A Profile...

I hate writing about  myself, especially for an unknown audience!

We had to write approximately 300 words about ourselves for the volunteer program that I'm involved with, and here it is....

Elysse is really looking forward to the experiences and challenges that her 12
months Australian Youth Ambassador for Development role will offer. She will be
based in Siem Reap, Cambodia and be working as the Organisational Management
Support Officer at Anjali House.

Anjali House is a non-profit organization that aims to provide children with free
healthcare, food, clean drinking water and education. I was drawn to the AYAD
program and Anjali House because of the objectives of both organisations and in
particular, their commitment to children from the most disadvantaged segments of
society and their willingness to assist these children to achieve their full potential.

Elysse completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Public Relations and Management) at
Curtin University in 2007, and has since worked with the Fremantle Football Club as
the Strategic Partnerships Coordinator and Sponsorship Coordinator, Swan Districts
Football Club as the Marketing Manager, The University of Notre Dame Australia as
a Prospective Students Advisor and in a part time capacity at Perth Glory Soccer
Club managing the Corporate Function on game days. In 2010 she completed a
Graduate Certificate in International Relations at Curtin University, and has intentions
of further study in this area, upon return to Australia.

In addition to the professional role, she is very excited to learn the Khmer language,
become familiar with the Cambodian culture, discover the secrets of the local cuisine,
meet amazing people and hear their stories, as well as witness the beauty of the
country and the South East Asian region, which she will be visiting for the first time.

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On a different note, I have booked in for my immunisations, next Tuesday at 4pm! They think that I will need to have Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid and Rabies... just so that I don't start frothing at the mouth!

Til next time,

E

Planning is Underway!

Tonight I did a quick scan through my first post and realised just how optimistic I was about gaining a placement with the volunteer program!

I think it shows just how disappointed I would have been if I didn't gain a spot, but luckily enough I turned out to be one of the lucky ones. I did scrape through though - - I was the second preference for a position as the Organisational Management Support Officer at Anjali House in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

In the last month or so I have been busily organising my life for the 12 months or so away from home. There is a check list of what must be completed prior to my departure! I have already completed my online mental health check, my medical assessment, my visa (which needs to be sent back to the embassy because it expires before I arrive in country), all of the paperwork confirming my acceptance and been practicing Khmer! There is still so much more to do, and I need to fit all of this around my sisters wedding, organising a hen's party, working part time at Glory, normal activities and of course full time work at Notre Dame!

I'm really looking forward to my pre-departure training in Canberra at the end of Feb/start of March and meeting all of the other volunteers, especially those that will be moving to Cambodia with me. It seems like they are a great bunch of people, we have been having a meet and greet via email.

Can't wait for April 25th and my arrival in Phnom Penh, then I'll only have to wait a week or so until I get to find a new home in Siem Reap.

2011 is going to be a cracker!! I just hope that the Dockers wait until 2012 to get into the Grand Final so that I can watch it!!