the school together with more dust. There was just no respite from the heat. The grounds offered no place for kids to congregate, play or just be – it was just too hot and too inhospitable. We checked out the storm water drains that run down the side of the grounds, and could clearly see they were completely inadequate for what must be a deluge of water during the wet season. This is the main reason the school grounds flood every year, rendering the grounds completely useless for play or school activities in that season also. There is a fairly major engineering project required to re-route and re-engineer the area to divert the flood water. Until that is completed nothing much can be done to improve the grounds usefulness. My brother has this as his top priority and is working with local and Singapore based people to get a plan together to do the work. Next a visit to the local well, the source of the school’s drinking water. I looked down the well and all I could see was what appeared to be an oil slick and some indescribable things floating on the top. The only filtering process this water goes through is into a terracotta flower pot (provided by UNICEF) and then straight into plastic water containers for drinking. I watched as Molly the headmistress took some water from this container and thought “my god what is she drinking in that concoction?” They of course think it’s clean and I guess comparatively speaking it is. Oh how they would love access to the waters of Warragamba Dam!!
The school children came out of class en-mass post our walk around. Seemingly a never ending flow of them, holding hands, walking around, forming small groups and congregating as children tend to do. There was nowhere to sit in the shade, little in the way of play equipment and what there was – was rusted and dangerous. In summary, school grounds bereft of anything that resembled a playground or a place where children would want to engage in games, chatter or anything similar. The grounds are so inhospitable and the sun so hot, that children are sent home over the lunch break. Since they come from between 1km and 7km away, parents (and in a lot of cases grandparents) have to come and collect them on pushbikes and motorbikes. They go home and come back again at 2pm. While the kids were away, I took an impromptu English lesson with the teachers and Molly, trying to make them laugh by writing on the board and telling a few stories with it. I was so hot, I was nearly dying but they live in these conditions every day so I just kept drinking from my water bottle and enduring.
Next, we went over the road to see Polly – a local woman whom with her husband’s support has built a teacher training school. There we met about a dozen young men and about the same number of women, who had come in from regional and rural areas to undertake teacher training in an effort to boost teacher numbers. They train under the watchful eye of teachers at “our” school across the road. Their living conditions are absolutely terrible. The dormitory they live in is literally falling down, I had to watch my step as I went up the rickety steps and then edged along the deck as it had rotted floorboards and was full of holes. There were 8 or so to a room, no ventilation and a tin shack which doubled up as a toilet and laundry, its roof was blowing precariously in the wind when we were there, would be great in the monsoonal rains having to perform your ablutions in those conditions!!
The kitchen facilities looked like hell, with birds nests in the rafters and the walls filthy with dust. A relatively clean plastic table cloth sticky-taped to the communal dining table was all the colour and only attempt at brightening up this abysmal scene that I could find.
These trainees are paid US$3 per day – they are the future of this country and not surprisingly the “drop out” rate is high as they miss their families and often head back home to help out or go off to the city to work as a factory worker as the pay is better.
When the children returned from the lunch break, I started to hand out the Easter eggs (not the best treat I could have come up with as they were melting in the heat) and some small koala bears I bought at duty free. They loved these and the 60 or so I bought soon went, I wish I had a suitcase of them, it felt so inconsequential but just seeing their little faces when they got a small gift was priceless. During this, we noticed a small girl crying while holding the hand of another and we asked the translator to ask her what was wrong. She told the interpreter “I am hungry”. That just about did it for me. I looked around and wondered how many other little bellies (just back from lunch) were empty because there was just no food. We managed to get her some dry bread to help in the short term. The diet here is largely rice as Cambodia has to import 80% of its vegetables from Vietnam and as such children get little or no protein and no vitamins and minerals. Vegetables are not cheap and rice makes you feel full so that’s what they eat. Dental decay is rife and general health very poor. Average life expectancy early 50’s……60% of Cambodia’s population is under 15 years – and what of their future? It’s not great from what I saw.
It was clear to me that focusing on the schools and influencing the younger generation through education in the areas of nutrition, hygiene, play etc is key.
I am even more convinced of this now and I am keen to do my part. I am working with a WA company to build some sun shades which we can get shipped to the school thereby providing some much needed shade for the children. I am also liaising with one of the inventors from the ABC’s ‘New Inventors” program who has devised a below ground waste management system for use in third world countries. My brother is working with “Room to Read” – an ex VP of Microsoft who is now running this program full time. He is also working with engineers and architects in Singapore who are volunteering their time to come up with solutions for the other issues in these categories. Mark thinks he has also found 2 teachers (experienced in developing countries) who are prepared to go to the school for some months to spent time supervising some of our early initiatives and to provide English tutorage to the local teachers amongst other things.
