Arts for Cambodian Children & Teens at Champey

GlobalGiving Little by Little Campaign  April 8 ~ 12 provides a 50% match on donations  up to $ 50

Happy New Year !

No, its not a mistake. Although in western culture we  ring out the old year and bring in the New Year on January 1,  once we cross the international date line, we see cherished New Year celebrations in Asia  occuring on unique dates determined by local culture and tradition

The Cambodian  New Year, also known as the Khmer New year is perhaps the most important traditional festival, encompassing 3 to 4 days of family gatherings, religious ceremonies and community celebrations. This year, the Khmer New Year will be celebrated from April 13 through April 16 and will mark the start of the traditional year of Rong Chhasak 2568 / AD 2024.

Last Saturday, our staff, teachers and students  got an early start to New Year festivities with at Champey. As the photos will show, everyone seems to be h aving a good time!

We have high hopes for  this  " New Year" and count among our blessing the wonderfully generous support of you, our donors. Your support makes it possible for Champey to provide both morning and afternoon classes to  children and teen 6 days per week free of charge. These classes provide a nurturing environment for growth , discovery and personal accomplishment. We are deeply grateful to you all for your support of this program. 

On behalf of our entire team and our students, our very best wishes for a happy  2568.

Barbara & Mark  

GlobalGiving's Little by Little April 8 ~ 12 Campaign will match 50% of any donation of $ 50 or less

The demand for  instruction at our Champey Academy of Arts continues to be strong.  In February and March the average attendance at Champey ranged from $ 80 to 955 students per day, with a peak average of 98 studeents per day in the last week of  Febrruary.  This shows that our classrooms continue to run at or even somewhat above the maximum capicity of our classroom spaces.  We have a wide range of students with one as young as 4 who was accompanied by the  mother and many other students ranging from elementary school  highschool age students. We actually consider  90 students to be our max capacity , but we hate to turn any student away.Our attendance shows that we have dozens of children and teens who are eager to learn . Our classes offer a unique opportunity for these kids to learn traditional Cambodian dance, drawing and painting and music on traditional Cambodian instruments.  

We offerr two sessions each day, free of charge,  which are schedule to be convenient with the Cambodian school sessions which alternate between morning and afternoon sessions. This way, our students can always find a class to attend each time their school schedule changes. Our classes are 3 hours in length which gives ample opportunity for instructtion and participation , putting that instruction to work. It is exciting to see so many students. All of this is only possible by your support. Thank you ! 

Now in 2024, Kasumisou Foundation is celebrating its 25th year of official existance although in " program years" we are in year 26. 

Thankfully, since the start of Cambodia's tourist season  which runs October through early April, culminating with the Khmer New year, we have had a very strong tally of tourist visits. The admission charge for these tour groups provides  a substantial part of oor operating budget. During the Covid years 2020 ~ 2023 left Kasumisou Foundations in a desperate condition, baraely susrviving month to month. Although tourist revenue has helped alot, along with the great kindness of our donors, we are still not " safe" yet.. We had depleted 100% of our reserve funds during COVID . At present we have funds to carry us to the end of June, at which point we would face the potential for a shut down of the school.

Your support during the GlobalGiving Little by Little Campaign can make a difference. For donations up to $ 50 , GlobalGiving will provide a $ 25 match until funds run out.

Our ask is this:  could you please consider making a donation fo $ 50 to our program through GlobalGiving during the Little by Little Campaign from April 8 ~ April 12? 

Every donation really makes a difference to our ability to continue this wonderful progran which not only offers these wonderful classes, but which also provides employnent to Champey staff and teachers,

In the current era of inflation and lack of value, our value proposition is amazing !  Please consider supporting us a bit " extra" with  a donation to the Little by Little Campaign, so that we can continue this wonderful program for " our " kids.

We are deeply grateful to you all for your wonderful support.

Barbara & Mark Rosasco