Management
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. Jedtha has been working for CCT since its inception and as such has an extremely comprehensive knowledge of CCTs children and projects. Jedtha is highly skilled in working with new children and families - his calm, assuring manner is vital for putting people at ease.
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. He is also a passionate supporter of the CCT Warriors Football teams and always finds time in his busy schedule to cheer on the teams at their weekly games.
Erin Kirby
CCT Operations Manager
Erin Kirby (BA Human Geography and the Environment/ International Affairs) has worked voluntarily in Australia, Thailand and Cambodia in the fields of Victim Support and Human Rights Advocacy. This experience makes Erin an invaluable asset to our team.
As CCT’s Sponsorship Coordinator, Operations Manager and General Administrator; Erin’s duties include donor correspondence, visitor and volunteer orientation and many other tasks that arise in the day to day operations of CCT’s projects.
Erin works together with Marnie to update CCTs website, Facebook, E-newsletter and Project Reports and assists Buffalo, our Family Program Coordinator with family case-management and documentation. Erin also assists with the operation of our Community Centre and the Juey Bazaar shop.
As well as liaising with CCT’s Australian supporters and administrative team, Erin is a highly valued support person for the CCT children and can be seen in the CCT Community Centre most evenings, offering an open ear to CCT’s Transition Home teenagers and local street children.
Marnie Walters
Personal Assistant to Tara Winkler
Marnie Walters (BA English/Writing) is an Australian born New Zealander who has worked for many years as a support person for the elderly, children and people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
She works closely with Tara and the CCT team assisting with administrative support, secretarial duties, donor correspondence and volunteer coordination. Other duties include writing and updating CCTs website, Facebook page, E-newsletter and Project Reports.
Marnie’s comprehensive understanding and knowledge of CCT’s aims and objectives has made her an integral part of CCT’s project work. She is actively involved in the management of short-term projects, decision-making processes, translation and research, as well as meeting and greeting visitors.
Marnie liaises with other NGOs, assists Tara to make the best use of her time and provides assurance that work will be handled efficiently when Tara is away from Battambang.
She also makes a great piñata and is a hilarious source of entertainment for the whole crew.