James Tilbury

According to the United Nations Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), one language becomes extinct every fortnight. By the end of this century, the world will likely lose half of its 6,700 languages. Cambodia alone has 19 languages listed as endangered and it is unlikely that many of them will survive. So while the outlook for many of Cambodia’s languages is bleak, measures are being taken to revitalise some of the country’s minority languages, including bilingual education for school children.

Young Australian engineering student, James Tilbury has been working with CARE to develop bilingual schools that allow indigenous students to learn in their mother language as well as the national language of Khmer. This project has been so successful that the Cambodian government is now taking over CARE's model and implementing it in other provinces

James Tilbury is on a mission to change the world. After winning a Rhodes Scholarship earlier this year, James set his sights on Cambodia where he is currently volunteering for 10 months to fulfil his dream – to advance the lives of the poor.

While at Queensland University of Technology, James discovered Engineers Without Borders (EWB), a not-for-profit organisation that uses engineering skills to improve the lives of the poorest people in developing countries. James volunteered with EWB and found the work so rewarding that he decided to pursue a career in international development.

The engineering honours alumnus is now two thirds of the way through a three month placement in CARE's Banlung office in the remote north eastern province of Ratanakiri. CARE has worked in Cambodia since 1973, supporting millions of Cambodian refugees who fled the Khmer Rouge and were living in camps along the Thai-Cambodian border. CARE now works long term with communities to reduce the effects of disasters, clear mines, increase access to better livelihoods and establish community schools. James’ job is to build the capacity of CARE's staff and he is currently providing training to the local management staff which involves one-on-one mentoring and running a project management course.

James is also part of the Volunteering for International Development from Australia (VIDA) funded by AusAID. The program sends Australians to host organisations such as CARE and James will be helping to train local staff in project management.

Some of CARE's most successful education projects are run out of the Ratanakiri office. CARE supports the establishment of bilingual schools that allow indigenous students to learn in their mother language as well as the national language of Khmer. This project has been so successful that the Cambodian government is now taking over CARE's model and implementing it in other provinces.

Rhodes Scholar James Tilbury is a Queensland University of Technology engineering graduate. For further information on QUT engineering courses, visit http://www.bee.qut.edu.au/study