This is 27th..
Letter from Banteay Prieb
Vol. 27 Banteay Prieb 2017.March to May
"It is not easy, of course, to study and live toghether with other people. However, patience is needed even though it is hard. If you haven't gone through difficulties, you would never know what is easy." -Lee Ciang, Sewing class
Contents [Letter from BP] Lea's Writing [BP Focus] Homecoming Day [BP Talk] Parents of Intellectually Disabled Students [Interview]With Students [Photo] Women's Day [BP News] March to May [BP Production]New Designs [BP Information]
Publisher Oh-Chang Kwon S.J. Editor YeoReum Kim Copy Right JSC(Jesuit Service Cambodia) Banteay Prieb
Lea's Writing
Sunday Afternoon Sunday Afternoon
[Letter from BP]
A slight breeze pushes welcoming shivers of cool air over our wet skin, through our by sweat soaked clothes. Humid. To my right; one of my friends, not on the bench as some others around the table, no, but in his wheelchair, both legs lifelessly hanging down. A song out of his mobile. English for a change. We all know that one fellow in ID class that sang it non-stop to visitors. Sharing his unheard voice. Bitter. Spicy. Salty. Sweet. Perfect combination of flavours provoked by the green mango dipped in a mixture of chili and salt. We share the pieces cut by that one friend who lost both his legs alongside mother and father in a road accident half a year ago. Now, 23 years old, maimed, he is supposed to take care of his three little sisters, sharing their grief. Dong dong metal bowls balls kicking each other further away from the aim. Thrown by the left hand of a former soldier. Dong. Right arm lost to the war. Dong dong. His foe a specialist in destroying. Shared his skills with us. Besides the fact that half his body is nearly unusable due to polio. An observer. Lying on a bench. Once I saw him walking, using prostheses and a wooden stick for balancing hold between the two stumps that were his hands. Still remember the joy of that moment we shared. Passing by a girl. Shy smile. Even though blind on one eye, she sees any opportunity where a helping hand is needed. Maybe a characteristic trace she got due to her mother being incurably sick. Any work, she shares. My smile back. First smile in a while. When my girlfriend saw me coming back from Thailand where I got an electric shock whilst repairing wiring on a mast, she cried. When she got married half a year later, I cried. But now the smile we shared. We share here everything, it seems. We share our houses and our food. Our time. Even our stories and worries. Our hopes and fears. Smiles and tears.
-One Sunday in May Lea Filliger
Lea Filliger, a voulnteer from Switzerland, spent her 18th birthday just several weeks ago. She loves coffee and chocolate as well as writing and reading books. You can find her helping in the Special Education Class, Production Shop, and even in the office; being 'everywhere but nowhere'.
"We once started organizing
Homecoming day to show the students by inviting the graduates that you only can succeed if you study hard . It is a good oppoertunity for all the students to share thier experiences and discuss about how to achieve their goals "
[BP Focus]
-Men Yuth , Outreach Team Director
Homecoming Day Homecoming Day It was Homecoming Day at 31st March! 208 people attended this event; including staff, teachers, current students and 59 graduated students who came to visit BP again. The event started with the welcoming speech of Gabby S.J. After the explanation of Ecology team's campaign about ‘stop using straws’, everyone started cleaning up plastics in and out of BP.
Then, students were separated by classes and had time to share their experiences including before coming to BP, during their stay in BP, and after they leave here. After the lunch, all the students gathered together again and had a presentation about how graduated students had failed and how other succeeded. They had a big dinner with delicious dishes and the following dance party went onthe whole night.
â–˛ He was lost in deep thoughts in the sharing group of Electroninc Class.
"For me, the graduates were like teachers. They stimulated me to study harder." -Sophanna, Agriculture Class
▲ Listening to the graduates in the sharing group of Machine Class
"I
like
to hear experiences from
the graduates. They also advised on failure and success while opening their own workshop " -Lee Ciang, Make up Class
▲ Presentation of the graduates in the afternoon
"I want to thank all the teachers, staffs, and fathers(priests) for organizing this homecoming day" -Chum Sauda, Machine Class
▲ Delicious meal in the dinner.
"The most memorable thing from the Homecoming Day was dancing in the party. I've never danced in my hometown because the different appearance of everyone else made me shy. But here I danced alot without any disturbance, because all the students were in similar appearance." -Veasna, Electronic Class ▲ Dancing for a long time with powder on the face.
