CCH Teacher Ly An Warming Up the Audience at a Recent Mobile Library Performance

CCH Mobile Library Performs at Trapaing Tork Village

The CCH Mobile Library continues strong. Indeed, the word "library" only begins to tell the story. In addition to taking books to read with impoverished children, CCH kids also perform dramas about difficult social issues, provide treats and games for children, play music for drama and dancing, and generally spread good cheer.

The most recent foray was to the village of Trapaing Tork, newly established by the Cambodian government, and populated by families displaced by big development projects close to the riverside tourist area of Phnom Penh.

The photos below give a sense of the spirit of the CCH performances. Also, you can tell how much effort and creativity goes into these extensive productions.

Trapaing Tork Village

Setting Up

Hooking Up Speakers and Getting the Generator Running

Props and Make-up

Poor Family Tempted by a Trafficker-------------Family's Father Drinking Away Earnings

Sophorn as Smooth Talking Trafficker

Labor Slavery

Drug Addicted Youth at the Garbage Dump

Audience of All Ages

Reviewing the Lessons of the Drama

Art and Origami

Reading Instruction

Health Care

Last month, all children at CCH and CDCC began a series of tetanus inoculations which will give them immunity throughout their childhood. The first session was administered by Elysia, a volunteer from United World College. In the photos below, Sokha administers the second round, to mixed reactions.

Regular dental and ear care also continue for all the children, as described in previous issues.

Education News

Un Narun has successfully completed Grade 10 at United World College in Singapore, earning high grades. Narun is now back at CCH, and is already studying ahead to prepare for his 11th grade year. He wishes to study at the university level in the United States.

Manin, shown below teaching English to CCH children and staff, has been accepted to a four year course of study at the International School of Phnom Penh, beginning with grade 9, and working toward an International Baccalaureate degree. Manin's opportunity has been made possible by a generous donor who has committed the $50,000 necessary to pay for this preparatory education. Manin currently hopes to study at the university level in England.

Halimah Van Tuyl, a school teacher from the United States, is spending a month at CCH, introducing techniques of active learning to CCH and CDCC children and staff. Active Learning is an approach to education which encourages students to ask questions, try out new ideas, evaluate efforts, and be willing to change course when necessary in pursuing goals. Halimah is shown below, working with Un Narun and Teachers Ly An and Prak Sokha.

The high performance of CCH and CDCC students continues at public schools. This is due to many factors, including numerous extra tutoring and educational enrichment programs. Sokha has also noted that many children, in becoming involved with traditional Cambodian dance, also improve their concentration at school.

Supplemental education at CCH has included the hiring of two teachers for chemistry, mathematics, and physics. A special computer training program for CCH children is slated to start in July at the CCH II facility, funded by the Rotary Clubs of Canada.

Pictured below are some art works of students, the result of efforts by Amanda, a volunteer with the the Ray Yom NGO, which focusses on art education. The Ray Yom program happens 4 days a week, and 9 children also go to the Ray Yom office to do art work.

Visitors, Volunteers, Projects, and Special Events

In the past month, visitors from Japan, led by JHP (Japan Team for Young Human Power) have visited CCH, bringing gifts, sharing music, and leading origami classes. The Australian Foundation for Orphans led a trip of 20 children to Siem Reap, to visit Angkor Wat. Todd Eliassen from the United States continues to teach courses in active learning, and helps with the Mobile Library productions. Panasasstra University students and Star Kampuchea NGO continue with educational programs as well. Volunteers from United World College---Southeast Asia have donated 5 round, collapsible dining tables and 40 chairs for CDCC and CCH. CCH staff continue to attend training workshops, and Sokha gives addresses at various NGO meetings. The work training programs and construction efforts reported in previous issues continue steadily. Finally, David, the vice-principal of iCan, an international primary school in Phnom Penh, is pictured below delivering mosquito nets for all the children at CDCC.

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Contributors to this report:

Content: Mech Sokha

English Editing and Layout: Elia Van Tuyl

Photos: Many CCH kids & Elia Van Tuyl