The Quality of Attention at CCH In July, a young girl who lives with her family near the CDCC facility of Center for Children's Happiness brought another girl to the orphanage. This second girl had been sleeping for two nights on the street, was hungry and tired, and looked bewildered. The entire orphanage---staff, children, and Director Mech Sokha, focused their attention on this new arrival. She told a story of walking 90 km to escape family abuse. Here is a photo series documenting this girl's reception at CCH. Many, many photos are available of CCH children smiling and being happy. Here is another reality: The attention and reaction of children and staff to the all-too-common reality of child neglect, a story felt to the core by every child at CCH. This is a rare opportunity for those who have never been to CCH to see the quality of humanity of the staff and children there.
Director Sokha Greets and Questions the New Arrival
Children and Staff Reacting to the New Girl's Story
The girl with the yellow bag strap on her shoulder is the neighbor who brought in the homeless child. You can see what she feels about Sokha.
CDCC Director Chum Sitha checking for lice. Two days later, the new arrival sitting in class with other CDCC children.
One week later Everything is not really so simple. CCH must check for the health of new arrivals, and make inquiries about family. In this case, the girl's story could not be verified. Her real life circumstances are unknown, and Cambodia does not have means for tracking down the truth. Also, CCH does not have the financial resources to take in every orphan who comes to its attention. What will happen to this girl? For the time being, she will live at CDCC. Will family show up one day? Will more facts come to light? CCH operates with unavoidable uncertainties. What is clear is the quality of humanity of the staff and children who live at CCH. Education News A big shift is happening in the educational fortunes of many CCH children. Through a generous grant, 21 children, 7th grade and up, will be able to attend Pannasastra International School in Phnom Penh, a Cambodian private school dedicated to teaching critical thinking skills, English, and self reliance needed in the global marketplace. These children are now on a college track within Cambodia, and are dedicated to receiving top quality education and English skills, in order to get good jobs in the future. These children are the key to sustainability of CCH in the future, because they will be able to give back to the orphanage when they are adults.
Staff of Pannasastra International School
Entrance Exam for Pannasastra International school
At the same time, three especially fortunate children have gained admittance, on scholarship, to Northbridge International School in Phnom Penh. These students will undergo the extremely rigorous International Baccalaureate high school program, and upon conclusion, will be qualified to study at a university outside of Cambodia.
At NISC with Sokha and the High School Principal
CCH Staff Portraits The real heroes at CCH are, of course, the staff who care for children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Here are a few photo portraits of some of these wonderful people.
Director Sitha and teacher Narith at CDCC Phalla, Sopheak and Chanra of CDCC
Prak Sokha and Chantoa of CCH
Cooks at CCH
Food for Thought One of the most interesting facets of life at CCH is that the children are always receiving a kind of moral training---encouragements to be good people. Here is a sample of sayings posted by the dormitories at CDCC.
The New 6th Grade Librarians As many 7th graders will now be very busy with studies, a new crop of 6th grade librarians will take over the care and running of the new library at CDCC. The enthusiasm for learning keeps growing at CCH.
6th Grade Librarians on Field Trip near Independence Monument
Opening the New Library at CDCC
Curling up with a Good Book
Another facet of the library experience at CCH is the introduction of educational software via the internet. Here, a visiting American school teacher shows kids at CCH how to make the best of the new educational tool.
Other News CCH is building a new dining room in a side yard of CCH 1. Kids are taking a lot of pleasure in helping out on weekends.
Three young men living at the CCH Youth House play on a football team. The team is scheduled to compete in Australia!
Football Boys About 10 kids from CCH are now taking part in a great photography program called the "Smile" program. Each child is given a camera and taken to various venues in or around Phnom Penh to try their hand at photography. Their work is posted on the Smile website. Check it out at http://www.smile-cambodia.blogspot. And finally... More photos of the livelier side of CCH:
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Contributors to this report: Content: Mech Sokha & Elia Van Tuyl English Editing and Layout: Elia Van Tuyl Photos: Hout Ravuth, Elia Van Tuyl, Halimah Van Tuyl
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