The Recycles.org Project

Recycles.org is my flagship nonprofit charitable project which I began in 1994. At that time, the idea of recycling old computers to "bridge the digital divide" was a complete novelty. I began to develop the idea behind this project while in Flagstaff, Arizona. It was in Flagstaff where I began to collect, refurbish, and re-distribute used computers to others in need. Although I had used the Internet for many years prior as a student, the World Wide Web was a new and growing phenomenon at the time for the general public. The idea of computer recycling and refurbishment for those in need began to catch on as the printed media discovered my work.

Today, the Recycles.org Nonprofit Recycling and Reuse Network is an on-line project aimed at businesses, residents, schools, and nonprofit organizations interested in recycling and reusing computers. The website serves as a regional and nationwide exchange board which directly connects those wishing to dispose of equipment, and nonprofit organizations in need. There are thousands of nonprofit groups across America and around the world who use and appreciate the free service we provide.

The project is a labor of love, requiring much time and resources to keep going each day, and more with each passing year. I look for support from our nonprofit participants, but being in the helping industry themselves, cash giving is often impossible. For those unable to help, we ask that they promote our service wherever possible. If you can help in some way, you will be greatly appreciated. Go ahead and visit our website. Browse around the pages when you have some time.

Independent Teaching in Cambodia

In Cambodia, my focus is on assisting promising young adults who have the potential to become outstanding leaders for their generation, empowering them with the tools and knowledge necessary for success. Instruction provided includes English, business, computer systems, networking, leadership skills, and a concern for our natural environment. Many times, young adults in the developing world have yet to learn basic life skills which we in the developed world take for granted. It is a honor for me to be here for them.

Reading, writing, and speaking English is second nature to most of us, but English is an important international language, and a strong grasp of English empowers youth in more ways than you may imagine. In the global marketplace, without English, a person is handicapped in areas such as business, computers, education, and tourism. Teaching English and life skills to very poor students who are ready and willing to learn is a rich and rewarding experience.

Helping with Needs

In my work I have many needs. Cambodia is a war torn and undeveloped nation with a very limited marketplace. Consumer goods, both new and used, are more costly, while quality and service is poor. My students will treasure your older laptop, as well as your memory cards, readers, and data sticks. If you've upgraded your digital camera, the old one is great for an emerging journalist or storyteller. If you have teaching materials on any subject at all, whether on CD or DVD, please consider directing them our way.

If you see yourself coming to Cambodia someday, consider being our courier, and help us by bringing in a small package. Shipping directly to Cambodia is not a very good option, as even small shipments are costly, and there is a high probability of theft.

Introducing Len Laim

Len Laim has a desire to study medicine and become a medical doctor for his people. I have been to his home and village several times, and feel certain he has the determination, intelligence, and drive to succeed. He has done well with learning English, and has been my student for nearly three years. Students such as Laim struggle under living conditions with no electricity or plumbing, often sharing a single room with six or ten others. They will study under an oil lamp, and survive on under a dollar a day.

Laim has a strong desire to help others. He is especially focused on helping the elementary students of his village. He has developed two websites, and started a project to assist these children. I encourage you to visit his personal website, and to also take time to read about the Samrong School of Opportunity, which is his village elementary school project. You will find his courage and determination a story of timeless inspiration.

Introducing Thavry Thun

I began teaching Thavry Thun just after she completed high school. At that time, she needed to leave her village homeland for the first time, and begin to live away from her parents. I tutored her each day, helped her attend schools in Phnom Penh, and then in Siem Reap. In two short years her life was transformed beyond anything anyone imagined. Now she has a full scholarship to study Information Technology in Czech Republic, where she is also studying Art.

Born and raised a poor, simple farm girl in the Cambodian countryside, Thavry has a keen interest in art, as well as business and technology. I encouraged her to explore her writing and artistic talents, which were completely dormant before then. Family and friends would tend discourage her in activities that did not seem traditional, economically productive, or suitable for a young Khmer girl living in poverty.

Now, Thavry is already published as co-author of a children's book. The book is sanctioned by the Cambodian Department of Education, and an initial printing of 18,000 copies is already in distribution to students throughout her country. To be an artist and author of children's books was one of her dreams we talked about often. I explained to her that she could indeed do that, and anything else she could dream, including having an International scholarship. I explained she only needed to be sure of what she really wanted, believe she could have it, and take the necessary steps to make it happen.

You might imagine how completely absurd it would be for a poor farming girl to want to be an artist, writer, or computer technician. She knew of nothing else but subsistance farming, nor did her family. Thavry was shy and withdrawn when I met her, without self-confidence, but now she shines brilliantly. She has hundreds of good friends from around the world, and is now living and studying in Europe. She is fast becoming a role model for poor aspiring young women from around the world. Browse her website, read her stories, and view her early drawings. You will be touched and inspired.

There is so much more to share, but honestly, I will tell you this one thing for certain, that there is no end to it all, and with each passing day, another small miracle happens. Many lives are touched in very positive ways, millions wait in line, and words alone serve little purpose. You must live here to see and experience the depth and magnitude of it all. The rewards received each day are beyond any words anyone can deliver to you by any means. If it seems a trip to Cambodia may be in your future, and you have a concern for touching the poor in a direct way, let's work together to provide an even greater impact. I look forward to working with every one of you.