What do we need? Well yes – donations will help as we have plans for a number of initiatives in the areas of engineering, clean water, sanitation and waste management. We are looking to be as environmentally friendly as we can in our endeavours and already have some great people working with us out of Singapore on some of these projects. But we also need volunteers, including people who are well connected and have people they know who might be able to help in the areas I have outlined.
My next communication will be to provide more detail around some of the initiatives we have planned and also of our plans for the Australian chapter of ‘The Tiger Foundation” – which I will head up.
Let me know if you would like to be involved and I will invite you to our first meeting and/or just keep you in the loop re our progress via email. If I don’t hear back from you that’s fine too, I just hope that by reading this – the least I will have done is to make each and every one of you be a little more grateful for the life we have here in Australia and to make you more aware that we can make a difference if we choose to do so.
Thanks for “listening”.
Sandra
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Dead Or Alive
It was a beautiful Sunday morning in Cambodia. The sun had started its climb into the majestic sky, the air was still fresh,the traffic on the road was minimal. We started our journey back to Siem Reap from the Aknuwat School in Kampong Thom. Ahead of us just over two hours of riding. That was mainly due to the fact that our rented motorbikes couldnt get there a whole lot faster.
The first few kilometers rushed by as we each thought about the memories from our visit to the school. The children again had delighted our group with laughter and smiles beyond the despair in which they live.
Very shortly that would all be forgotten.
As I went around another bend and straightened the direction of the motorbike my eyes suddenly focussed on an object laying in the middle of the road ahead. Initially I thought it was an animal, then as we neared slowing our pace, it was obvious, it was in fact a human body. The body was covered in something, I couldn't establish what until I got a little closer. My heart started thumping.
I slowed my bike in unison with my traveling partner. We glided by the body then stopped. A rush of adrenalin raced through my body, was the body dead?
I noticed a slight movement of a foot. I breathed again. We slowly dismounted from our bikes then approached the body on the road. No vehicles were in sight, for now.
My Cambodian friend Las unwrapped part of the blanket, as he did he uncovered a weaping middle aged woman. The tears in her eyes were of despair, drama, and hopelessness.
We coaxed her off the road, several seconds later a truck went roaring past. Oh my god I thought, how close was that. If we hadn't........dont even think about that.
Las spoke to the women, each of her words a sobering cry of emotion.. Her eyes were swollen, her lips blue, terror rained from all of her senses. We found out that her husband had left her the night before, she had four children, no money, no food, no home. The only choice in her mind was to end it all.
So she wrap herself in a dirty grey blanket laid down in the middle of the main highway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh awaiting her fate.
I tried to fathom the choices people have to make in this country, how hopeless they become, how unhearlded their existence. Millions upon millions of dollars of aid, going where?
Why after years are there still people in this situation. I am energized to do more. Each time I visit I am struck again with another impossible situation. A world so far removed from the 'plastic fantastic' world I am living.
We stay with the woman for some time. Calming her down. Las providing some words of resolve, I'm unsure exactly what he said, my Khmer is still non existent. As the scene calmed I gave the woman some money. I explain to Las to tell her to find some shelter, some food for her children, pleading with her not to go back on the road. She opened her mouth nodding her head, a flurry of Khmer followed, I was lost.
We gingerly mount our bikes, then restart our trip. I didn't look back, I couldn't, surely we have done all that we could. I couldnt begin to think what happened next. We ride for the next hours, no talking, just the whining sound of the tired old motorbike engine, cars and trucks go whizzing by in the opposite direction, hopefully their paths unimpeded.
The living memory of this experience now firmly planted inside my helmet forever.
Life in Cambodia. Please help.
The first few kilometers rushed by as we each thought about the memories from our visit to the school. The children again had delighted our group with laughter and smiles beyond the despair in which they live.
Very shortly that would all be forgotten.
As I went around another bend and straightened the direction of the motorbike my eyes suddenly focussed on an object laying in the middle of the road ahead. Initially I thought it was an animal, then as we neared slowing our pace, it was obvious, it was in fact a human body. The body was covered in something, I couldn't establish what until I got a little closer. My heart started thumping.
I slowed my bike in unison with my traveling partner. We glided by the body then stopped. A rush of adrenalin raced through my body, was the body dead?
I noticed a slight movement of a foot. I breathed again. We slowly dismounted from our bikes then approached the body on the road. No vehicles were in sight, for now.
My Cambodian friend Las unwrapped part of the blanket, as he did he uncovered a weaping middle aged woman. The tears in her eyes were of despair, drama, and hopelessness.
