Cambodian Child Dream Journal August 2011

Cambodian Dream Journal August '11

Recently we got two big boxes of gently used English children's books donated for our Cambodian village school libraries. As I was sorting through nearly 100 pounds of books I recognized many of my children's favorites. We read them over and over again until they knew them by heart and started pointing put the simple words, repeated on each page. Hearing a book read aloud and following in the text is a great way to learn reading. In the absence of parents that have the time and the skill to read to their children two high school students on the West Coast are offering a great alternative solution- books on tape. Actually they are books on a stick, a memory stick that is, that will be plugged into a boom box and played in the classroom by our Cambodian English teachers.

The two boys, Tarush and Dan, have separately chosen and recorded more than twenty easy reader books. Much thought has to go into choosing appropriate books for Cambodian children. It is not just a question of difficulty and vocabulary, but cultural appropriateness. Can the beloved Dr. Seuss books make any sense to a Cambodian kid? Is there a point in learning all those nonsensical words, when there are so many basic words like numbers and body parts that are much more important to know in English? Are green eggs and ham funny or relevant in a different context? But even more to the point, should we send books that talk about totally foreign experiences like shopping in a supermarket or taking a plane ride. Or even worse, a story about a boy, who hates shopping for new clothes and his mother has to cajole and bribe him to get him to choose a pair of pants in a department store. Or a story about another boy who is grumpy because he doesn't like his breakfast. Shall we really send books like these to children who are lucky to have one pair or pants and anything at all in their tummy for breakfast? We really don't want to do harm with good deeds. You can count on us to try our best and think things through in all our actions.

Best Regards,

Your Editor,

Ksenija Olmer

Director of Development

Note from the President

Having just returned from England where I helped set up the Friends of CCDO, UK has me bursting with news. I had different opportunities to meet with fabulous women and present our accomplishments and future goals.We are in the process of being adopted by the regional offices of the Soroptomists GB International Midland Arden Program as well as the SI Solihull Chapter. Margaret Jarman who is spearheading the CCDO, UK office has been busy cross-pollinating her favorite charities. We will soon be adding CCDO, Switzerland to our masthead. We are expanding our enthusiastic Youth Corps in the States as well as in England and will be open to working with various schools to promote awareness of the history and culture of Cambodia. Having just read the Cambodian Curse book by Joel Brinkley, I realize that there is much more work to be done to combat the dark past.

The good news is that we are making a difference and can see it in the positive attitudes amongst the villagers, especially the children, who are the hopes and dreams for Cambodia.

We will always be a grassroots organization with YOU, the people and our supporters, who are the backbone of our accomplishment. Thank YOU for all that you donate.

Warmest Regards,

Jenni Lipa

President

Project Highlight

Report from the field by Kirk Bauer & Kara Popiel

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On July 11, 2011 we were fortunate enough to meet with Panha, Porin and Narong and travel to see three water wells, the Little Angels orphanage and two schools (Phum Steung & TaPang). Traveling with us was Stephanie Reitschuh, a German student doing research in Cambodia. The one word that best describes our seven hours together? "Amazing!"

We saw the two water wells donated by the students and staff at Kirk's school, Riverside High School in Yonkers, NY, as well as the one we donated last August after returning from our first trip to Cambodia. Although we had seen photos of the wells and a few of the people who benefit by them, seeing them in person, in context, and meeting some of the actual people was extremely moving. To think that our small donations had such an impact on people's lives was inspiring. We saw firsthand and heard from the families how the water wells had improved their lives for themselves, their children and other members of their village by providing clean, safe water. At the orphanage we met friendly, hard-working children who demonstrated their many talents and skills for us: designing and crafting leather carvings and performing a hilarious shadow puppet show. At the schools, students recited their English lessons for us and sang in English such songs as "Rain, Rain, Go Away," "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes," and "You Are My Sunshine." The children, who ranged in age from 7 to 15, were enthusiastic, friendly and showed a great interest in learning English. Kara, en ESL teacher, had the opportunity to lead them through a mini-lesson using the popular American children's book by Bill Martin and Eric Carle, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" She also introduced them to two new songs, "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider" and "I'm a Little Teapot."

In all, it was truly a memorable, amazing day.

Remember: Ordinary people can do extraordinary things that make a difference in the world!

Interested in volunteering? We welcome anyone who is willing to lend a helping hand. Please contact us with your area of interest or expertise at jenni@friendsofccd.org.