[BP Talk]
Talk with Parents
of
Intellectually disabled Students There was a parents meeting in the Special Education Class on 28th April, Teachers and parents shared the change of the students in school and at home. Also they discussed about each student's future based on their capacity. After the meeting, we met two parents and asked their opinion on their child's school life and on the parents meeting this time.
The graduate in June
Lihour's Mother 1. Please introduce Lihour in family context. -Lihour is the first child of all five children and it broke my heart that he is intellectually disabled. I felt so pity on him. I talk with him a lot at home and I love him so much and I will always support him.
2. How was his living before he came to BP? -He was in another organization for the disabled which introduced BP. He was learning Khmer at home but he very slowly understood. He could't do housework, even simeple one. We (parents) didn’t allow him to do because we didn’t believe he could.
3. What is the biggest change since he came here? - It’s been two years since he came to BP. Now he can take care of himself and do housework such as washing clothes, washing dishes, brushing teeth, cleaning house, cooking and taking shower. I am really happy to see Lihour talking with his friends and teachers becauese it means he can communicate with others well now. Among these changes, the biggest is that he finds his own work to do by himself. As an example, during this Khmer New Year Holidays, he woke up in the early morning and cleaned house and cooked which was amazing and unexpected because nobody told him to do so.
4. How do you feel about his graduation in June? - I am happy that my son will come back home. Lihour will grow chickens in the house. Sadly he can't work in a farm because we don’t have one. We (parents) will help him, encourage him and support him always. Now I believe that he can do many things. He is just slow.
5. How was the parents meeting this time?(28th, April) - I am pleased to hear alot of complimentation on him from Ms. Phalla. She said he is good at cooking and agriculture and he has good relationship with his friends.
6. What was your impression of his friends and teachers in BP? - I was surprised when students in Special Education class greeted parents so gladly at first. They look so nice and polite. It was a little bit bitter to see other students in vocational skill classes such as phone repairing though. They are learning many skills but I know that my son cannot study such complicated skills. I always appreciate class teachers and also house teachers. They taught my son so well with passion.
(Interviewer: YeoReum Kim, Interpreter: Mr.Leak, a special education teacher)
New student this year
Leak's Father 1. How was Leak's life before he came to BP?
3. What are the changes since he came here?
-My son is a 17 year old boy. He is the youngest of 7 children. He sat in the house and spaced out all the time before he came here. He didn’t talk much and didn’t go to school because we(parents) were so worried to send him there. He helped with house works such as cooking rice, washing clothes, and cutting wood for firing.
-Leak has been here for 3 months. I am so happy to see him helping many works by himself. In Khmer New Year holiday, I was planting chili trees and he came to me saying “Daddy, I will help you." (Putting his hand on his chest) My son has a good heart. Although he easily gets tired so he cannot manage the work, he wants to help others.”(Then, Mr.Leak added“even though the work is difficult, he never gives up helping others. He helps by his heart")
2. How did you get to know BP? -When I went to Preveng Province(his house is in Kampongspu), I met one graduate student of BP by chance. He told me about the school and I thought it would be good to bring my son here.
4. How was parents’ meeting? - Teacher Phalla told he is good at cooking and planting.
5. What was your impression of your son's friends and teachers in BP? - I was glad to meet students in ID class as they all greeted parents so nicely.
6. Is there anything you wish for or worry about Lea? -I just thought that what if he could learn electronic skills like other students in BP. However, I am very happy and already satisfied by his change. He can wash clothes and take shower by himself and he goes along with his friends well. I feel like he can do anything.
(Interviewer: YeoReum Kim, Interpreter: Mr.Leak, a special education teacher)
Sunseting over Banteay Prieb
Free Barber Shop
Interview [Interview]
with
Students
Several months have passed already since the students started learning hee in January. What do they think and feel about living and studying here? We had interviews with 5 students from different classes.
Lee Ciang, Make up Class 1. How did you get to know about Banteay Prieb? -I heard of BP from one student who pre-entered here to have intensive literacy lesson (He is studying in the machine class now). We met when I went to another organization to get an artificial leg and he explained about the school and introduced Miss. Chin who was a temperary teacher of make-up class. 2. What made you decide to come to BP? -I had worked in a factory but I was fired because I got disabled from the accident. I kept looking for the workplace but no one wanted to hire me although I could do housework and even some labor works. I thought I need skills for living then so I started to learn sewing skills. While I was learning it for three months, I heard of BP and decided to come here to learn make-up skills which seemed to be more useful. 3. Why did you want to learn Make up skills? -Because I can start workshop with small amount of money and it can grow bigger. 4. How is your life here so far? Any difficulties? - I am happy. I don't have any difficulties that some other students may have in learning. I catch up the class well and understand fast. It is not easy, of course, to study and live toghether with other people. However, patience is needed even though it is hard. If you haven't gone through difficulties, you would never know what is easy. (pause) Studying is what I like the most here. 5. What is your next goal? -I want to open the workshop at home. I am happy to start my own business based on the skills I have learnt. (Interviewer: YeoReum Kim, Interpreter: Miss. Siya)
