CCH/CDCC Dancers Perform at Pre-School Pedagogical Center

CCH Participates in Cambodian National Children's Day

The social reach of Center for Children's Happiness continues to grow. June 1st was National Children's Day, and CCH children were invited to perform at four venues: Wat Phnom, a major Buddhist temple in Phnom Penh, Pre-School Pedagogical Center, Prey Sar children's prison in Phnom Penh, and another children's prison in nearby Kandal Province.

Chesda and Savin, CCH Students, Speak at Wat Phnom

CCH performances at Wat Phnom included singing and dancing. The CCH/CDCC dance troupe performed dances of the Angkor era in traditional Khmer costumes.

CCH Students Dance at Prey Sar Children's Prison

The Juvenile Inmates Enjoy the Show

The Prey Sar juvenile prison houses about 320 children who have been incarcerated primarily due to law violations having to do with theft and drugs. This performance was arranged through a Cambodian NGO known as Law Aid of Cambodia (LICADHO).

CCH/CDCC Dancers at Pre-School Pedagogical Center

Pre-School Pedagogical Center in Phnom Penh serves about 220 pre-school children. CDCC dancers helped to introduce these young children to their Khmer cultural heritage.

More Activities and Accomplishments

Kamonohashi Project, which teaches computer skills in Phnom Penh, sponsored a competition of computer skills for 132 local children from 13 NGOs. Eight CCH and CDCC children participated in the contest. CCH's own Keo Sinath won the whole competition. Congratulations Sinath! Her prize: A new bicycle and 15,000 riels in cash.

Sinath with Bicycle She Won at the Kamonohashi Computer Competition

CCH and CDCC Competition Participants, with Sokha and CDCC Teacher Van Thol

The CCH Mobile Library continues its steady outreach work, spreading awareness about social issues and encouraging literacy and art skills among disadvantaged Cambodian children. This month, the Mobile Library has traveled to Steung Meanchey dump and to Tep Borey primary school in Takeo Province.

CCH Mobile Library At Work

Day To Day Life at CCH & CDCC

Meanwhile, life continues for 125 CCH and CDCC children and staff. As mentioned in previous newsletters, most children continue to do very well at public school, sewing and computer skills classes continue at CCH II, job training programs continue for some older children, and volunteers continue to help in many roles. The health of the children is generally good. The Orphan Foundation of Australia sponsored a trip to Angkor Wat for 30 children and 3 staff members.

Food prices are going up some now, and, as usual, the cooks at CCH and CDCC are overworked due to the hectic, 3 session public school schedule.

Lee Sothary, CDCC staff member, has returned from a year of training in Thailand at the Development and Education Program for Daughters and Community (DEPDC). DEPDC and Mekong Youth Net are programs founded and run by the Thai anti-trafficking leader, Sompop Jantraka. This is the same program currently being attended by Soun Chetra and Nam Sopheak of CCH (see last month's report). Lee Sothary will teach children at CDCC Khmer, science, English and Thai.

Construction projects continue. A brick rear security wall has been built at CCH I, flowers have been planted at CCH II, and minor construction continues on the business building at CCH I and the new dormitory rooms at CDCC. At the farm outside Phnom Penh, two new female pigs have been purchased and some more banana trees have been planted.

Un Narun has successfully completed grade 10 at United World College in Singapore. Keo Manin is applying for entrance to the International School of Phnom Penh.

A Few Scenes at CCH and CDCC

Construction on new Dorm Rooms at CDCC

New Security Wall at CCH I

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Contributors to this report:

Content: Mech Sokha

English Editing and Layout: Elia Van Tuyl

Photos: Hout Ravuth, Keo Chanchesda