Over the last month we’ve been welcoming our new class of YAMEN participants from around the world. These young adults will be living in Cambodian host families and serving at local organizations for 11 months. The participants this year come from Malawi, South Korea, Kenya, and India. Two of the participants will be living in Phnom Penh and two will be living in rural Prey Veng province (where I previously lived for three years).

Earlier this week, we made a trip out to Prey Veng to move in the two YAMEN participants who will be living there, give them a local orientation, and to introduce them to their partners. The other two YAMEN participants, Clivia who oversees the program, our Administrative Assistant Doungchann (who is a Prey Veng native), and Charlotte came along. This meant our group represented 4 continents, 7 countries, and 4 Mennonite conferences.

Disha, from India, will serve as the Disability Equity Program Assistant at the Prey Veng Female Disabled Federation (PVFDF). She will be assisting this local NGO to to grow their capacity to teach the community on topics related to disabilities, helping extend the organization’s outreach by assisting with project fundraising and reporting, as well as researching grant opportunities and communications.

Jacksha, from Malawi, will serve with the Cambodian Rural Development Team for 11 months as Conservation and Food Security Program Assistant. CRDT is a local NGO that seeks to sustainably improve food security and livelihoods of subsistence rural communities in support of environmental conservation.

Jinah, from South Korea, will serve as a Multi-Disciplinary Teacher at the Operation Hope Foundation orphanage in Prey Veng town. The children’s home began in 2004 and has supported over 250 children since the beginning. There are 111 children currently and the facility 80,000 sq ft (multiple buildings, sports fields, etc.). They range in age from 5-21. There is capacity to support 120 children maximum and there is a full time, engaging and loving staff team.

Neema, from Kenya, will serve as the International Communications Officer at The Voice of Love Cambodia Christian radio station. The mission of The Voice of Love Cambodia is to encourage cooperation of Christian radio with partners to broadcast the Gospel of Jesus Christ through high-quality and culturally-relevant programs which address the audience’s spiritual, emotional, social and practical needs. The radio programs generate personal follow-up with listeners. Station staff have a vision for families and individuals to experience healing from the past, receive help now, and enjoy hope for the future.