Category: Cambodia

Although a handful of the children at the Cambodian Children’s Home had picked up how to play a musical instrument, such as the guitar, the recorder, or the keyboard, it was only earlier this year that an intensive music program was introduced at the Home. Three of the musicians from the Goducate music program in the Philippines spent 10 days at the Cambodian Children’s Home giving intensive lessons in the recorder, keyboard, violin, and flute. Two months later, the children had a couple of days of violin and masterclass training from a visitor from Singapore before they performed at the opening of the boys’ workshop at the Home.

The end of the 2011-2012 school year presented another opportunity for the students to give a musical performance. This ceremony was much bigger and more formal than the opening of the workshop, and held away from the Home, so tension among the children was high, reaching a peak about an hour before the start of the ceremony. However, once they started on their performances they calmed down and played naturally, seemingly oblivious to what was going on around them.

Earlier this month I had the privilege to accompany a group of Singaporeans to the Goducate Children’s Home in Cambodia. While the main event of the trip was the opening of the boys’ workshop, it was also an opportunity to interact with the children.

The trip, though short, was an enriching experience. A few of the Singaporean visitors organized song and game sessions to engage the children while familiarizing them with the English language. The children also shared their daily routines with us, and we participated in day-to-day activities such as lesson-time and fishing.

The “real work” began on the second and third days. Medical check-ups were conducted by a member of our Singapore team to check on the children’s general health. On my part, I had the chance to conduct masterclasses with some children who had been learning music, particularly the violin and piano. What I encountered was a promising group of young talents. Understandably, there was a wide range in skill due to differences in age and time spent learning the instrument, and this resulted in the need to concentrate on students individually or in pairs. However, helped along by the positive attitude and patience exhibited by my students, it was not too hard to knuckle down and make some good progress over the two-day period. At the end of our visit, we were pleasantly surprised by a performance of the new piece they had requested to learn.

I came away feeling blessed by the children, as well as the wonderful personnel at the home. What struck me in particular was the eagerness shown by the children when they were offered opportunities that their Singaporean counterparts – or even people in more developed countries in general – often fail to appreciate. I hope that the kids in Goducate Children’s Home never lose the joy of learning, and choose to continue developing the gifts they possess. And I trust that Goducate will continue to provide the guidance and resources necessary to achieve this goal.

Guest writer Debra, Volunteer from Singapore

Last week, two of our directors from Goducate HQ officially opened the boys’ workshop facility at the Goducate Children’s Home in Prey Nob, Cambodia. The ribbon cutting was followed by the planting of 3 mango trees outside the workshop.

The official opening was also attended by 9 other Singaporeans and all the children and staff at the Home. The construction of the boys’ workshop facility commenced two months ago with funds from a generous sponsor, and with the completion of its first phase, the older boys at the Home now have the opportunity to be taught useful skills such as automobile repair, electrical installation works, welding, carpentry, etc.

Training has already commenced with one trainer, Ronnie, seen above explaining the various uses of the tools procured for the workshop. Another trainer, Will, will be added to the staff strength at the Home some time in August to help train more boys.