Help keep a Cambodian Music and Dance School open

Salvation Centre Cambodia (SCC) is celebrating 25 years of operation this year with an expanse of impactful programs and projects across three major regions of Cambodia. The organisation has managed to maintain Khmer ownership and management, and is one of the most respected charities supporting vulnerable and at-risk families affected by HIV/AIDS. 

As an organisation, SCC continues to innovate and develop new programs to support those in the community affected by HIV/AIDS. A strong aspect of Khmer culture is Apsara dancing and music which has been part of Cambodian tradition for thousands of years. SCC has made a conscious effort to include Apsara dancing and music in the education of their students. The Music and Dance program continues to help 52 students in Siem Reap participate by providing expert teachers, instruments and facilities. 

The Apsara Music and Dance program is the latest initiative that SCC has opened up to the global community to support through donations. SCC is already strongly reliant on international donations and this program joined our donation outreach programs only two months ago. We currently have $180USD in donations and it is your support for this program that will help it continue. We can’t thank you enough for your support so far.

How has the program helped local Khmer children?

One of our vibrant Traditional Dance students is 16 year old, Channa. SCC first met Channa many years ago in the small Bosh Krolanh Village in Siem Reap. Her parents had both passed away from the HIV/AIDS virus, leaving 2 year Channa and her older sister in the care of their elderly grandmother. Both daughters were born with HIV/AIDS and lived in poverty, supported by generous families within their community living on 500riel/12cents per day.

In 2010, Channa was registered with Home Based Care (one of SCC’s community programs) to support people living with, and orphaned by, HIV/AIDS. Her small family received support such as supplementary food, rice, oils and salts as well as school uniforms, school material and basic health care. Channa also enrolled in the SCC Children Basic Education program to further enhance her state school education. She also became a Youth Group Leader in the SCC Community Centre which allowed her to to earn $15 per month. Over the next few years, Channa developed a love of learning and was included in SCC’s Traditional Dance Program. 

Today, Channa is excelling in both her school studies and her dancing. She is in Grade 9 at Chreav Secondary School and makes sure she never misses a day of state school or SCC classes. Although her living conditions continue to be tough, the Traditional Dance program allows her (and many of our other students) to earn an additional income for their families by performing traditional dances in cultural centres and hotels. Channa knows that, for now, she can work hard and keep performing with hopes to graduate and become a traditional dancing teacher one day. 

Channa would like to personal thank you for helping to support orphaned children in Cambodia “to have goals, learning and a good future”.