Pearl Sophoan, Sewing Class
Zhum Sauda, Machine Class
1. How did you get to know about Banteay Prieb?
1. How did you get to know about Banteay Prieb? - One of my friends in the next village was a graduate of BP, so he introduced me a teacher by phone.
-One relative told me. At first, I didn't want to come but my parents persuaded me saying "it is a good opportunity for you so go and study there". 2. How was your life before? -I stayed at home taking care of the cows. I learnt Khmer in the primary school but couldn't concentrate on studying because I had to look after the cows all the time. 3. Why did you want to study sewing skills? -I wanted to learn make-up but as other friends chose to learn sewing I also followed them. I worried so much because I knew nothing about sewing skills but now I study a lot every day and feel more cofident. No regret that I have chosen the sewing class but I want to learn in makeup class next year. 4. How is your life here so far? -Studying and doing housework are not difficult but it is hard when I miss home. Whenever I have a meal, go outing, and see raining, I miss my family the most. (smiling) I am very happy to play with my friends and teachers together though.
2. What made you decide to come to BP? -I stayed in the house farming with the parents. I thought learning a skill would help me to live a better life. 3. Why did you want to study machine skills? -There are many agricultural machines in my village. I thought that opening a workshop for fixing machines would be a good business. 4. How is your life here so far? -Living here is totally different from living in my hometown. I am happy here because I can study and meet friends. The best thing is that I don't have any burden to earn money. Nothing is difficult here. Rather, it is much more comfortable and easier than before when I needed to support family's living. (He is the second of 6 siblings) 5. What is your next goal? -I want to open my own workshop.
5. What is your next goal? -I want to open a workshop which combines sewing and make-up. I have one relative who has one shop like that. I want to use what I learn in BP. (Interviewer: YeoReum Kim, Interpreter: Miss. Siya)
Sophanna, Agriculture Class
Veasna, Electronic Class 1. How did you get to know about Banteay Prieb? - One day, I was on a bus in my hometown. And suddenly someone talked to me who was studying at Banteay Prieb. He explained about BP and suggested to study here. Thus, I gave him my phone number, and after, I got a call from the school. 2. What made you decide to come to BP? -I was working in an electronic devices shop. However, I had no idea about them. I really wanted to learn about electronics, and BP was a good opportunity, 3. How is your life here so far? -I am an introverted person so when I first came here, I had a lot of difficulties in getting along with strangers. However, now I really enjoy being with others. Also, I like to use wheelchair here. Before I used crutches and wheelchair is much more useful. The happiest thing is that I learn something everyday. I feel like my enthusiasm towards learning is somehow getting fulfilled.
1. How did you get to know the Banteay Prieb? -2 years ago, a teacher from BP visited my hometown for outreaching. At that time, I was working in a drinking water factory. From the teacher, I got to know there is a technical school for the disabled. When the teacher visited my hometown once more, he suggested me to be a student of Banteay Prieb. 2. What made you decide to come to BP? -Simply, I wanted to study about Agriculture, and I thought it is a good place for me to satisfy my eager to learn. 3. How is your life here so far? -At first, I felt like losing one year in which I could work and earn money. So, I was little bit sad. However, as I learnt many things from BP, I got confidence that I will be able to earn more money with my skills. I feel much happier than when I worked in the factory 4. How is your life here so far? -Nothing Special. Everyday I wake up and cook for the breakfast then study in the class. After I finish studying, I come back to the house and start to do housework with other friends. After having dinner, I take shower and review what I learnt that day.
(Interviewer: Gyu Ri Choi, Interpreter: Miss. Siya)
[Photo]
On 9th May, all women among the students, teachers, and staff went outing to Kaep to celebrate the International Women's Day. we enjoyed swimming as well as resting on the hammocks with the gentle breeze from the sea.
