Kiltoom student to embark on volunteer trip to Cambodia
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Kiltoom native Jessica Collins is embarking on a one-in-a-lifetime volunteering trip to Cambodia this summer.
Having grown up in Hodson Bay, and gone to school in Our Lady's Bower, Jessica is now studying in UCD for her undergraduate degree in Music, Film and Drama.
She is the daughter of Martin and Fiona Collins, the owners of the Top Oil filling station on Athlone's Roscommon Road.
"I'll be travelling to Cambodia for five weeks to volunteer with UCD Volunteers Overseas in the MOEI Education project. My role within this project is to teach English to students attending local, free and what we, in Ireland would consider disadvantaged community schools.
"My hope is to use my love for drama and music to involve the kids in a show, which they could then perform for their parents and teachers at the end of the five weeks."
UCD Volunteers Overseas (UCDVO) is a registered charity founded in 2003 by the late Fr Tony Coote. UCDVO’s mission is to create opportunities for transformative learning and responsible volunteering.
The MOEI programme was formed in 2008 to provide intensive English language education for migrant children and adults from Burma located along the Moei River section of the Thai-Myanmar border. Since 2008 MOEI has expanded its reach within Myanmar, and to Cambodia, Laos and China, and is now run as an independent volunteer initiative.
The 19-year-old was inspired to embark on the volunteer trip as she felt compelled to give back.
"I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate than we are and also to experience a brand new culture. I believe it’s something everyone should do at least once in their life as many of us really don’t know how lucky we are."
Jessica will be covering all of her own costs for her trip to Cambodia, with all money fundraised going directly to the MOEI Education project.
To raise funds for the cause, the 19-year-old took part in Freezebury, an annual challenge that involves getting into open, freezing water every day in February.
The challenge involves spending one minute in the water in accordance with the date.
"I really enjoyed this challenge, and managed to complete the full 28 days. and 28 minutes on the final day! The support from my friends, family and the local community while taking part in this challenge was amazing," Jessica said.
"I never swam alone, not one day. Sometimes I wouldn’t want to burden anyone with going out into the freezing cold or lashing rain to swim with me, but I never had to ask, someone would always text and ask when I was going for my swim and come with me for support. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of those people because I would not have been able to do it without you."
A GoFundMe page set up by the student has raised €1,628 of her €1,850 target from some 64 donations.
"As well as that, my local parishes of Kiltoom and Curraghboy will be holding a bake sale in aid of my trip to Cambodia on April 6.
"I am overwhelmed with the generosity of my local community, and I am so grateful for their help."
To donate to Jessica's fundraiser for the MOEI Education project, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ucd-volunteering-overseas-moei-education-project-cambodia