austraLasia
1321
A new cultural centre in Poipet
(This news is reported on the day that
UNESCO releases its report, Illiteracy, a challenge for life.
The Salesians in Cambodia are doing their bit to respond to the
high level of illiteracy in the country; 36% of adults
nationwide are functionally illiterate; the level around Poipet
is higher, perhaps as high as 50%)
POIPET:
November 9, 2005 ---
In a place known to both
Cambodia
and
Thailand
as the place for casinos, trafficking children, trade of any
kind, - and poverty, Poipet, in the
Banteay
Meanchey
Province
seems an odd sort of place for a “cultural centre”.
Even odder if such a centre is dedicated to orphans, children
rescued from trafficking
and illiterate youth.
It is easy to find beautiful stage sets in the luxury
casinos in contrast with the general poverty of Poipet;
beautiful stage sets all prepared for Thai karaoke with bright
lights for rich customers.Therefore, a cultural centre with a
beautiful stage and a clean library in the heart of Poipet can
not be otherwise than unique and something rather wonderful,
dedicated as it is to the persons who suffer more poverty and
abuse in
Cambodia than anybody:
the children.
November 7 was a
memorable date for Don Bosco Childrens Home. It was the date
when Mr. Jan Evers officially opened the Centre. He is
the Cordinator of the Technical Training Programme of the
ETC Foundation, the
main benefactor from
Holland
who made possible the construction and opening of the Cultural
Centre.
The program of the opening, with the presence of local
authorities, the Salesians, the educational community and the
children, took place in the morning. Some speeches – not too
long because the children like fun more than words – and a
cultural program with traditional Khmer dance, songs, music and
the Don Bosco Poipet Circus with great performances in the best
style of young John Bosco. It was all a way for the children in
Poipet involved in the Don Bosco programs, to say they were
really happy with all those good gifts coming from good hearts
and God’s providence.
Mr. Kinn May, the librarian, said to the AustraLasia reporter:
“This is the best for our kids… This is a place for them and we
thank Mr. Jan and Don Bosco so much. Now we have to fill
the place with books and programs. We have few books now, but
they will come because our children really like to read and they
must read good things for their hearts.” |
Don
Bosco Children Home
