Members Making a Difference
Dr . Dilshad Sumar — Volunteering in Siem Reap , Cambodia
EDITOR ’ S NOTE : Dr . Dilshad Sumar , PDA member and pediatric dentist from Allentown , was recently recognized by the ADA ’ s Committee on International Programs and Development as a recipient of the ADA Certificate for International Volunteer Service for her extensive volunteer service in Cambodia . Dr . Sumar has traveled there the last four years to volunteer at Angkor Hospital for Children ( AHC ) as well as volunteering at a library her family , through their own foundation , had built for children in Siem Reap , Cambodia in 2009 . She has taught pediatric dentistry to the staff at AHC and instituted fluoride rinse programs in two other schools . Dr . Sumar ’ s volunteer work in Cambodia is ongoing and she is continuing to reach additional people through new volunteer efforts .
We invited Dr . Sumar to write the following personal account of her volunteer service in Cambodia . If any PDA members are interested in volunteering in Cambodia , Dr . Sumar would be happy to help get you started .
It all started in 2007 when Duncan Stewart of New Zealand , owner of Kudos Dynamics and the founder and supporter of Savong Free School in Siem Reap , Cambodia , contacted my husband , Dr . Amir Lakhani . Duncan wanted to build a library at the Savong Free School and needed funds . My husband provided the funds and we saw all stages of the library ’ s construction . We received photographs as the bricks were ordered , the cement was delivered and the bamboo scaffolding put up . It was a very gratifying process . Culturally , in Cambodia , libraries are held in similar regard as temples .
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