We coaxed her off the road, several seconds later a truck went roaring past. Oh my god I thought, how close was that. If we hadn't........dont even think about that.
Las spoke to the women, each of her words a sobering cry of emotion.. Her eyes were swollen, her lips blue, terror rained from all of her senses. We found out that her husband had left her the night before, she had four children, no money, no food, no home. The only choice in her mind was to end it all.
So she wrap herself in a dirty grey blanket laid down in the middle of the main highway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh awaiting her fate.
I tried to fathom the choices people have to make in this country, how hopeless they become, how unhearlded their existence. Millions upon millions of dollars of aid, going where?
Why after years are there still people in this situation. I am energized to do more. Each time I visit I am struck again with another impossible situation. A world so far removed from the 'plastic fantastic' world I am living.
We stay with the woman for some time. Calming her down. Las providing some words of resolve, I'm unsure exactly what he said, my Khmer is still non existent. As the scene calmed I gave the woman some money. I explain to Las to tell her to find some shelter, some food for her children, pleading with her not to go back on the road. She opened her mouth nodding her head, a flurry of Khmer followed, I was lost.
We gingerly mount our bikes, then restart our trip. I didn't look back, I couldn't, surely we have done all that we could. I couldnt begin to think what happened next. We ride for the next hours, no talking, just the whining sound of the tired old motorbike engine, cars and trucks go whizzing by in the opposite direction, hopefully their paths unimpeded.
The living memory of this experience now firmly planted inside my helmet forever.
Life in Cambodia. Please help.
Friday, March 14, 2008
The Tiger Foundation Launch
The official launch of the Tiger Foundation will take place in Singapore on Sunday April 13th. Anybody interested in either attending the launch or wanting information about the Tiger Foundation should contact Mark Philpott at philpott.mark@gmail.com
Monday, February 11, 2008
Contact Us
If you have any ideas or would like to contact us about any association with The Tiger Foundation then please contact me.
philpott.mark@gmail.com
Telephone +65.9786.9881
I will write or call you back within 24 hours.
philpott.mark@gmail.com
Telephone +65.9786.9881
I will write or call you back within 24 hours.
Our Partners
As with any charity organization we are ultra dependent on the generosity of the community at large. This includes individuals, associations as well as businesses. As we start our journey at the Tiger Foundation I would like to introduce you to our caring partners who without there kindness our task would be so much more difficult. Our partners truly help us make a difference. If you have any friends, business partners or associations who we could work with please contact me directly at philpott.mark@gmail.com
My Tots Room: http://www.mytotsroom.com
I would like to thank Cordelia and her sister Vanessa for their immediate support when I walked into MY TOTS ROOM in Singapore and started talking about The Tiger Foundation. My Tots Room has kindly donated some children lounge suites and wall charts for the Aknuwat School. Check out the link above and see what great things MY TOTS ROOM could do for you.
DHL Express Cambodia: http://www.dhl.com/
A special thank you to Prayag Chitrakar the DHL Sales Manager. With the help and support of DHL Express in Cambodia we will get the school painted as well as deliver the generously donated goods from all over the world.
My Tots Room: http://www.mytotsroom.com
I would like to thank Cordelia and her sister Vanessa for their immediate support when I walked into MY TOTS ROOM in Singapore and started talking about The Tiger Foundation. My Tots Room has kindly donated some children lounge suites and wall charts for the Aknuwat School. Check out the link above and see what great things MY TOTS ROOM could do for you.
DHL Express Cambodia: http://www.dhl.com/
A special thank you to Prayag Chitrakar the DHL Sales Manager. With the help and support of DHL Express in Cambodia we will get the school painted as well as deliver the generously donated goods from all over the world.
Where To Stay?
After several visits we now have some information to share about hotels in Kampong Thom. Our hotel recomendations are clean, tidy and affordable. Ideally located for visitors to see the sights and sounds of Kampong Thom as well as being in easy access to the Aknuwat Primary School.
Kampong Thom Village Hotel:
No 562, Kampong Thom Village
Province Street No 6
Telephone: +855.062.962.311
This hotel is newly built and is just 3kms from the Aknuwat Primary School.
There are 22 Rooms in the Hotel including 6 Double Rooms. The room rate as of Feb 1st 2008 is $usd 20.00per room per night. There is no restaurant in the hotel but it is in walking distance to several restaurants. The hotel is in a quiet area and would be ideal for couples and families. All rooms are air conditioned.
Arunras Hotel
39 Eo Sereipheap Street
Kampong Thom
Telephone: +855.062.961.294
Located in the middle of Kampong Thom the Arunras Hotel offers clean air conditioned rooms at a modest $usd 12 per night to Tiger Foundation supporters.
