Like a happy
Two months later than planned, Arne Sahlen
returns to Kootenay life following his latest action-packed trip for the
Cambodia Support Group (CSG). The schedule was pummelling,
he says, but the results made it all worthwhile and more.
Royal endorsement
CSG now has the support of
I am pleased to give
my endorsement to the Cambodia Support Group (CSG).
For more than
twenty-five years, CSG has been helping our country and people with deep
respect for the traditions, initiatives and abilities of Cambodians in all
levels of society. ... The CSG approach is to serve as a bridge enabling Khmer
people to move from wishes to success.
CSG first resettled two hundred refugees in Canada, and now works in a
unique blend of project areas to improve overall Khmer life: training and jobs
for the disabled, support to women, child protection and schooling, and
training in both traditional and western music. Please offer CSG all the usual courtesies,
and assist in any way possible.
A bridge in many ways, CSG also carries awareness of
A few of many CSG-linked
successes
Five students, sponsored for advanced schooling by CSG and its partner
agency Khmer Women's Voice Centre, have leapt ahead in school and life.
Freed from rural poverty and tragedy, four of them now have jobs that pay some
salary – this in a country of very high unemployment. They are
contributing to their living costs, and soon will have Bachelor Degrees or
Diplomas.
KAVTV electrical training
school for the disabled has set up SIXTY repair shops around the country in
just three years. KAVTV graduates, some seriously disabled, run the shops
- rising from lives of begging, dependence and hopelessness to earn a good living
at skilled work. They care for selves and families, enjoy self-esteem,
and are strong role models for ability in disability.
CSG Co-ordinator Kheav
Samnang’s dedication has carried him into the Prince's
circle as well as all areas of CSG service. A polio survivor, Samnang is now opening Independent Printers. Under
a Self-Help for Success umbrella, this printing shop will employ other
disabled people in his small village - and among other jobs will print CSG documents
including writings in Khmer about peace-building, forgiveness and shared
vision.
A brilliant composer, singer and piano-saxophone-drums-voice
performer, Prince Sirivudh is in spirit much like
famed musicmaker Louise Rose. He arranged a
great Khmer (Cambodian) song, Au Teuk Ho
(Water Below the Bridge) on studio technology in
orchestral style. Arne re-arranged it for live orchestra; Khmer
tenor Chanthavouth Hy, now
studying in Cranbrook-Kimberley, will sing it next March in a three-city
tour with the Youth Symphony of the Okanagan.
As Chanthavouth's name rises in
Chanthavouth is invited to sing next summer in a
Homegrown Help
CSG asks this season for donations equal to a loonie
per person in the triangle area of