Sorseday Chnam Thmey - Happy Khmer New Year!

Many traditional Khmer games provided fun and

entertainment for the Aziza's Place children, staff

and teachers as we all celebrated the most

significant holiday on the Cambodian calendar.

The sounds of fun, games and laughter could be heard from the Aziza's Place courtyard on April 8th, signalling the start of Khmer New Year celebrations. The smashing of clay pots, musical chairs, blindfold games, powder throwing, dancing and karaoke were all part of the fun as the AP children, staff and teachers all took part in traditional Khmer New Year activites. The courtyard was brightly decorated with balloons and streamers, and packages of sweets were given out as prizes to the winners of each game.

As a significant holiday on the Cambodian calandar, Khmer New Year is a time when Phnom Penh becomes noticeably quiet and people travel near and far across the country to spend time with their their families. Most of the AP residents and staff enjoyed a one week holiday. At Aziza's Place we believe the children's connection with their families is important and so Khmer New Year is a holiday when some of the children travel further than their usual weekend visits home, travelling with their parents or siblings to visit their extended family and friends in the provinces of Cambodia.