Last week in class, we were given the opportunity to look outside the scope of hunger and homelessness in the United States and look at other places around the world. As we reached the point in the semester where we are looking at solutions and what actions are successfully being taken to combat homelessness and poverty globally, we heard from Tammy Durrand the creator of the organization ABC’s and Rice, an organization that educates children and aims to break the cycle of poverty in Cambodia. According to their mission statement, ABC’s and Rice is aimed towards “activating global awareness and helpful resources on the plight of those caught in a cycle of poverty”. These goals are achieved through the out-of-the box thinking and ability to problem solve in order to ensure that children are able to come to school to learn and be given the opportunity for a brighter future.

As most of us were already aware, Tammy discussed the fact that the children that she works with in Cambodia are not given the privileges that children in the United States  are allowed. She explained that even with the offer of a free education for children, parents often still cannot afford that because they would lose the needed help of the children in growing and cultivating food necessary for survival. Tammy’s attitude was remarkable, especially after witnessing the level of hunger and hopelessness that she had during her time in Cambodia. She shared with us the affects that this organization has had in her personal life and the ways that it has shaped her as a person forever. Honestly, it was very inspiring to see how the vision of one individual can grow from humble beginnings to the point where the organization is able to help nearly 200 children, with the hope of expanding to reach so many more families.

I think what sets ABC’s and Rice apart from other organizations that we have been a part of throughout our time in our internship positions is the fact that it is focused on the big picture. Instead of just focusing on small goals, the aim of ABCs and Rice is to combat poverty by giving education to as many children as possible. Unlike our internships that we have become familiar with this semester, Tammy described the fact that ABC’s and Rice does not have to struggle with the issue of maneuvering around the “red tape” and having their hands tied when searching for solutions to the problems of their populations. She described that the only thing standing in the way of solving a unique issue is the ability to problem solve and create solutions that can apply.

I think that it was very powerful to see this example of organizations like ABCs and Rice that are actually offering solutions to poverty and homelessness. I think that it is important to stay positive and aware that resolutions are out there that truly make a difference in the lives of those who are impoverished worldwide.

**  http://abcsandrice.webs.com/