This hotel does have a restaurant downstairs which offers a combination of local and international cuisine. Main courses are around $usd5.00. Upstairs is a karoke bar so for those looking for a little night life the Arunras Hotel is for you. This hotel is ideal for those looking to be closer to the action of the village.
The hotels can be booked independently by calling direct and announcing that you are supporting the Tiger Foundation.
I am in constant contact with the Hotel Managers so if you have any feedback about your stay or you require any additional support then please contact me direct on philpott.mark@gmail.com
Kampong Thom Village Hotel:
No 562, Kampong Thom Village
Province Street No 6
Telephone: +855.062.962.311
This hotel is newly built and is just 3kms from the Aknuwat Primary School.
There are 22 Rooms in the Hotel including 6 Double Rooms. The room rate as of Feb 1st 2008 is $usd 20.00per room per night. There is no restaurant in the hotel but it is in walking distance to several restaurants. The hotel is in a quiet area and would be ideal for couples and families. All rooms are air conditioned.
Arunras Hotel
39 Eo Sereipheap Street
Kampong Thom
Telephone: +855.062.961.294
Located in the middle of Kampong Thom the Arunras Hotel offers clean air conditioned rooms at a modest $usd 12 per night to Tiger Foundation supporters.
This hotel does have a restaurant downstairs which offers a combination of local and international cuisine. Main courses are around $usd5.00. Upstairs is a karoke bar so for those looking for a little night life the Arunras Hotel is for you. This hotel is ideal for those looking to be closer to the action of the village.
The hotels can be booked independently by calling direct and announcing that you are supporting the Tiger Foundation.
I am in constant contact with the Hotel Managers so if you have any feedback about your stay or you require any additional support then please contact me direct on philpott.mark@gmail.com
Chinese New Year in Cambodia
It was tremendous to once again land at Siem Reap Airport and to know that in a couple of hours I would be back at the Aknuwat Primary School. This time I was extra excited as my best friend from Australia, Kenny, would be joining me. Sure enough as I exited customs at the Airport there was Kenny waiting for me.
We now had four days to work on taking the Tiger Foundation to the next stage. During this visit our objectives were,
1) To have meetings with the Parent/ Teachers Association to present the Tiger Foundation plan.
2) To meet with the Provincial Office of Education to seek approval and support of our plans.
3) To meet with DHL, a business partner in Phnom Penh
4) To meet with a construction comapny in Kampong Thom who could manage some of our construction plans.
5) To meet with UNICEF representative to discuss future plans at the school.
6) To audit hotels in Kampong Thom for volunteers to stay while working at the school.
Alot to do and just 4 days to do it. Kenny and I along with our new Tiger Foundation Official Driver - Las Leam motored along between Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Kampong Thom. We filled the car with English Books and took down National Highway No 6 toward the school.
Our arrival once again sparked celebrations fit for royalty, our meager offering of boxes of books and a few footballs created instant chaos.
Our meetings over the four days went extremely, this is now what has been achieved.
Parent/ Teachers Association:
The Parent/Teachers along with several key community leaders have accepted and endorsed the Tiger Foundations plans to create and deploy Education, Environmental and Sports Development programs. Initial drawings of re construction and infrastructual modifications of the schools have been created, these will now be professional designed for construction purposes.
Provincial Office Of Education Meeting:
Mr Sou Kimtry - POE Director and Mr Samreth Ros - Deputy Director have both endorsed and supported all of the plans of the Tiger Foundation. Mr Kimtry will personally present this to the National Post in Phnom Penh where the recomendation will be that The Tiger Foundations model gets used a s a country wide blue print for sustainable development of schools.
In addition Mr Kimtry would like us to partner with a sister School in Siem Reap to copy paste our model from Aknuwat Primary School.
DHL Express Phnom Penh
DHL Express in Phnom Penh is putting together a plan to develop a Corporate Social Responsibility project at the Aknuwat School. There first initiative will be to paint the school, using staff members from the Phnom Penh offices.
We are also discussing a number of other initiatives with DHL which will also lead to on the ground logistic services including delivery of donated goods from around the world.
Construction - Phase One:
Our construction and re development plans are now in phase one with a preliminary plan being developed with all of the stakeholders. These plans will now be professionally designed so that suppliers can carefully construct the required facilities. A construction company has been selected. It is the schools original builder who has a good knowledge of the schools layout and intricate hidden from view nuiances.
UNICEF Meeting:
We now have a good relationship with Mr Channra Chum Project Officier for UNICEF in Kampong Thom. Mr Channra has offered to support us and assist with liasing with the local stakeholders to ensure that communication is made easier.
