This is a highly successful, we'll run organization that prepares their charges for all that life will throw at them. The children are taught to be polite, respectful and inquisitive as well as being prepared for life after the orphanage.
We have spent the week working with the older COLT students as our translators.
Stella is running this orphanage until the spring when the new director arrives. She replaced Frida and Wilco who returned to Holland after leading COLT for 5 years. Stella is a terrific combination of nurturing and toughness. She is currently in charge of 520 students.
There is a local school sending their children to this site. We're not sure how many kids we'll see today- the school holds 1000 students. Our patients today are bright eyed and helpful. Most are wearing dirty uniforms, but they seem nourished and able to follow our instructions. There is a feeling that we can make a difference here.
When we first arrived, we treated the 22 children of COLT. All had perfect teeth other than 1 of the 2 new arrivals at the school. When we finish our work today we are going to spend time with the COLT kids looking at their artwork and watching them play football (soccer).
Yet the week is ending, and I haven't told you enough about Cambodia. This country is a quasi-communist country. Like Vietnam or China, it embodies the new communist/capitalist philosophy. Historically, there were a succession of Kings who established Angkor Wat as their local kingdom. The main religion switched between Budhism and Hinduism.
Eventually the country fell into disarray. The surrounding countries claimed territory within Cambodia.
During the 1950's the French colonized This country. Much of the architecture in Phnom Penh reflects this influence. Of course during the 60's and 70's Cambodia was secretly bombed by the U.S. And in the 70's the Khmer Rouge took over the country. They, of course, rounded up the educators, religious leaders and other intellectuals and either killed or imprisoned them.
Today Cambodia struggles with its tumultuous past. It is a very poor country that like so many others in this refgion, is at the financial mercy of China.
The average factory worker earns a bit more this year than last, but it is only about $180 to $200 per month. Interestingly, teachers are among the lowest paid jobs. They earn as little as $80 per month.
While the economic future of Cambodia is uncertain, the personality of the population continues to thrive. They are some of the most friendly, kind and genuine people that I have ever met. Perhaps that's why this volunteer trip is filled a year in advance. Cambodians are special.
As for Fifi, she too fell in love with the COLT kids. In fact, we had to pry Tuf, our big strong translator out of her arms. He is a special young man, we agree, but Fifi is part of our team and she'll have to return to the States like the rest of us, and be sure her life is in order, and prepare for the next trip in May.
Goodbye from Cambodia.
No comments:
Post a Comment