This past Tuesday, we were lucky to have Tammy, the founder of “ABCs and Rice,” (a nonprofit organization based in Cambodia) come speak to our class. Her passion for the cause began after a vacation to Cambodia led her to a local orphanage. The great need that she witnessed there motivated her to return to home in Canada, quit her job, and sell all of her belongings. With the money she made, she built a hut in Siam Reap and began a school. Out of this one hut has evolved an entire school that offers educational opportunities to over 150 students. ABCs and Rice also provides a “Breakfast Club” that ensures that each student receives at least one filling and nourishing meal a day. Tammy’s organization tackles each issue affecting the wellbeing and success of their students one at a time.

ABCs and Rice has three main areas of focus: education, food, and special projects that promote community building. One of the most recently launched food projects is the “Full Belly Farm.” The farm grows fruits, vegetables, and houses livestock animals that support the Breakfast club as well as creates extra food that can be given to the student’s families. Any surplus food is sold to help support the numerous programs implemented by ABCs and Rice.

I was incredibly inspired by Tammy and her commitment to making a difference. Just because a child is born into poverty does not mean that they are any less deserving of an education or a chance at being successful in life. These children are just as capable, they are just lacking the resources necessary to equip themselves to be successful Tammy’s organization enables these children to learn, eat, and expand their horizons. By doing so, the children are less likely to become malnourished, die young from disease, get married at a young age, and bring children into the world who will also live below the poverty line. Tammy is truly creating hope for people who would otherwise not have any.

Check out her website!
http://abcsandrice.webs.com/apps/videos/videos/show/16631090-abcs-rice-be-the-change-you-want-to-see-in-the-world