Dear Friends,
Welcoming new children into Aziza's Place is always an exciting time. The look on a newly-accepted resident's face as he/she enters the AP courtyard is memorable as are awe-filled reactions to; the first big meal, the comfort of sleeping on a mattress, a bright clean school uniform, and the relief on their face knowing they don't have to worry what tomorrow will bring. Troubles melt away in their first night. During these times we see the beauty of the AP community unfold with the other children acting as mentors and friends to the new resident, showing them around, helping them adjust, or giving them one of their precious collections of pens and pencils. This community gives our children the unique experience of being a part of a big family and not simply living in a charity-funded complex. Our philosophy centers on grassroots ideas that will keep our center small and focused on the children and their immediate families. This is an attribute AP will never lose.
In this issue you will meet our newest resident, 10-year-old Ream, bringing Aziza's Place to a total of 22 residents. Each year we evaluate our capacity for new children based on a series of factors such as space (AP's maximum stated capacity is 25 residents), family life, living and working conditions, and age. In keeping with our philosophy to improve the lives of the families of our residents, accepting siblings of current residents is always a priority. We now have moved to only accepting school age children as this is the age where they will be able to experience and take full advantage of AP's programs. In this issue you will be introduced to our new resident as well as an insight into the many other great endeavors made possible by your support and ever-strengthening and growing circle of friends in Cambodia and around the world.
With Gratitude,
The AP Team
No comments:
Post a Comment