A Culture of Learning, Caring & Involvement

The very big social and cultural vision of CCH Director Mech Sokha is steadily taking shape, against all odds. This is a vision of love and care for children, but also more---a commitment to rearing educated, caring and involved alumni of CCH who, working together, will help change Cambodian life in a profound way. It is a big puzzle. In this issue, we present a few of the developing pieces.

International Baccalaureate Students

One of the most dramatic developments at CCH has been the opening up of really spectacular educational opportunities for several CCH students, who will receive International Baccalaureate degrees from private high schools, and therefore will qualify for study at universities abroad. In last month's issue, we wrote about this. Since then, three more CCH students have qualified to study at various campuses of United World College (a private college prep school), with full scholarships.

To give you an idea of the progress these students have already made in learning English, please click below on each individual name to read, unedited by me, in their own words, thoughts about their educational futures.

Narun....... Sayorn....... Narath....... Chesda....... Phearith....... Pisethpich....... Sinath

Standing Up for Children's Rights

Every June 1st, there is a event in honor of children in Phnom Penh, and CCH is a big participant, contributing traditional Cambodian dancing, a rock band, socially relevant dramas, singing, art programs, and speakers to the citywide celebration.

CCH kids celebrate Cambodian Children's Day

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.........Phnom Penh citizens line the streets..............CCH Director Mech Sokha interviewed by the press

Giving Back: Kids Teaching Kids

Education is so valued at CCH that evenings are often spent by older students teaching young ones what they know---English, math, Khmer, and more.

CCH Graduates: One Foot in CCH, One Foot in the World

Here is a rundown of what CCH graduates are up to. Some of these are at the Youth House, some are on their own.

CCH Road Show---A School of Social Involvement

The CCH Road Show we have written about often continues its work, and this is not always an easy task, as the "stuck in the mud" picture below illustrates. But it continues to spread a little hope and cheer to hundreds of disadvantaged children and adults in poor villages within driving distance of CCH, while giving CCH participants a wider view of the world.

...............Troubles on the way to perform.............Road Show Director Ly An greets mother and baby

The audience gathers ,,,...................................,,,,,,,,,,The actors perform.....

...........Dancers dance .........................................The crowd waves goodbye and thanks

Youth House Plans Forge Ahead

Not everyone from CCH, of course, will go on to international educations. That is why the CCH Youth House program is so important. In previous issues we have shown photos of the temporary rented facility which houses the first contingent of boys who have graduated from CCH. By 2010, many more young people, boys and girls, will be added to the ranks of graduates. The Youth House will provide a temporary home for young people age 18 to 23, as they establish themselves as adults within Cambodian society.

As of now, CCH has acquired a second small piece of land to expand the future Youth House site. This project is spearheaded by Mr. Gerry Valois of Canodia Fund in Canada, and has received strong financial backing from VZW de Stortkinderen (Friends of CCH, Belgium), as well as Friends of CCH in the USA. Construction will begin this month on the permanent Youth House facility, which eventually will be a three story structure capable of accomodating several dozen youth.

Building Continues---Kids Pitch In

Thanks to grants from Happy Hearts Fund and MYTWO Fund in the USA, CCH 1 will have a completed Dining and Kitchen facility within the next few months. Here you see the building going up, and children lending a hand in the creation of their own world.

New Seeds of Enterprise

CCH is making its first tenative steps out into the world of business. Big goals of the orphanage are to be self-sufficient one day, and provide employment for graduates. Currently CCH is running a morning restaurant adjacent to the Youth House, and has just opened a computer shop on the ground floor of the multi-purpose building at CCH 1, teaching basic computer skills to area residents. The restaurant seems to be making money. The computer shop, not yet, but is offering some CCH youth a first hand look at the proprietor's eye view of a business establishment. By year end, CCH will evaluate these two efforts to decide what to do next.

And, Finally......

As usual, here are some more fetching pictures of CCH kids:

June 1st Children's Day, Phnom Penh

Sokha with International CCH Scholars in Singapore

Sister and Brother

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Contributors to this report:

Content: Mech Sokha & Elia Van Tuyl

English Editing and Layout: Elia Van Tuyl

Photos: Hout Ravuth, Keo Chanchesda