The orphanage was established in 1986 by killing fields survivor Mrs Nuon Phaly. She is a two times Noble Peace Prize winner for her humanitarian work throughout Cambodia. She established the orphanage out of desperate need after the Khmer Rouge war; accepting orphans from many districts within Cambodia. With the immediate demand to care for war orphans over, she now cares for children whose parents have died of HIV or landmine accidents. There are 262 children living at the orphanage and 100 others living in nearby villages who are still supported by the orphanage. Nuon has cared for over 600 orphans since the establishment of the facility and has many grandchildren!
The site is set on four hectares and contains boys and girls living quarters, a library built by the Sunrise Rotary Club of Honolulu, a dining hall, outdoor music hall, offices for the 27 staff and classrooms. The children go to the local public school but on weekends attend computer, English and Japanese classes. I was able to speak Japanese with many of the older students. Most could converse in English which is a credit to their teachers.
When we first arrived at the orphanage, we were greeted with some faint "good mornings" from some young girls working in the front garden. They curiously followed us on our tour. We soon had over 5o curious and bright-eyed children affectionately hanging on to our hands eager to talk in the language they study. We spent some time in the library reading to the children and in turn listening to them read 'Thomas The Tank Engine' and 'Spot'. They loved asking questions like, "Where are you from" and "How old are you?". One four-year-old girl asked Michael where he was from and promptly pulled a book off the shelf titled "Australia". A beautiful drawing was to follow featuring a boomerang, kangaroo and some Khmer symbolism.
At the end of our tour of the facility, we met with Nuon to discuss bringing Eyes Wide Open groups into the future. Given the size of the property, it will be easy to facilitate groups partaking in English teaching, art and craft activities, library lessons, games of basketball and music activities. Nuon asked that when groups come, they bring art materials such as paints, crayons and colouring books. She also told us about some of her orphanage's needs such as a new generator. She is also trying to fundraise to take a group of her students to France on a cultural exchange. I may be able to put her in touch with a Rotary contact in France to help facilitate this visit. In this way, Eyes Wide Open will form a conduit between projects in need and Rotary.
One final way we can help this facility is to sell their cultural wares via the Eyes Wide Open website. Nuon runs an ethical weaving workshop for women and helps other groups of women sell their handicrafts. Part of the money goes to the orphanage. We can sell these items via our website opening doors to a global audience of buyers. Purchases of silk scarves and handbags, for example, will make a big difference to the lives of many. Gifts that give...
The looks in these kid's eyes reminds us of why we are here, why I joined Rotary and the impact Rotary is having around the world.
1 comment:
Lena and friends,
It is amazing to tour with you vicariously. This story of the orphanage is particularly inspiring. I was delighted to read that they appreciate art materials and hope to personally deliver some myself one day. My husband served in both Vietnam and Cambodia and I have heard many stories about the people.
It is -10F here in Nebraska so wish your team happy holidays and warm treasured memories for years to come.
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