Arts for Cambodian Children & Teens at Champey

Changing young lives !

One of the goals of Kasumisou Foundation is to bring positive change to young lives.  We do this in a  variety of ways: education, social support and exposure to the rich artistic heritage of Cambodia.  The Summer Arts Camp is one way that we help disadvantaged children to see the world from a different view.

Our annual Summer Arts Camp was originally conceived as just a fun summer activity to benefit  disadvantaged children from the municipal orphanage and an AIDS hospice  that is  located on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. However, for some participants, it has proven to be more than just a way to keep busy during the annual summer holiday from school.  Instead, it has provided not only an exciting introduction into the world of traditional dance and music, but it has also provided an opportunity to break free from the motonony of institutional life. It offers an opportunity  for students to challenge themselves daily as they master the physical skills and intense concentration required by  Cambodian traditional dance.

Following the conclusion of our Summer Arts Camp 2011 in late September of last year, three  boys from the municipal orphanage  requested permission to continue to attend daily classes at the Apsara Arts school.

In order to do so, these three boys, sharing two borrowed bicycles, rode more than 5 km ( about 2 miles) each way  to attend the classes each day, 6 days per week.  Now as we prepare for the start of Summer Arts Camp 2012, these boys continue to attend daily classes at the Apsara Arts Association and their skill levels have improved to such a degree that the boys are often invited to take part in the weekly public performances given by the students at the Apsara Arts school.

This is a great example that shows how a small investment in a young person can bloom and perhaps  transform a life. As we approach  preparation and planning for the Summer Arts Camp 2012, we hope that you will continue to support our efforts to enrich the lives of these and other  children.

Thank you again for your generous support.

Barbara & Mark Rosasco

Jacqueline Lee is an InTheField Traveler with GlobalGiving who is visiting our partners’ projects throughout Southeast Asia. Her “Postcard” from the visit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia:

On February 20, 2012, I was able to visit the Kasumisou Foundation's project for Apsara Arts Program where youth and orphans, whether poor or rich, can learn traditional Cambodian dance, drawing, and music while not in school and during summers (instead of being on the streets).

There I was able to meet Sithen, the local Kasumisou foundation staff for this project. He welcomed me and sat me down to discuss his background, how he came to Kasumisou, and its current support for the Apsara Arts Program. His background was in accounting and management and had applied for the position, and now he has become an advocate of the efforts.

Additionally, I met the Apsara Arts Program director's wife who told me that before Kasumisou, the program ran in a small house.  Kasumisou donated the training center where now many youth can learn traditional Cambodian arts and the culture can be passed down for generations to come. What kept her going? It was because it was preserving the culture, and although she sometimes felt discouraged when kids did not show up.. in the end "she kept going to preserve the culture for future generations". She was very happy and very grateful. I also learned that she was a former dancer for the Royal Palace back in her performing days - you can still see the grace and pride in her when she shares with visitors he meaning of the dance movements.

Every movement had a meaning - each signifying something in nature. The ages of the children (both boys and girls) ranged from age 3 to 20. 9 children were orphaned and were able to live at the center, and the most talented went on to become teaching assistants - a way to make a living and to break their cycles of poverty. Earlier in the day, I met 3 children that had attended the Apsara Arts Summer Program and benefitted from this project. They shared with me the song and dance they learned, and how they loved going. 

The laughs of the kids were contagious (all had on traditional uniforms), and their focus was admirable. See HERE for a short clip of the training. Several of the youth who were part of the Kasumisou foundation support were present at the time (3 to be exact).  

The funding is based on donor-support and highly dependent on it. Only 1 person managed this funding locally (Sithen), discussed increases or decreases with the Apsara director and staff, and provided accounting for the 2 main founders that visit every few months. Everyone were extremely welcoming to me, eager to share their experience with Kasumisou, and answer any questions I had. The common sentiment throughout the day was that all were so grateful for Kasumisou. 

In the end, I was even was able to participate. I was dragged on stage even though I repeatedly oh-kooned (thank-you'd ) and declined, but to no avail.. up on stage I went and was guided with clear English 1,2,3’s throughout the entire dance (you can see me in one of the photos in the back with a green sweater)…

For more details and pictures about my visit please visit: JacquelineInTheField 

Links:

• InTheField Blog
• Apsara Arts Training Clip