Hotel Audits:
We have now conducted Audits of the 3 main hotels in Kampong Thom. Our findings are listed on the blog site under the 'Where to Stay' section. This will allow for easy access as well as a safe and clean environment for our volunteers and visitors to stay.
Tiger Foundation Cambodia:
I have now appointed Mr Las Leam as our official driver and tour guide for Cambodia. Las will meet and greet our visitors to Cambodia and manage all transportation needs to and from the Aknuwat Primary School from Siem Reap as well as from Phnom Penh. He will also be available for tours to and around Angkor Wat. Las can be contacted on +855.9296.1146 prior to any travel to arrange your plans.
Next Steps:
In the coming weeks focus will go on starting some of the construction phases of the re development plans. The urgency is to have the flood prevention plan in place before the wet season comes in April. Additionally work will continue on the establishment of robust Educational, Environmental and Sports Development Programs. Recruitment drives for volunteers, fund raising events and donation collection points will all be implemented over the coming weeks.
We will continue to live our mission of " RELEASING THE POWER OF POTENTIAL"
We now had four days to work on taking the Tiger Foundation to the next stage. During this visit our objectives were,
1) To have meetings with the Parent/ Teachers Association to present the Tiger Foundation plan.
2) To meet with the Provincial Office of Education to seek approval and support of our plans.
3) To meet with DHL, a business partner in Phnom Penh
4) To meet with a construction comapny in Kampong Thom who could manage some of our construction plans.
5) To meet with UNICEF representative to discuss future plans at the school.
6) To audit hotels in Kampong Thom for volunteers to stay while working at the school.
Alot to do and just 4 days to do it. Kenny and I along with our new Tiger Foundation Official Driver - Las Leam motored along between Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Kampong Thom. We filled the car with English Books and took down National Highway No 6 toward the school.
Our arrival once again sparked celebrations fit for royalty, our meager offering of boxes of books and a few footballs created instant chaos.
Our meetings over the four days went extremely, this is now what has been achieved.
Parent/ Teachers Association:
The Parent/Teachers along with several key community leaders have accepted and endorsed the Tiger Foundations plans to create and deploy Education, Environmental and Sports Development programs. Initial drawings of re construction and infrastructual modifications of the schools have been created, these will now be professional designed for construction purposes.
Provincial Office Of Education Meeting:
Mr Sou Kimtry - POE Director and Mr Samreth Ros - Deputy Director have both endorsed and supported all of the plans of the Tiger Foundation. Mr Kimtry will personally present this to the National Post in Phnom Penh where the recomendation will be that The Tiger Foundations model gets used a s a country wide blue print for sustainable development of schools.
In addition Mr Kimtry would like us to partner with a sister School in Siem Reap to copy paste our model from Aknuwat Primary School.
DHL Express Phnom Penh
DHL Express in Phnom Penh is putting together a plan to develop a Corporate Social Responsibility project at the Aknuwat School. There first initiative will be to paint the school, using staff members from the Phnom Penh offices.
We are also discussing a number of other initiatives with DHL which will also lead to on the ground logistic services including delivery of donated goods from around the world.
Construction - Phase One:
Our construction and re development plans are now in phase one with a preliminary plan being developed with all of the stakeholders. These plans will now be professionally designed so that suppliers can carefully construct the required facilities. A construction company has been selected. It is the schools original builder who has a good knowledge of the schools layout and intricate hidden from view nuiances.
UNICEF Meeting:
We now have a good relationship with Mr Channra Chum Project Officier for UNICEF in Kampong Thom. Mr Channra has offered to support us and assist with liasing with the local stakeholders to ensure that communication is made easier.
Hotel Audits:
We have now conducted Audits of the 3 main hotels in Kampong Thom. Our findings are listed on the blog site under the 'Where to Stay' section. This will allow for easy access as well as a safe and clean environment for our volunteers and visitors to stay.
Tiger Foundation Cambodia:
I have now appointed Mr Las Leam as our official driver and tour guide for Cambodia. Las will meet and greet our visitors to Cambodia and manage all transportation needs to and from the Aknuwat Primary School from Siem Reap as well as from Phnom Penh. He will also be available for tours to and around Angkor Wat. Las can be contacted on +855.9296.1146 prior to any travel to arrange your plans.
Next Steps:
In the coming weeks focus will go on starting some of the construction phases of the re development plans. The urgency is to have the flood prevention plan in place before the wet season comes in April. Additionally work will continue on the establishment of robust Educational, Environmental and Sports Development Programs. Recruitment drives for volunteers, fund raising events and donation collection points will all be implemented over the coming weeks.
