Leaving Kampot in general and CLS in particular this time was a surprising wrench – much moreso than on past visits.

Friday morning was especially emotional. Those who know me know I cry at Sorbent toilet tissue ads (or did I just hear someone say “menopause”?) but presenting 20 little scholarship students with brand new school uniforms, followed by a protracted and teary goodbye to all the staff (especially Mr T and Phoas)….  Well, I cried me a river.

After the initial weep-fest that was my first visit to Chumkriel, I’ve managed to keep the emotions fairly well in check.  Friday morning’s little faces – shining with sheer delight at the thought of new clothes – undid all that pragmatism.

The clothes given to the Rotary Club of Dubbo Macquarie by former member and Dubbo businesswoman, Adele Oulton, whose generosity is remarkable and so appreciated.

After some of the skirts and shorts were altered (read: downsized) by the ladies at Dorsu (a sewing business that’s partnered with CLS) we presented each of these tiny little scholarship students (chosen by CLS as being of greatest need) – and each stepped forward as they were called to receive their package, clasping their hands together in the traditional gesture of respect and saying “thank you, teacher”.  Some were dressed in what can only be described as rags – a mixture of thread-bare t-shirts and shorts or even more raggedy pyjamas.

Then, amid great hilarity and excitement, they all changed into their new uniforms, marvelling at the tags that said to all that these were THEIR clothes – not passed down from an older sibling, not donated by charity, not found amid the flotsam and jetsam of cast-offs from the more privileged.  I swear some of those tags will be left on until they fall off.

I wish Adele could have been with us to see the impact of her generosity – this gift was so much more than clothes.  It’s the gift of fellowship and the gift of at least a little self-esteem for these children who have so little.

I hope the photographs help Adele to know how much her generous donation lifted these little spirits.