In June, twelve students from Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine embarked on a ten-day journey to Siem Reap, Cambodia, with a mission to enhance the health literacy and vocational skills of the local residents. The first two days were dedicated to workshops at Build Your Future Today (BFT), a non-governmental organization committed to equipping Cambodians with essential skills and resources. The workshops covered topics like Microsoft PowerPoint, public speaking, Google Forms, and Excel, aiming to empower the community with modern technology proficiency.

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We then moved to the Svay Leu district, specifically the Prey Lngeang village, where we conducted educational sessions for both children and adults. We emphasised personal and bodily hygiene through skits and hands-on activities for the children. We also conducted eye screenings and measured BMI to identify children in need of eyewear and monitor their physical health. The adults received training on wound dressing and the importance of a nutritious diet, with the hope of positively impacting their well-being and family nutrition practices.

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In the Tapour village, we focused on sex education and back pain for adults, promoting responsible sexual practices and providing guidance on preventing and managing back pain. For the youth, the team addressed puberty, the menstrual cycle, and hygiene practices during menstruation. This knowledge aimed to empower young girls with the skills for a healthy transition into adulthood.

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The Oroong village marked the final leg of our outreach, covering topics such as smoking's adverse consequences and oral hygiene for the youth. For the adults, hypertension management and back pain prevention were the key areas of focus. We strived to protect the villagers from oral health issues and back pain by promoting awareness and prevention strategies.

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Throughout the trip, we were immersed in Cambodian culture, making connections with the local community and striving to make a meaningful impact. We are thankful for the warm reception we received and eagerly anticipate expanding our outreach to more villages in their future visits. We hope our efforts have made a positive impact on the lives of these communities. We are excited to expand our outreach to more villages in our next visits. 

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