WFWP NJ Nurtures Dreams in Cambodia

Editor’s Notes: Since 2015, WFWP NJ Chapter has supported children in Cambodia, in partnership with WFWP Cambodia.  Foster parents in NJ sponsor a student’s yearly education, books, and more. In exchange, the foster parents receive letters and school reports from the children. Below is the most recent report of the students’ activities.

Greetings from Cambodia! I’m happy to bring you updates and heartfelt gratitude for your continuous financial support for our projects with WFWP Cambodia. As we step into the new year, I hope this newsletter finds you in good health and high spirits. Despite the usual warmth of Cambodia, the mornings and evenings have been notably cooler and more pleasant lately. I wish you all a healthy and prosperous new year filled with joy and fulfillment.

On December 17, 2023, I was able to visit some of the children involved in our WFWP Cambodia projects including elementary schools in Kiribo and Takeo where we organized a Grant Award Ceremony for students.The enthusiasm and energy of the attendees filled the space with promise and hope.

Among the dedicated volunteers were four Cambodian individuals, including two who had previously graduated from The Cambodia Project. Continuing our commitment to career education, we facilitated a program aimed at providing children with the opportunity to contemplate their futures from an early stage. Our aspiration is that these programs will empower them to take meaningful actions towards realizing their goals and dreams.

Reflecting on the past school year, we engaged the children in discussions about their aspirations for the upcoming year. We also conducted skill reviews and organized them into groups to create stories. Each group presented their narratives, sharing insights and perspectives. This interactive session allowed them to provide feedback on each other's stories and explore ways to achieve their future goals collaboratively.

Post the engaging activities, we took a moment to ask the children what they had learned. Their responses were heartening. They expressed a desire to share their experiences with friends and family, emphasizing how the programs significantly contributed to their contemplation of future endeavors. One child passionately shared aspirations of becoming a teacher, expressing a desire to inspire and draw ideas from future students.

We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and contributions from each one of you. It is your generosity that enables us to continue supporting and nurturing the dreams of these children. As we step into 2024, we look forward to your continued support and encouragement as we watch these young minds grow and flourish.