Cambodia & Volontariat : From Lifou to Siem Reap, Draikolo Udrupa, the journey of a cultural ambassador

With gentleness and sincerity, Draikolo Udrupa, a young Caledonian from Lifou, shares a look of pride and curiosity on her atypical journey. From her native island to Cambodia, she embodies the link between Oceanic traditions and openness to the world.

Meet a discreet but passionate ambassador, determined to spread the richness of her culture far from home.

Dreykolo Oudjouba's voice carries the warm accent of the Loyalty Islands. Aged 24, this young Caledonian of Kanak origin, who graduated from the Lycée Jules Garnier with a BTS in technical sales, was quick to follow her desire for adventure once she had obtained her diploma. Her first step was international civic service in Cambodia, at the Lycée Français René Descartes in Phnom Penh, where she was responsible for organising cultural activities and introducing curious students to New Caledonia.

"I also talked about culture and traditional dances. I also shared the tales and legends of the island of Lifou.

When Dreykolo mentions Lifou, his eyes sparkle. "It's the biggest island in the Loyalty Islands, and it's really magnificent, with splendid beaches and a very strong culture. Originally from the Wé district, she prides herself on passing on the traditional dances and warriors of her people.

At the table, she praises the merits of Bougna, a typical dish cooked in coconut milk, a feast that ‘keeps you going for three days’. In Lifou, life revolves around hunting, fishing and growing yams, the mainstays of island life.

Her voluntary work then took her to Siem Reap, where she continued her commitment to a state primary school.

At France Volontaires 2025 Day

‘I'm helping to spread French culture and language’. Here she discovered a new world, surrounded by Khmer children, far from the landmarks of the Pacific. Although her arrival in Cambodia was a shock - ‘electric wires everywhere, lots of cars, and then discovering the local cuisine’ - she adapted enthusiastically, tasting street food and opening up to new flavours.

The experience turned her initial plans upside down:

"Normally, I wanted to continue my studies. Now I want to work in missions, NGOs and humanitarian work".

Committed to peace in her native New Caledonia, she concludes with gravity: "I hope that everything will go back to the way it was before, that things will go well for everyone. Dreykolo's modesty conceals an unfailing commitment, driven by the desire for a more united world, at the crossroads of all cultures.