Arts for Cambodian Children & Teens at Champey

Monthly lunch parties bring an element of joy into the lives of students at Champey Academy of Arts

In addition to  the skills and instruction that students receive at Champey, the school in and of itself has evolved into a unique  community where friendship, trust and happiness also  flourish. Champey is a " safe space" where children and youth can gather.  

We are blessed at Champey Academy of Arts to have a head dance teacher who really loves her students and who also really loves to cook. Late in 2018 she prepared a delicious lunch (curry with baguette-style bread) for some of her students at Champey Academy.  Ms. Kanika’s delicious food created so much anticipation and excitement among our students, especially those from very poor families, that we decided to try to make her ‘lunch parties’ a more regular event at Champey Academy and to include the students from all classes plus the staff.  So far, in 2019, we have been able to stage five such ‘lunch parties’ and are hoping to have two more – one in November and one in December – before the close of this year. 

 For the children from extremely disadvantaged homes, a simple thing such as a delicious lunch prepared by their beloved teacher and shared with their friends brings an element of joy which is too often missing from their lives. Lunch party days are big days  where students and staff alike pitch in, share tasks and stories, friendship and community, setting aside, for a short time the challenges of life. 

 We are very grateful to some kind and generous friends and especially to the Elementary School students at the American School in Tokyo for sponsoring some of these lunch parties in 2019 for the children at our Champey Academy of Arts.  This sponsorship is truly a wonderful  gift to our students.

 One monthly lunch parties usually cost $75 to $85 and always provide ample helpings of food, soft drinks and fun for about 50 to 60 students and a few of our staff members.

The  music, art and dance programs at Champey Academy are only possible because of you, our generous and loyal donors.  The oasis that Champey provides is extremely important to the students it serves. We are deeply gratefulk for your gennerous  support.

The photos show the tables set up in our art school classrooms and stage areas of the dance school. The artwork that you see has been done by our students.

Barbara & Mark Rosasco