Category: Cambodia

“1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8…” , the voices of the children rang through the air, counting to the rhythm of tooth brushing.

In Dec 2012, a team of us from Singapore conducted hygiene workshops for the children of Goducate Cambodia. Oral hygiene was one key segment. We know the kids have toothbrushes, but are they brushing correctly?

Our youths, using pictorials, explained about tooth decay—-what is it, how it happens. Then came the brushing. With a plastic tooth model, the team demonstrated the proper tooth-brushing method, highlighting the importance of brushing up-down, inside, and the tongue.

We then got the children into practical action. On the tooth model, they showed how they would brush the teeth, while the rest counted and corrected them if it was not properly done. Some brushed with such vigor it looked more like toilet scrubbing!

The tooth model turned out to be a real hit with the kids. Those who had earlier indicated that they did not like tooth brushing were all excited to brush the giant teeth.

Overall, we all had great fun learning together. Hopefully, the enthusiasm will lead on to good oral habits, and each child will joyfully beam with sparkling pearlies for life!

Guest writer Mey, Volunteer from Singapore

The children at the Goducate Children’s Home in Cambodia are learning several livelihood skills that they can apply when they leave the Home and return to their communities. One advantage they have over other children in Cambodia is their education in English. To give them on-the-job training in perhaps starting English-learning centers, and to help others in the community, a team from the Home has been going to the neighboring areas to hold English-language classes. The team is made up of 4 teachers from the Goducate Children’s Home and 7 of the older children.

These English classes have been held in three areas, either once or twice a week.The classes are held in the open, with the students sitting on chairs provided by the residents there, who welcome the chance for their children to learn English. Most of the students are children aged 5 to 7.

The classes are not only helping the children at the Home to help themselves when they return to their communities, but they are also teaching them how to help others.

Talk about baseball to the kids in the Goducate Children’s Home (and probably elsewhere) in Cambodia and they will simply be disinterested. But show them the gear, teach them the baseball rules, explain the mechanics, let them have their first taste of the game at the diamond field, and they will so awe-struck and excited that they will keep badgering you with their new mantra: “Let’s play ball!”

Two months ago, the US Navy Seventh Fleet gave the Goducate Children’s Home with an assortment of supplies and sports equipment, including some baseball gear. 2 years ago, during the second phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) in Cambodia, some members of the US Navy, among them, musicians of the Seventh Fleet Orient Band Express, visited the Goducate Children’s Home. They played music with the children and involved them in basketball and soccer games as part of their community service project.

In Cambodia, however, the national game is soccer, and the youth have not been exposed to baseball. To broaden their knowledge of sports, during my recent visit to the Home, I had a baseball session with the boys. 22 boys, aged 5-17, sgathered at the improvised diamond field for baseball lessons and impromptu practice. Two teams were then constituted at 11 players per team, with 9 in the field—pitcher catcher, 4 infielders, 3 outfielders—and two backup infielders. It was confusing and funny at first but the first tryout and succeeding innings at the diamond field were very instructive and exhilarating for everyone.