I visited Aloha Learning Center in 2012 and stayed for 10 months, teaching English to all ages and career skills to the older students. After classes, I would play soccer with the kids and help out with homework.
I loved my time at ALC and experienced firsthand the systemic positive impact of the care and support the kids were provided. I have fond memories of taking the kids on field trips including to the amusement park, a boat ride down the Mekong River, and to Battambang, a nearby city in Cambodia.
Ben Charles volunteering at the Aloha Learning Center in 2013
During my time in Cambodia, I got an opportunity to explore different parts of the country and learn about the culture. This experience changed my life and I’m still in the education field today because of my experience with ALC (at the time called FLO).
Ben Charles teaching English at ALC
When I was living at ALC, one of the cooks who lived onsite had a son named Ponleu who was 2 years old. He was adorable and would play with all the older kids. The kids there were at least 5 and most were teens, so Ponleu was like a little brother to everyone. Ponleu was always running around ALC with a big smile. Here are some pictures of Ponleu from 2013.
After my time in Cambodia, I kept in touch with some of the teachers, older students, and the folks at eGlobal, but I lost touch with many of the younger students I taught.
…
In 2022 I reconnected with the eGlobal team and decided to join the eFoster program. I was so excited to see that Ponleu was still at ALC and doing well! Ponleu and I were matched and we communicate about once a month through emails.
Ponleu in 2024
Ponleu lives at ALC full time and he tells me how he’s doing in school, what activities he does at ALC, and about any special events that have recently happened. He loves playing soccer, practicing computer skills, and spending time in the greenhouse growing vegetables. I’m always happy to share about myself and tell him about my hobbies, work, and updates in my life.
It’s been an amazing experience getting to know more about Ponleu and seeing him grow up. I always encourage him to give his best effort in school and want him to have options in life when he grows up and to achieve his goals. I’m happy to support Ponleu and ALC in making that happen!
