Kanadal Province, Cambodia - UPF-Cambodia together with four representatives of the Japanese branch of Women Federation for World Peace (WFWP) conducted a service project at the Peaceful Children’s Home, an orphanage located in the rural area of Kandal Province, Cambodia on May 3, 2014. The activity was dedicated to the International Day of Families, celebrated annually on May 15.
{besps}/images/ftp_uploads/2014/cambodia/5795-idf{/besps}More than 80 people took part in the event, including 50 children, staff and volunteers, along with a representative of the Ministry of Culture and Religions of Cambodia, orphanage founder H.E. Son Soubert, its executive director and several staff members. The project's motto of "intergenerational solidarity” was reflected in the close cooperation of people ranging from 7 to 86 years old who were involved into the action.
In the opening of event, all the guests visited the memorial place for the ancestors, where they lit candles in accordance with local tradition and offered a minute of prayer for peace and unity between nations.
As the charitable part of the project, WFWP-Japan donated 2.5 tons of rice for the orphans. Staff and volunteers of UPF-Cambodia prepared lessons on hygiene for children at the primary and secondary schools and an educational presentation on pure love and sexual morality for high school students. Women from the UPF volunteer corps assisted in preparing lunch for all the participants and washing dishes afterwards.
Afterwards, everyone enjoyed the entertainment, which featured presentations from many cultures: the traditional Cambodian apsara dance performed by high school students from the orphanage, cheerful Cambodian children songs, Japanese instrumental music played by donors from WFWP-Japan, a peaceful Russian song by a Russian woman from the UPF-Cambodia staff, and a Tong-Il Mo Do martial arts demonstration by an instructor from Philippines who participated in the event as a UPF volunteer. The entertainment ended with joyful dancing which brought together everyone present regardless of their age and social status.
The service project stimulated positive emotions and a friendly atmosphere among all participants. Inspired by the help and attention, the children were surrounding visitors until the moment they departed. In conclusion, the administration of the Peaceful Children’s Home expressed deep gratitude to all the donors, guests and volunteers and expressed hope for future cooperation.