From the Ground Up
Welcome to the Real World
As the disparity between wealth and poverty in the world grows greater every year, there is no question that the work of your generation has the power to play a crucial role in closing that gap. Life for most of the world’s seven billion people is a struggle, with many unable to access to clean water, ample food, and protection from the elements on a daily basis.
The problems of the world are great, and it would be impossible to erase them overnight. However, we at Rustic Pathways have reason to believe that you can make a difference. For decades now, we have been running community service programs in some of the world’s more remote and underprivileged areas. Year after year, we have learned through the villagers that we’ve worked with and the students who have joined us that above all else, there is still hope. Despite the hardships that people face around the world, change for the better is happening, and it is easier to accomplish than most people realize.
From the Ground Up
This program is specifically for students interested in learning the inner workings of real life aide projects. Unlike other service programs, this one is decidedly academic. Students design a group project for an underprivileged community in Cambodia and work with local people to see it come to fruition. It entails cultivating a service project from its conception into a reality and those who join this team must be willing to do the groundwork necessary to achieve the program goals. Students will learn from professionals in the field how projects operate from start to finish- from a project proposal and a grant request to the realization of it all and assessing its impact on the community.
Delve Into Contemporary Cambodia
From the Ground Up will introduce students to Cambodia’s complex history and help them understand the influences that shape the country today. Students will be responsible for completing the program reading list and submitting an essay prior to departure. This program will be touching on a number of very real and sensitive issues, so students should be prepared to deal with mature subject matter.
Success through Research
Throughout this program, students will be challenged to check their preconceived notions at the door and learn from the local people. From the outside, it’s often easy to think that we know what is best for everyone else. However, this program will seek to listen to local opinions and suggestions above all others, and our projects will be based around the feedback that we get from our Cambodian friends. Students will generate a number of project proposals and the group will choose the most beneficial based on research done in the field. Collaboration and teamwork is a must, as one proposal and grant request will be fulfilled per trip. Importantly, other project proposals will be considered as future pilot projects for the Rustic Pathways Foundation.
The Way Forward
If you’re looking for an intensive service program with a real world academic element to it, From the Ground Up is the program for you. Whether you’re aspiring to start your own grassroots service project, learn about contemporary issues in Southeast Asia, or challenge yourself to be a part of positive change in action, Rustic Pathways cordially invites you to join us in Cambodia for this exciting new program.
* Admission is by application only - students must submit a 500- to 700-word essay to be accepted into this program. Essays should state why From the Ground Up interests you and how this experience would apply to your life. Submit your essay by email with a brief introduction and a subject of From the Ground Up to cambodia@rusticpathways.com
* Pre-program reading list required, and pre-program assignment from Trip Leader will be sent prior to departure. This reading list will be an interesting variety of topic in the field.