International Women's Day
Banteay Prieb News 7th March. The International Women's Day. All the females in school went outing to Kaep. The article is on P.11
[BP News]
13th March. The first meeting of house representatives in this year. They gathered in the office and discussed on the rules students need to follow and difficulties they have with living here. 31st March. Homecoming Day.The alumni and current students had time together to share their experiences, The article is on P.4. 2nd April. Visiting pagoda to celebrate upcoming Khmer New Year. Some teachers and students went to pagoda and prayed for health and fortune of their families and friends, especially the ones that had passed away, 8th~17th April. Khmer New Year Holiday.
Congratulations!
28th April. Parents meeting in the 9 t h F e b r a r y . S o p h y , a s t a f f i n Special Education Class. The article is o u t r e a c h t e a m g a v e b i r t h t o a daughter. She came back to work on P.5 from the 4 months- maternity leave 3rd May. Father JiHoon Kim and doctors from the mobile clinic of 14th March. Mr.Sopheap in the Komiso(Korean Mission Society) came Special Education Class begot a son. to treat students with health problems. 6th April. Yain Sopha(F) and Ka *The graduation party of Special M a e n ( M ) b o t h w o r k i n g i n t h e Educatio Class on 31th of May, will be sculture production, married in Kkampongchinang. reported in the next newsletter
[BP Production]
Production New Design "Can not miss it!" Both sides-Eco bag
"Best present with good books" Cotton bookmark
"W ith
upgraded zipper and pockets inside" Wallet
Banteay Prieb is..
Banteay Prieb. Banteay Prieb, founded by the JRS(Jesuit Refugee Service) and now run by JSC(Jesuit Service Cambodia), aims to help the disabled to be independent and to find dignity in themselves through vocational training and the community life. Contact us at:
Post Address: P.O BOX 880, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Phone: +855 12949710 Email: banteayprieb@gmail.com Website: facebook.com/banteayprieb facebook.com/craftpeacecafe www.youtube.com/user/banteayprieb
[BP Information]
Special Thanks To..
Individual Donors (March to May):강경임 고금석 고운용 구본찬 김금열 김광자 김덕순 김동환 김병옥 김상동 김선자 김시수 김영모 김영미 김유선 김익우 김정란 김주연 김주월 김지영 김한솔라파엘 김현옥 김희영 곽영숙 권기영 권도경헬레나 권민선 권복순 권영규 권영욱 권오규 권오창 권용호 권은자젬마 권인경 권인순 권정철 권정숙 권춘미 권태옥 남미조 남명자 노희철 도미자 도재경 류성준 무기명 문승희 박기범 박세린 박서령 박순희 박정미 박주완 박재인 박효진 박혜정 서명순 서은선 서형교 성민주 손금화 송경희 송진기 신금옥 신순덕 신선자 신정식 안재야 오미란바울라 여승현 염다래 염순이 유영애 윤덕순 윤영화 윤원만 윤석렬 윤정희 윤지홍 이경자 이경숙 이귀자 이동수도미니꼬 이동원 이미란베로니카 이상미 이수연 이수형 이용선마리아 이윤성 이윤정 이은경 이은철 이인숙 이인혁 이정훈 이준승 이증옥 이지은 이재원 임창률 이한양 임대옥 임용성 임정임 임창률 왕병욱 장경희 장서규 장성옥 장원희 장현석 전대일 정규산 정선희 정옥희 정은순 정은정 정현주 조성태 조옥희 조창권 진상현 천상영 최난희 최동원 최동화 최영준 최윤자 최은희 최정희이사벨라 편경현 표한화 피옥경 한기복 한성민 한영호 한영희 한정숙 한희수 한희주 한향숙 허윤정 홍성주 황원희 황정숙 Wanda Park Visitited Donors (March to May):Fr.Cangas & the Friedns of Battambang 프놈펜 갈멜 수녀원 김윤정 온글라라 외 12인 Matthias Koller Filliger 심안젤라
How to support us.. If you are interested in our work here in Cambodia, please check this payment details
Bank Name : Phnom Penh Commercial Bank Swift Code : PPCBKHPP Bank Address : #767-769, Monivong Blvd., Sangkat Boeung Trabek, Khan Chamkamorn, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Account Name : Jesuit Service-Cambodia Account No. : 111-02-004010-6
you can also contribute to our work by purchasing products from the production of Banteay Prieb. Please check our products in this website.
http://issuu.com/banteayprieb/docs/production_catalog Email. banteayprieb.production@gmail.com
" I t is always the students who encourage me the most. Nothing makes me happier than watching them gathered together, That is why I work hard regardless how difficult it is."
-Men Yuth, the alumni and outreach team director