We will continue to live our mission of " RELEASING THE POWER OF POTENTIAL"
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Tiger Foundations Vision
In today’s rapidly developing world it is important to remember that we all can make a difference to those children’s lives that are perilously balanced between long term poverty with no hope or a life that is given a little help to shine.
It is the goal of the Tiger Foundation to reach out with the help of our special volunteers as well as supporting organizations and partners who through there own generous contributions, actions and activities are prepared to work hard to make a difference.
As global citizens of an ever shrinking world it is our responsibility to work together to help those less fortunate than ourselves who through no fault, desire or choice of their own are disadvantaged by where they were born.
The Tiger Foundation will focus its energy on creating self sustaining philanthropic projects in schools throughout undeveloped regions of the world. These projects will provide a legacy for the communities where its members can work together to create, sustain and maintain an ever lasting model for generations to come.
It is the goal of the Tiger Foundation to reach out with the help of our special volunteers as well as supporting organizations and partners who through there own generous contributions, actions and activities are prepared to work hard to make a difference.
As global citizens of an ever shrinking world it is our responsibility to work together to help those less fortunate than ourselves who through no fault, desire or choice of their own are disadvantaged by where they were born.
The Tiger Foundation will focus its energy on creating self sustaining philanthropic projects in schools throughout undeveloped regions of the world. These projects will provide a legacy for the communities where its members can work together to create, sustain and maintain an ever lasting model for generations to come.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Join The Tiger Foundation Today
Join the Tiger Foundation Today!
Send me an email to philpott.mark@gmail.com
and I will sign you up today.
So here’s your chance to make a difference to the lives of hundreds of children.
So here’s your chance to make a difference to the lives of hundreds of children.
Start 2008 by actively doing something which you have most likely wanted to do for a long time, but just couldn’t find the way to do it.
By joining The Tiger Foundation for just $10 you can start immediately participating in the foundations many exciting projects.
JOIN NOW !!!!
By joining The Tiger Foundation for just $10 you can start immediately participating in the foundations many exciting projects.
JOIN NOW !!!!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Aknuwat Primary School - Cambodia 2008
The Aknuwat Primary School is located 150kms south of Siem Reap on National Highway No 6 on the way to Phnom Penh. The kindergarten / primary school is home to 1100 children between the ages of 4 and 12 years. This is the first school the Tiger Foundation has chosen to support.
It is the goal of the Tiger Foundation to create a self sustaining project which will not only result in a positive impact on the education capability and academic results of the school but will also provide the local community including the school children, teachers, parents and community members with a environment that can become the center piece for the community. Environmental redevelopment is also a significant part of the Tiger Foundations vision.
The Aknuwat Primary School is in immediate need of restoration. Below you can see the list of initial projects we have started to develop a self sustaining model. These projects are in need of your support, so please read what is required and how you can help.
If you have any questions or would like more information about any of these projects then please contact us. We will immediately follow up on your request for information.
Flood Prevention and Hygiene Project:
Current Situation:
Currently the school suffers from severe flooding during the wet season April to October each year. A small creek at the back of the school becomes a raging torrent during the wet season water levels rise, not only increasing the level of air borne disease but also resulting in a major risk to the small children. A small lake situated on the schools premises also adds to the water related problems.
Currently only 9 toilets which are mere holes in the ground, are the only means of sanitation the 1100 children have available to them. The seething mess is again another health hazard that is in need of immediate attention.
Tiger Foundations Contribution:
The Tiger Foundation will have the creek as well as the lake at the school excavated. A complete drainage system will be laid under ground to alleviate the school of any flooding in the future. There will be new modern toilet blocks built to manage the schools 1100 students.
The total cost target to have these two projects completed is $USD 5000.00
Tiger Foundations fundraising to date for this project is $USD 150.00
School Library Development and Classroom Refurbishment Project:
Current Situation:
The schools library and classrooms are today very basic. The library is very small with very few books. Each classroom has basic furniture which is both uncomfortable and inadequate for the number of school children. Many children have to sit on the floor.
Tiger Foundations Contribution:
To date the Tiger Foundation has donated some 200 Khmer /English Books as well as pens and pencils for the children. Several Khmer / English Dictionaries have also been donated.
One of our partners My Tots Room a Singapore based small business has generously donated 5 children’s couches as well as some wall charts to help brighten the surroundings and give the children a comfortable environment.
We now seek many more books from donors, as well as donations to buy more furniture.
The schools library will be expanded as well as educational games and toys purchased to support the children and teachers.
