Day of Art and Gratitude: A Cambodia Project Update

Editor’s Notes: Since 2015 the WFWP NJ Chapter has supported children in Cambodia, in partnership with WFWP Cambodia. Foster parents sponsor a student’s yearly education, books, and more. In exchange, the foster parents receive letters and school reports from the children. Below are excerpts from two reports written by Mrs. Yuka who lives in Cambodia and works for WFWP Cambodia, and personally visits the children.

Visiting Report from Takeo, Cambodia
Oct. 17, 2021 

I recently visited the sponsored school in Takeo, Cambodia. Currently, only 9th graders and 12th graders attend and study in the school facility, while the other students take online classes. If the students do not have access to learning devices, they are instructed to pick up their assignments from school and work on them at home. Once they finish their assignments at home, they are to bring them back to school.

Since we had more attending children, we were able to create new name cards with them. The students designed the name cards with such creativity; we could tell that many of them enjoyed the activity since they used an assortment of colors to decorate their artwork.  

I invited all graduating 12th graders to lunch. They wrote many grateful messages to their  supporters. Students who are preparing for college will take a test this December, so they are all studying hard for it. I want them to do their best for their bright future! 

Visiting Report from Kratie, Cambodia 
October 9th, 2021 

During our latest visit, the children created and designed their own name panel with an  assortment of colorful pens and markers. In Kratie, there are no art classes or affordable access to art materials for students to enjoy in school or at home. 

An overwhelming joy fills me when the children get to gain more beautiful experiences; I thought art activities were a perfect way for them to creatively express and enjoy themselves. It was exciting to see everyone bring their artistic abilities to life! All of the finished artworks were lovely; by the end of the activity, the room was with vibrant colors and delightful smiles.  

Now that schools are back open after the global shutdown from Covid-19, the children can finally go back and learn! To congratulate them for this feat, I provided them with new notebooks and pencil cases. I hope that they can enjoy their school year in good health and happiness.  

To read more about how the Cambodia Project click here

If you are interested to find out more or wish to support this project, please contact Hiroko Nitro at hirokonitro@hotmail.com.