Last September marked an unforgettable milestone for Sokun, one of the social workers on the SCCO team, our partner organization in Cambodia. Sokun has been with SCCO as a social worker since 2018. She traveled to the Netherlands to attend a Youth Conference and meet DARA Europe volunteers. For her, this was more than a trip abroad – it was an opportunity to learn, share and return inspired to her work in Cambodia. It was also the very first time she had left Southeast Asia, which made the trip both exciting and adventurous.
Meeting with DARA Europe
A highlight of Sokun’s trip was meeting with the DARA Europe board and part of the team of volunteers. During a team meeting, she shared updates on recent developments at SCCO. She also joined the updates of our working groups.
“It was special to meet the team,” Sokun said. “I saw and experienced how the DARA Europe team works together – discussing ideas, gathering and showing commitment to support SCCO. Even when things are difficult, they remain positive and active.”
What inspired her most was the kindness and perseverance of the team members. “Everyone does their best and doesn’t give up,” she said. “That inspired me to take that same energy home with me.”
Global stories at the Youth Conference
Sokun then participated in the Youth Conference in Amsterdam. The event brought together young people and professionals from around the world and created a space for stories, ideas and inspiration. “I met many young people and people from different countries,” she recounted. “I was able to share and learn, hear about education and culture in different places, and build new contacts and networks. Most importantly, I learned to be more confident.”
One story touched her in particular. A young woman from Mexico shared the problems faced by many girls and young people in her country, including teenage pregnancy caused by poverty and lack of education. “She told me that despite all this, she started earning her own income and bringing people together for community initiatives, started from her own home,” Sokun recalled. “That inspired me; she showed that change can start small but make a big difference.”
The conference reminded her that challenges for women and girls exist everywhere, not just in Cambodia. “As we talked and asked questions, we looked for solutions,” she reflected. “It encouraged me to see myself not just as a supporter, but as a future leader in my community.”
A warm welcome to the Netherlands
In addition to these meetings, Sokun enjoyed a truly Dutch experience. She stayed with the founder of DARA Europe, Tirza, and her sisters Nienke and Judith. For both Judith and Sokun, it was heartwarming to see each other again, having spent a lot of time together and working in Cambodia last year. Nienke also welcomed her into her family, giving Sokun an insight into Dutch culture and daily life.
“The warm welcome from the family was one of the most memorable parts of my trip,” Sokun said with a smile.
She especially enjoyed her visits to the cities of Delft and Utrecht, which she described as unique and beautiful places. And on her last day, she definitely said yes to another croquette sandwich!
Lessons to take home
From this experience and her time in the Netherlands, Sokun takes away powerful lessons for her work in Andong. Above all, she learned the tremendous value of teamwork and strategic planning.
“Working together as a team, thinking strategically and planning ahead; these are things I want to share with my SCCO colleagues,” she explained. “It will help us grow and further strengthen our work in Andong.”
She also emphasizes the importance of individual skills: “careful planning and preparation, prioritizing, staying confident and communicating clearly are the basis for being successful as a team.”
Returning to Andong with new energy and gratitude
Looking back, Sokun sees her trip as more than a trip. It was a bridge that connected Cambodia to the Netherlands, linked her personal growth to Andong’s future and brought together people who share the same vision of hope.
The exchange between Cambodia and the Netherlands was all about sharing experiences and provided a nice two-way cultural exchange. This provided insights into each other’s daily habits and sometimes hilarious moments! Above all, the meeting confirmed that cross-border cooperation is all about learning from each other, making the teams of SCCO and DARA Europe both stronger. Sokun closed with warm words of thanks to the DARA Europe team: “Thank you for your hard work, love and support for the people, children and youth in our community. I am so grateful for all you have done”
For Sokun, the trip was not just about learning or going abroad, but about coming home stronger, ready to inspire, lead and create lasting change in Andong.
