Volunteers’ First Impressions of Mekong ICT Camp 2017 in Cambodia
Mekong ICT Camp is a week-long regional hands-on workshop, aiming to equip participants with skills and tools to adapt various technologies to solve prevailing social and environment issues and to promote technology for social innovation and social change. There is an opportunity for the exchange of knowledge and know-how among participants and experts from their respective fields, for the promotion of intercultural dialogue and for greater understanding of issues concerning the use of technology in the Mekong Sub-Region – in short, for the strengthening of a region-wide sustainable digital environment that supports the planning and implementation of public policy, development and humanitarian programs.
Mr. Thy Try, ODC Executive Director, joint Mekong ICT Camp 2017 meeting with volunteers.
The 5th Mekong ICT Camp will be proudly held from 04 to 09 September 2017 in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. This year is rather special, as ODC has not only become a local host for the Camp, but ODC will also take part as an event speaker and main facilitator and in the Advisory Committee. As for us, Volunteers for the Camp, we are thrilled to be able to contribute to implementing the Workshop and making it a success.
On 22nd July 2017, there was a group meeting between Mr. Thy Try and all the volunteers at Emerald HUB co-working space. It was the same day that the shortlisted volunteers were called for interviews. The call for volunteer applications was open from 5 April 2017 to 25 May 2017. There were as many as 300 individuals applying to be volunteers for the Mekong ICT Camp; however, only 8 committed applicants have been selected.
Mr. Be Chantra and Volunteers
Volunteers’ Meeting
The spirit of the meeting was enthusiastic, cooperation and fun. Starting by greeting each other, we then proceeded with self-introductions and discussions about the preparations and arrangements for the Mekong ICT Camp and Barcamp Cambodia; both of which will be held in Siem Reap from 04 to 08 and 09 to 10September 2017, respectively.
At the end of the meeting, Volunteers expressed their first impressions on the Camp and the reasons why they decided to join the Mekong ICT Camp as a volunteer.
Here are some thoughts from our two volunteers:
Ms. Huy Sambath : “My name is Sambath and I am Cambodian. I work for a local human rights organization based in Phnom Penh. I used to be a participant of the Mekong ICT Camp in Thailand in 2015. My experience of being a participant has significantly motivated me to attend this camp again, not as a participant but a volunteer. I wish to help and engage more in the camp rather than sitting and listening. It sounds more practical; and I am happy to be a volunteer for this Mekong ICT Camp Angkor 2017. Let me assist you!”
Mr. Lim Reasksmey : “Hi there, I am Reaksmey. Currently, I am a junior majoring in IT Management and Computer Science(online course) at American University of Phnom Penh and Fort Hays State University, respectively. This is the first time of me being part of the Mekong ICT Camp; and I am super excited. The reason that I participate in this camp, because I was looking forward to expanding my capacity and experiences in my field as well as making new connections with other brilliant people. The actual experience turns out to be even beyond my expectation and I extremely cannot wait to see you guys at the event.”
