Free education for 300 children in rural Cambodia

Christmas in Cambodia is very different to the festive holiday that most of us are familiar with in "the developed world". Thanks to globalisation, TV and the internet most children at Helping Hands are familiar with the Western concept of Christmas but as a predominantly Buddhist country there are no real Christmas celebrations to speak of. And of course in rural villages like Prasat Char there is nothing like the consumer-frenzy of shopping and gift giving that we are so familiar with!  

Any excuse for a party!

Like young people eveywhere though, the students at Helping Hands love to party and the end of the year gives us as good a reason as any to do just that. So this month we held our traditional end of year party for all the students and staff. Games were played, party food and drink was shared and prizes were given to recognise the achievements of our students. And of course gifts were also handed out much to the children's delight - pens, pencils and all manner of simple toys and games.

These simple gifts are always received with real gratitude, particularly items that help the children with their education and probably mean more to the children of Helping Hands than the latest X-box or i-phone ever would!

Another reason to celebrate.

This year we had another reason to celebrate as we ran our first ever Helping Hands Christmas Fundraising appeal. We have already raised over £1,100 or $1,700 and the appeal is not over yet - we are hoping to reach £3,000 by the end of December.

As well as loving to party, the students at Helping Hands also love arts and crafts lessons and this month they have been honouring all our generous Christmas appeal donors by making beautiful decorations from paper, card and glitter. One of our volunteers created a big gold Christmas tree on the wall of one of the classrooms which is now covered with decorations representing each of our donors so far.

Thank you.

Helping Hands' holistic programme of education, nutrition, health and hygiene is having a real impact on our children's lives and futures and is only made possible thanks to generous people like you. Thank you for supporting us, happy Christmas and best wishes for a wonderful 2016, from everyone at Helping Hands.

xxx