By Guy Hazlewood
Passionate and dedicated Forest Lake teen Viviann Cornford has been selected to participate in a life-changing volunteer program in Cambodia this September.
Viviann Cornford (right) will be heading to Cambodia to build a house for a family. Source: Viviann Cornford.
The 17-year-old apprentice carpenter will join a team of students from the Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) Ipswich campus to construct two houses for families in Siem Reap, bringing hope and shelter to those in need.
“I think that every family, no matter where they’re from, deserves to have some sort of house that can provide safety, especially in countries like Cambodia that are very underprivileged when it comes to those things,” Viviann said.
“I’ve been told that some of these families have just been living under a little shack in the dirt and I morally don’t believe that that’s correct for a whole family to be living like that.”
Viviann was chosen through a stringent selection process conducted by AITC, with students from all campuses vying for the coveted opportunity to make a tangible difference overseas.
Her commitment to her trade and community service set her apart, earning her a spot on the team that will embark on this noble mission.
“I was excited, and there was that proud feeling from not just myself, but my family and the school. They were proud of me for making it,” Viviann said.
“I was also a bit worried because it’s such a big task, but I think I’m ready.”
To make this mission a reality, Viviann needs to raise $5,500 to cover travel and accommodation expenses.
“It’s such a unique way to help a family that is in need,” Viviann said.
“I need as much help as I can get to be able to get over there and change a family’s life.”
Viviann’s determination to make a difference extends beyond just building houses.
“I hope to achieve some sort of connection with the family and be able to gift maybe some tools that I bring over,” she said.
“I just can’t wait to see their faces once the build is completed.”
The community can support Viviann’s noble cause by making donations through the TryBooking page set up by AITC at www.trybooking.com/au/donate/vivianncornford