The total cost target for this project is $USD 2000
The Tiger Foundations funds raised to date for this project is $USD 100.00
School Canteen Project:
Current Situation:
The current school canteen area is an outdoor fly infested long wooden table which sits at the end of one of the classrooms. Seating capacity is for no more than 30 children today. Hawkers from outside of the school bring food to the canteen often prepared in a very unhealthy environment. This is often the children’s main nutritional value for the day.
Tiger Foundations Contribution:
The Tiger Foundation will build a all purpose canteen for the school children and teachers. This facility will house basic cooking facilities so meals can be prepared freshly each day. Sitting numbers will be increased significantly, fresh water as well as recycling and disposable facilities will be built.
The total cost to have this project completed is $USD 2000.00
The Tiger Foundations funds raised to date for this project is $USD 100.00
General Contributions to date:
The friends of the Tiger Foundation have also donated a brand new Lawn Mower to the school to help maintain the schools lawns as well as the purchase of the schools first computer which is now up and running.
It is the goal of the Tiger Foundation to create a self sustaining project which will not only result in a positive impact on the education capability and academic results of the school but will also provide the local community including the school children, teachers, parents and community members with a environment that can become the center piece for the community. Environmental redevelopment is also a significant part of the Tiger Foundations vision.
The Aknuwat Primary School is in immediate need of restoration. Below you can see the list of initial projects we have started to develop a self sustaining model. These projects are in need of your support, so please read what is required and how you can help.
If you have any questions or would like more information about any of these projects then please contact us. We will immediately follow up on your request for information.
Flood Prevention and Hygiene Project:
Current Situation:
Currently the school suffers from severe flooding during the wet season April to October each year. A small creek at the back of the school becomes a raging torrent during the wet season water levels rise, not only increasing the level of air borne disease but also resulting in a major risk to the small children. A small lake situated on the schools premises also adds to the water related problems.
Currently only 9 toilets which are mere holes in the ground, are the only means of sanitation the 1100 children have available to them. The seething mess is again another health hazard that is in need of immediate attention.
Tiger Foundations Contribution:
The Tiger Foundation will have the creek as well as the lake at the school excavated. A complete drainage system will be laid under ground to alleviate the school of any flooding in the future. There will be new modern toilet blocks built to manage the schools 1100 students.
The total cost target to have these two projects completed is $USD 5000.00
Tiger Foundations fundraising to date for this project is $USD 150.00
School Library Development and Classroom Refurbishment Project:
Current Situation:
The schools library and classrooms are today very basic. The library is very small with very few books. Each classroom has basic furniture which is both uncomfortable and inadequate for the number of school children. Many children have to sit on the floor.
Tiger Foundations Contribution:
To date the Tiger Foundation has donated some 200 Khmer /English Books as well as pens and pencils for the children. Several Khmer / English Dictionaries have also been donated.
One of our partners My Tots Room a Singapore based small business has generously donated 5 children’s couches as well as some wall charts to help brighten the surroundings and give the children a comfortable environment.
We now seek many more books from donors, as well as donations to buy more furniture.
The schools library will be expanded as well as educational games and toys purchased to support the children and teachers.
The total cost target for this project is $USD 2000
The Tiger Foundations funds raised to date for this project is $USD 100.00
School Canteen Project:
Current Situation:
The current school canteen area is an outdoor fly infested long wooden table which sits at the end of one of the classrooms. Seating capacity is for no more than 30 children today. Hawkers from outside of the school bring food to the canteen often prepared in a very unhealthy environment. This is often the children’s main nutritional value for the day.
Tiger Foundations Contribution:
The Tiger Foundation will build a all purpose canteen for the school children and teachers. This facility will house basic cooking facilities so meals can be prepared freshly each day. Sitting numbers will be increased significantly, fresh water as well as recycling and disposable facilities will be built.
The total cost to have this project completed is $USD 2000.00
The Tiger Foundations funds raised to date for this project is $USD 100.00
General Contributions to date:
The friends of the Tiger Foundation have also donated a brand new Lawn Mower to the school to help maintain the schools lawns as well as the purchase of the schools first computer which is now up and running.
The Tiger Foundation - The Start
Christmas 2007 was alot different for me than I could have ever possibly imagined. The story goes something like this....
The Tiger Foundation is a dream come true, my dream. From its conception which was during my motorcycle adventure from Singapore to Vietnam during the Christmas Holidays in 2007, the Tiger Foundation has now become a reality.
With the help and support of my family and my amazing global network of friends also business partners as well as many caring donors from around the planet, the Tiger Foundation is making a difference.
The Tiger Foundation is a Singapore based and registered non profit organization to support projects around the world.
