Cambodian Community Dream Organization, Inc.
Dream Journal ~ January 2020
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Meaningful Valentine’s Gifts
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We hope to experience some love and kindness every day.
In many parts of the world
Valentine’s Day
is celebrated February 14. Children exchange Valentine’s cards at school and couples give each other overpriced flowers, chocolates & gifts.
Why not give something different this year?
Donate a water well, or if your significant other has a great sense of humor, a latrine and put your names on the signboard. Instead of a generic card, you will get a photo of the recipient family!
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Bringing Classical Music
to Cambodian Children
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It is almost impossible for our students to travel outside of their villages, so we strive to bring the world to their classrooms.
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We were lucky to recently enjoy a visit from the Musical Outreach program from
ICEP Music Sharing
from
Japan
. Thanks to
Midori
,
Elina
,
Erika
,
Noemi
&
Kristina
who exposed the children to classical music concerts. It was the first time they had seen and heard western classical string instruments (viola, violins and cello).
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This is the first introduction to classical music, that will soon be followed by short classical scores with our new
Mente Viva Program
that will bring calming moments with simple meditation techniques at the start of school lessons. We are grateful to
Brazilians
Francisco
&
Susanne
who are spreading the world of peace and wellbeing amongst the children in many different places.
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Laughter is always the best medicine.
We were excited to have a visit from
Clowns without Borders.
Nina Stazol
(Germany)
and her fellow clowns entertained the children with their fun antics.
Clowns Without Borders
exists in fifteen countries
(Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States)
. Their members travel to places where conflict or trauma can be healed with the help of laughter, building resilience in children.
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Our CCDO team was inspired by a lively and helpful presentation by
Dr. Mark Duster
(USA)
, our own
Pediatric Cardiologist
, who visits Cambodia each year. While he saved his life saving techniques for his hospital protégés, he shared great tips and techniques on time management and how they can improve their output, while remaining passionate about their work.
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Carol Duster
on the ground
report
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CCDO has a dedicated
Board of Director
in
Carol Duster
, who not only fundraises and creates awareness, but spends a month on the ground in Siem Reap each year. She is our eyes and ears and helps make positive suggestions. She delves into each of our programs with field visits on the back of a motor bike, engaging with the locals and enjoying the Khmer culture.
She has the ‘fun’ part of the Board and gets to play with the kids and form lasting relationships with the staff.
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Preschool Teachers Certificates
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We are very proud of our new preschool teachers who all received their coveted CCDO certificates. Under the guidance of
Mr. Bunsrak Pan
, our
preschool teacher trainer
, these government teachers learned not only how to effectively implement the government curriculum, but also how to incorporate the Western ideas of learning through play.
Congratulations to all!
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A new baby girl joined our ever growing CCDO family.
Bunsrak Pan
, our
Early Education Specialist
, and his wife, welcomed their first child,
Enna
.
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Remember
Ordinary people can do extraordinary things
to change lives, one child at a time.
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