Management and Board Members
Tara Winkler
Founder & Donor Representative of CCT, Cambodia
Vice President GKG, Australia.
Tara Winkler first arrived in Cambodia in 2005. Soon after, she became a volunteer at Akira’s Landmine Museum, which supported 20 children who were victims of land mines. She taught English to these kids and gave tours to tourist groups, telling them about the havoc land mines have caused in Cambodia.
It was during this time that she first visited a small orphanage in Battambang. The children were living in extreme poverty, which had a lasting impact on Tara.
Tara returned to Battambang in 2007 to discover that the orphanage director was using the children as a commodity to embezzle donated funds. The orphans were left with so little care that they were forced to catch mice and pest fish from the rice fields to cook and eat. They were also being subjected to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. In response, Tara worked with a team of caring locals and established the Cambodian Children’s Trust to provide these children with a new safe home. She now lives in Battambang and works full time with the children.
Although she has faced some grueling challenges, Tara feels they have easily been outweighed by the rewards. Now fluent in the Khmer language, Tara has been able to forge strong relationships with the children and is committed to providing them with the emotional security and opportunities they need to break the cycle of poverty.
She has observed with pride, and more than a little amazement, how well the children have adapted to life at CCT. Each child now excels at school, with the majority being in the top three of their large classes. In the security of their new environment, such qualities as playfulness, confidence, trust and compassion have blossomed.
Tara now looks to the future with optimism. “CCT was initially set up in response to the emergency situation that the children were facing while living at the previous orphanage. We now have big plans to help many more children, families and community groups. I’m really excited to be a part of the great developments happening in Cambodia."
Jedtha Pon
Director of CCT
Jedtha Pon is responsible for overseeing all business operations and management activities for CCT.
He was in born in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia. He lived as a monk for 17 years and learnt to speak fluent English. During this time he gained a Bachelor of Management at UME University, Battambang. He has also undertaken many courses and seminars on children’s rights, project development, and gender awareness for youth. Jedtha is dedicated to responding to the psychological needs of women and children who are former victims of trafficking and other hardships and doing everything in his power to help the youth of Cambodia.
Gerard Basili
Medical Co-ordinator
Gerard Basili (B.Pharm.,M.P.S.) is a practicing Pharmacist and member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. He volunteers for CCT to ensure the all of CCT's children and families receive quality and accurate medical care. Without his support these individuals would only have access to the substandard medical services that are available in Cambodia.
After two years of researching projects in developing countries, Gerard came into contact with Sihanouk Hospital of HOPE in Phnom Penh Cambodia. They were looking for a pharmacist with his experience to further educate staff and improve the operating systems of the hospital pharmacy. Soon after starting his voluntary position at the hospital, he learnt of Tara Winkler's amazing story of founding the Cambodian Children's Trust orphanage. After meeting Tara and learning of her struggles to get adequate healthcare and advice for the children, especially those with special needs, he volunteered to join CCT as their medical coordinator. Gerard's contacts at the Sihanouk Hospital have already proved invaluable. Several of the doctors there have been willing to assist with some of the more difficult situations, and protocols are being developed that will maintain the highest level of healthcare while reducing costs to CCT.
When Gerard is not working at the hospital, planting a vegetable garden at an orphanage or coordinating the medical requirements for CCT, you will find him enjoying life to its fullest. All Gerard's projects in Cambodia are fully self-funded.
Barbara Contini
Manager of Community Development
Barbara Contini has been living in Battambang, Cambodia since 2006. She is now managing all the operations for CCT's Community development work, which includes family projects, assistance for vulnerable children within the community, and oversight of our Community Centre and storefront Shop.
Her professional background includes a degree in Business Management and over 20 years experience working as a marketing/client service manager for several firms in the United States.
Barbara first came to Cambodia to visit her daughter who at the time was undertaking volunteer work. During the week she spent in Cambodia she was deeply affected by what she saw whilst visiting AIDS patients at a hospital in Battambang. Barbara decided to sell her home in the USA and move to Cambodia.
Upon her return she received permission, in cooperation with Family Health International, to provide friendship care to AIDS patients and families at the hospital she had visited. Her goal was to help improve the quality of life for the AIDS patients and families residing there.
Through her work, she has developed a greater understanding of the complex needs and concerns faced by families and children suffering from poverty and disease in Cambodia. Having lived in Battambang for three years, she has also acquired valuable local knowledge and language skills to enable her to understand and meet the needs of the people she assists. Barbara has responded to and helped over 30 vulnerable families and countless children in and around the Battambang area. No matter what obstacles she faces, her unwavering dedication and determination to helping the vulnerable people of Cambodia makes her an invaluable member of the CCT team.