The name of Tiger Foundation is significant to me. During my motorcycle ride on my new Triumph Tiger motorcycle I instantly recognized that the motorcycle I was riding was a star. Whether I was in Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia it did not matter, children, adults, young and old all were fascinated by my motorcycle.
It was when I was resting during my ride at the Ak Nuk Wat Primary School in Cambodia that I decided that I wanted to help the poor children, the struggling community by unleashing the awesome energy of my global network.
It was without hesitation that I launched the idea of the Tiger Foundation. The foundation will help schools across the undeveloped world to prosper and to make a difference in the world of these local communities where often vital aid and support is yet to reach. The Tiger Foundation is a new ‘Living Philanthropic” organization whose supporters actively participate in its projects.
The Tiger Foundations first project is to help re build the Ak Nuk Wat Primary School in the small town of Kampong Thom which lays half way between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia. This is the first school I visited. Having fallen in love with the childrens brilliant happy smiling faces as well as the teacher’s passion to support me I couldn’t help but do something to make a difference.
The Tiger Foundations goal is not be a donor based philanthropy organization. Its mission is to create sustainable projects where Foundation members and supporters can get actively involved in doing the activities required to make “that” difference.
Painting buildings, reconstructing gardens, re designing classrooms, installing power, computers, sanitary blocks, irrigation and drainage systems – the list goes on. Teachers who can give up some of there own time to visit our projects to support teachers, give lessons to children.
The Tiger Foundation is a hand’s on organization which encourages its members to get both physically and emotionally involved.
That’s why when you become a supporter of the Tiger Foundation you will instantly become associated personally with what ever project you choose to support. It doesn’t matter where you live, how much you earn or how much spare time you have, the Tiger Foundation will make it easy for you to participate.
So welcome, read on and see what we have started to do today. See who is involved see how you can get started as well as how you can get others involved.
As an ever evolving organism we welcome your ideas and suggestions on how we can be more effective as a Non Profit organization. Don’t hesitate to write to me personally with your suggestions.
Finally thank you for visiting us, we hope you stick around, so do all of the children who you can help.
Mark Philpott: Founder The Tiger Foundation
The Tiger Foundation is a dream come true, my dream. From its conception which was during my motorcycle adventure from Singapore to Vietnam during the Christmas Holidays in 2007, the Tiger Foundation has now become a reality.
With the help and support of my family and my amazing global network of friends also business partners as well as many caring donors from around the planet, the Tiger Foundation is making a difference.
The Tiger Foundation is a Singapore based and registered non profit organization to support projects around the world.
The name of Tiger Foundation is significant to me. During my motorcycle ride on my new Triumph Tiger motorcycle I instantly recognized that the motorcycle I was riding was a star. Whether I was in Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia it did not matter, children, adults, young and old all were fascinated by my motorcycle.
It was when I was resting during my ride at the Ak Nuk Wat Primary School in Cambodia that I decided that I wanted to help the poor children, the struggling community by unleashing the awesome energy of my global network.
It was without hesitation that I launched the idea of the Tiger Foundation. The foundation will help schools across the undeveloped world to prosper and to make a difference in the world of these local communities where often vital aid and support is yet to reach. The Tiger Foundation is a new ‘Living Philanthropic” organization whose supporters actively participate in its projects.
The Tiger Foundations first project is to help re build the Ak Nuk Wat Primary School in the small town of Kampong Thom which lays half way between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap in Cambodia. This is the first school I visited. Having fallen in love with the childrens brilliant happy smiling faces as well as the teacher’s passion to support me I couldn’t help but do something to make a difference.
The Tiger Foundations goal is not be a donor based philanthropy organization. Its mission is to create sustainable projects where Foundation members and supporters can get actively involved in doing the activities required to make “that” difference.
Painting buildings, reconstructing gardens, re designing classrooms, installing power, computers, sanitary blocks, irrigation and drainage systems – the list goes on. Teachers who can give up some of there own time to visit our projects to support teachers, give lessons to children.
The Tiger Foundation is a hand’s on organization which encourages its members to get both physically and emotionally involved.
That’s why when you become a supporter of the Tiger Foundation you will instantly become associated personally with what ever project you choose to support. It doesn’t matter where you live, how much you earn or how much spare time you have, the Tiger Foundation will make it easy for you to participate.
So welcome, read on and see what we have started to do today. See who is involved see how you can get started as well as how you can get others involved.
As an ever evolving organism we welcome your ideas and suggestions on how we can be more effective as a Non Profit organization. Don’t hesitate to write to me personally with your suggestions.
Finally thank you for visiting us, we hope you stick around, so do all of the children who you can help.
Mark Philpott: Founder The Tiger Foundation
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