Now, she is encouraging fellow Upper Hunter residents to join her when she returns in 2018.

The St Joseph’s High School Aberdeen teacher was shocked by the difference in Australian living to that of the Asian country.

“When I originally went over there I didn’t know what to expect,” she said.

“I was told to ‘bring whatever’ to the classroom.

“Their classrooms have park benches and a blackboard.

“Anything you take there, they’ve never seen before.

“Not only are there people that are in dire need, but they don’t have the facilities we do.

“Sewerage goes out onto the street.

“There are the really rich and really poor – there’s not really any in between.”

Mrs Maxwell said it was amazing to see how happy the Cambodians were despite how little they had.

Inspired by the life-changing experience, she is recruiting locals for the upcoming community development project.

“The more people, the more money we have for the project,” she said, adding six had already signed up for the adventure.

The 2018 trip, organised by Restore One, will take on a similar shape to Mrs Maxwell’s previous experience, building on the work achieved last time.

Restore One is not-for-profit organisation dedicated to developing and empowering impoverished communities in Cambodia.

Cambodia has a population of around 15 million, with about 20 per cent living on or below the poverty line.

In an effort to bring those in need out of poverty, Restore One, aided by volunteers like Mrs Maxwell, is teaching villagers how to start micro-businesses and create their own means of income.

The group will depart Australia on January 11, and arrive home on January 27.

Activities include health classes, challenges, hospital visits, building, teaching, sightseeing and other projects.

“It’s an exciting time as Restore One has now officially opened the high school, close by to their primary school and preschools,” Mrs Maxwell said.

Those interested in being a part of the “very rewarding” experience are encouraged to contact Kaliya on 0422 846 305.