Whisper of the Hearts is a community service and leadership development project that brought together young mentors and students with hearing impairments to promote inclusion, cultural understanding, and meaningful community engagement.
Held from 3–11 August 2026 in Siem Reap, the project involved 10 mentees from Siem Reap Special Education High School, supported by 6 mentors, 5 core members, 2 co project leaders, and 3 professional mentors. The six mentors included four from Cambodia, one from Malaysia, and one from Myanmar, creating an opportunity for participants from different backgrounds to learn and work together.
The project began with a Leadership Week from 3–8 August, during which mentors prepared for their roles through training focused on leadership, teamwork, communication, empathy, facilitation, and inclusive communication. Participants also learned more about Basic Sign language, Deaf culture and the community they would be serving. The training aimed to equip mentors with the knowledge and confidence needed to create a supportive and inclusive environment for the mentees.
From 9–11 August, the project continued with a Service Week, where mentors facilitated interactive learning and group activities with the students. The activities focused on emotional well-being, healthy living, teamwork, communication and cultural exchange. Mentees were encouraged to understand and express their emotions, learn about balanced nutrition and hydration, work together, and actively participate in different activities.
The final day also featured cultural exchange activities involving participants from Cambodia, Malaysia and Myanmar. Students with hearing impairments had the opportunity to participate in Khmer traditional dance, allowing them to express themselves creatively and celebrate their cultural heritage. The activities provided a space for mentors and students to share their cultures, experiences, and perspectives while building meaningful connections.
Through the project, mentees gained opportunities to build confidence, develop communication and teamwork skills, learn about healthy living and emotional well-being, and participate in an inclusive environment. At the same time, mentors strengthened their leadership, facilitation, communication, empathy, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding while gaining firsthand experience in community service and mentorship.
More than a series of activities, Whisper of the Hearts created an opportunity for mentors and mentees to learn from one another and recognize that differences in communication should not be barriers to connect and participate.
The project expresses its sincere gratitude to Siem Reap Special Education High School for its partnership and support. Special appreciation is extended to Silver Sponsor WooHu and Transportation Partners Grab and Virak Buntham for their generous support. The project also gratefully acknowledges the contributions of friends, families, and members of the public who supported the initiative through individual donations.
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