We visited two orphanages which running by Krousa Thmey organization, and carried out hygiene and life education program.
As it was the Puchumban ceremony season in Cambodia, unfortunately most of the children had gone back to their hometown, but even there were some children remained in orphanage, so we visited to spend pleasant time with them.
The first one is in Takhmau town and there are tidy bungalow style houses and nice garden in the site. They use it the housing for orphans divided boys and girls, and they are total about 40 children.
When we visit the children welcomed us putting their hands together. Although it was a short time staying we greeted to the teacher and handed over the souvenir picture books and toothbrushes, crayons, curry powder etc., and performed picture story to the children.
The second place was cozy orphanage in Phnom Penh city, where Ms. Theary’s mother works as volunteer, I feel warm atmosphere there.
We planned to take a bit long time there to have close communication with children, also prepared food materials for cooking Japanese curry to eat it with all of them.
Ms. Sreymao and her friend Ms.Rothana and Mr.Sam, medical student Mr.Bornith, an interpreter Mr.Chiru joined to the program, and then the souvenir shop Amazing Cambodia’s manager Mr.Masa were joined later.
They drawn pictures with Mr.Okada and Bournith while women cooked curry in the kitchen, and then when the cooking finished we started the class in upstairs.
First of all the class leaded by Ms. Sreymao and Mr. Bourith giving lecture about the importance of the teeth and how to do toothbrushing, and hygiene program. The two young teacher made an excellent speech attractively, so children seemed to enjoy it.
After the lecture Ven. Daiho started greetings and picture story show, and then finished morning class since it’s lunch time.
After the lunch Ven.Daiho asked them how they feel about the picture story show.
Daiho: How do you like today’s lunch, Japanese curry?
Children: Yes sir it was delicious!
Daiho: By the way did you think something when you eat it?
Children: No sir I didn’t think anything!
Daiho: Oh yes I see, then now I finish the class…..oohh nono~~!
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Then, we struggled and tried to bring out any of their thinking and feeling about eating animal meat,
we pulled out of them to talk about I at the last.
Child1: They are pity, but I can’t help it, we have to eat to live.
Daiho: Yes you’re right! But even if we have no choice, what should we do next?
Child2: Hmmm then I eat more vegetables and fruits and cut down to eat meat.
Child3: I eat more snacks and drink water instead of meat.
It seemed no more opinion, so Ven. Daiho talked conclusion.
It might can’t help to eat meat, but at least we should eat meat with gratitude
Then our next question hit the nail on the head, ‘What is life do you think?’ the children answered ‘It’s animal’ or ‘It’s thankful thing’, so we realized that even small children have some feelings or images about the life.
However they are mostly 3 or 4 years old and they need some help to lead the direction. When they grow up to 6 to 10years old they would become to express their own thinking and opinion freely.
At the end Ven.Daiho Sang a Japanese song “Hold your hands toward the sun” (Although the kids didn’t understand the meaning since it’s Japanese lol), and then wanted to tie the hands ‘Everyone tie the hands each other and make the circle, and then feel the harmony of friendship’
Thus we finished the class in full of smile.
Actually it was our first trial class of ‘Life education’ this time, so it didn’t take proper form yet, but we felt that we’ve gotten a clue to the shape of right direction including the target.
Anyway children are all innocent and so cute, we wanted to continue the communication with them. We took picture together and said good bye.
