Havva Goztepe will be volunteering in Cambodia. 84601 Picture: MATHEW LYNN
By XAVIER SMERDON
IF YOU wanted to experience a change from everyday life in Point Cook you could not do much better than volunteering at an orphanage in Cambodia.
Havva Goztepe, a 20-year-old post-graduate law student from Point Cook, will be leaving for Cambodia on 20 August.
Once there she will spend two weeks volunteering at an orphanage with International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), a New Zealand based not for profit organisation.
“I’ve always wanted to do it and never looked into it and then when I heard someone talking about it was just a spur of the moment thing and I basically booked my tickets within a week,” Ms Goztepe said.
“I’m excited and nervous because I have never been to somewhere like that before.”
Sarah Sutherland from IVHQ said Havva’s work would help many people.
“Many children have lost their parents due to HIV, while other parents cannot provide food, accommodation and education for their children,” Ms Sutherland said.
“Orphanage work ranges from cooking, administration, cleaning, painting, singing and sports to assisting with homework, feeding, caring for children and teaching.
“I have no doubt that from Havva’s qualifications and skills she will make an excellent volunteer.”
Ms Goztepe has raised more than $3000 to buy books, clothes and toys for the children, who are all aged between two and 18-years-old.
For more information on how to donate to Ms Goztepe’s cause visit www.gofundme.com/iednw.
