F.A.Q.s

Why has SeeBeyondBorders chosen to focus on primary education?

Education is one of three areas fundamental to grassroots development, the others being Health and Financial leverage. At SeeBeyondBorders we feel that education provides the broadest base from which to engage communities.  Our background and experience is with education so we are confident that we can implement a solid, well informed program.

Education at a primary school level gives provision of basic skills for life, and provides a platform for a long term interest in learning. Often children in poorer communities will not go on to high school so we need to engage with them and their families at the primary school level.

Our focus on primary education also aligns with the United Nations Millenium Development Goals, of which Goal 2 is Universal Primary Education. There are a good number of experienced organisations involved in aspects of this activity with whom we can partner and learn from.

What does SeeBeyondBorders hope to achieve?

SeeBeyondBorders hopes to mobilise skills and resources to support the poor and in time, make the programmes self sustaining.  We do not have a grand plan to save the world but would like to achieve success in bringing education to specific communities. Our initial targets are short term, these relate to volumes of activity. These targets include number of teachers in workshops, resources provided, and penetration into the communities, leading to a rise in education and living standards.
We also hope to increase the amount of support, both financial and participation, for direct action involving our initiatives.

Is it all about education, or also other things like food, vocational training, maternal health?

Although our focus is on Primary Education, we also use the term education in a broad sense with a focus on Primary which relates to basic educational needs and certainly includes health.  Other areas are added in a niche way where there might be resources to support a sustainable programme and where opportunities arise.

How long has SeeBeyondBorders been operating for?

SeeBeyondBorders has been operating since March 2009.

Can I go by myself or is it just groups?

We do not cater for individuals travelling by themselves except in special circumstances involving major donors.

How can I organise a group to be a part of this?

If you have your own group that you wish to organise a specific trip for, please contact us.

How can our business benefit from being involved with SBB, as a sponsor or on trips?

SeeBeyondBorders runs regular trips to Cambodia to facilitate corporate sponsors and individuals with getting actively involved in all the projects that we support. Staff of corporate sponsors would be able to take part in trips that would enable them to have hands-on participation in our programs.  This could range from building/painting to helping implement nutrition programs and general local community interaction and support.
This involvement is a great team building exercise and provides genuine PR possibilities for corporate sponsors use internally as well as externally.

How long are the trips?

The trips are 2 weeks in length. Feel free though to add on days at the beginning or the end of a trip to do some exploring on your own.

What will we actually do on the trips?

The trips involve a mixture of cultural assimilation, sightseeing, learning and hands on activities. Please refer to itinerary for the trip you are interested in.

Do I need health insurance?

Yes, health insurance is strongly advised.

Do you operate only in Cambodia, or other countries?

At present, yes, but we are looking to expand in time to other countries.  India (Tamil Nadu) will likely be the next area where we develop programmes.

What kind of accommodation, travel and food conditions will we experience?

In Phnom Penh we stay in a good comfortable hotel with en suite and aircon – perhaps 3.5 stars!  In Battambang there is a simple guest house – a traditional old wooden Khmer building with four guest rooms.  These have their own bathrooms and are very quaint, but simple.  There is also a hotel around the corner from the centre where the workshops are held which is comfortable and of a similar standard to Phnom Penh.  There are more luxurious hotels a little further away, but Battambang is not really on the tourist route.
In Siem Reap, the Reflection Centre is dormitory style with communal bathrooms.  It is quite basic.  Too basic for some certainly and there are all sorts of hotels close by which you may want to consider if dormitory style is not your thing!  Siem Reap is a major tourist destination catering for all budgets..  The Khmer teachers stay at the Reflection Centre and some think it is appropriate to be with them.  By this time many are intrigued by a more basic life style, but that is not for everyone and we are very flexible and can make other arrangements.  There may be some extra cost but mainly for transport back and forth to another hotel depending on where it is and which one someone chooses.
Food is international and generally very good!  Travel is by local bus, sometimes by truck, or by taxi and tuktuk in town – main road conditions are generally good but you are quickly onto the dirt and in the rainy season these minor roads often become impassable .

I can’t travel right now, but I want to help out, is there any way to do this?

Certainly, we are always on the look out for volunteers to help out in Sydney.  A donation is also a great way to help out as this goes directly to the programs that have developed and support. Have a look at our Get Involved page.

What can I offer if I’m not a teacher?

We have non-teacher programs as well where participants can contribute in a number of ways.  This could range from building and painting to planting rice, to helping to implement nutrition programs.
If a non-teacher is travelling with a teaching group then activities are only different on the workshop days.  On these days we will have other activities that will involve visits to other projects and we will again be doing things like concreting, painting or planting rice. Leading up to the trip we will be able to be more specific about what the activities will be. They will however, involve the people whose lives we are helping to support. The non-teacher will see and participate in the process involved to trying to bring about change in Cambodia.
We may also visit some of families that we or our partners support and hear directly from them about their own lives.  There will be times when we will need all hands on deck to help with the logistics of the workshops which might include such tasks as sorting materials, and setting up classrooms.

How much do the trips cost?

On ground costs (accommodation and most meals) cost $1000.  We also ask for a minimum project donation of $1250 donation that is tax deductible and goes directly to our projects in Cambodia.