Ayana Journeys is proud to present a new series of free, eye-opening and engaging talks in Siem Reap. With the help of like-minded partners and friends, we are launching ‘Wisdom Wednesdays’. These talks will share ethical tourism insights and advice to travellers, volunteers (or those thinking about volunteering), and the local tourism sector. We aim to support the Siem Reap community better understand the complexities of ‘doing good’, highlighting specific local issues like visiting orphanages and voluntourism.
Our expert speakers will share personal anecdotes, industry insights, and honest stories in an informal environment aimed to encourage lively discussion. Each session will be a great opportunity to get your questions answered by inspirational locals in-the-know, and to discover different ways to ensure your visit to Cambodia is enriching and meaningful.
- Interested in being a speaker? Please email amy@ayanajourneys.com
- Would like to stay posted of dates and to attend? Please email contact@ayanajourneys.com
Location
Garage Society co-working space at LubD hostel on High School Road.
We’d like to thank our venue partners for generous use of their space and for the opportunity to bring together our community to talk about these important issues.
When
5.30pm – 7pm on regular Wednesdays – dates below
Who should attend
This event is aimed at travellers, volunteers or those thinking about volunteering, new-to-town expats, and tourism professionals.
Program & speaker series
We’re taking a break! Next events kick off in winter 2018 – if you’re interested in being a volunteer speaker please reach out!
Past events
- 14th February – Leigh Mathews, ALTO Global Consulting, on the ReThink Orphanages global movement
Leigh is a highly experienced consultant with over 12 years diverse experience across Australia and Asia in child rights and child protection. Leigh is a recognised expert in the issues of institutionalisation, residential care of children, and voluntourism. Leigh will share the key messages behind the ReThink Orphanages campaign at her talk, and explain how tourism and donations can contribute to the issue and the solution. WATCH VIDEO
- 13th December – Miss Seang Phalla from the ChildSafe Movement and Mr Kong Sith a Family Reintegration Coordinator from Friends International
Friends International are an international organisation founded in Cambodia. Their holistic approach to child protection is currently focusing on supporting families to help keep them together and keep children out of orphanages. Phalla is a ChildSafe Team Leader, and will provide clear recommendations for travellers related to child protection. Sith will discuss the importance of supporting families through Friends’ alternative and foster care models for children at risk. WATCH VIDEO
- 29th November – Choch Cho, as featured in The Voluntourist
Cho is born and raised in Siem Reap, and has witnessed first-hand the boom in volunteer tourism in and around his hometown. As an experienced facilitator in development education, he is passionate about supporting travellers develop critical thinking skills in the field of charity, aid, and volunteering. He has featured in several documentaries on the topic of voluntourism, invited to share his local perspective on the topic. His session will allow participants to gain a unique insight into how locals interact with philanthropic tourism and some of the impacts felt locally. WATCH VIDEO
Wisdom Wednesdays in Siem Reap takes great inspiration and admiration from an initiative in Nepal run by our friends at Next Generation Nepal (NGN). We are proud to collaborate with NGN in this advocacy initiative, and together continue to raise awareness about the complexities of voluntourism and child protection in travel. Read more about their amazing work here.
Banner image photo credit: HandZaround
