Today we said 'goodbye' to our recent volunteer, Ruth Lemon, from England, who has been a fantastic addition to the Aziza's Place family over the past 3 months. On her second volunteer stint with AP,  she assisted our full-time English teacher, eagerly taught the house moms English and initiated dance and piano lessons with the children. Her smiling face and positive attitude will be missed around AP!

AP has always embraced and welcomed volunteers passionate about dedicating their time and skills to the children and staff at AP. We welcome all individuals eager to learn and work with a grassroots organization who is trying to make a difference in one small corner of the world. If you're interested in joining our team, please send me an e-mail: mandolyn@azizasplace.org 
I'd love to hear from you!

As I walk down the stairs from the office to the AP courtyard, I hear the sound of happy laughter, the buzz of voices and the strum of a guitar. Friday is a calm day here at AP, the children relax downstairs without the constant bustle of extra-classes and initiate rowdy volleyball matches or practice karate. As I step off the last stair I'm welcomed into the warm family scene of Cheng sitting on the bench strumming a guitar soulfully, SreyNat staring into the distance with her arms encircling her knees and Roth sitting ensconced in a black towel, his eyes scrunched up as Makara takes the trimmer to his wild thatch of hair. As I sit with them, happy to just exist in this moment turned golden by the evening light, I recall a quote about family that seems to fit the sentiment perfectly: 

"My home is not a place; it is people." 
- Lois McMaster Bujold 
 --
Mandolyn 
Communications Director

Life in this region of Cambodia pulses to the flow of the Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake and river system in SE Asia. The Tonle Sap acts as a life giving artery supporting approximately 3 million people, its seasonal floods provide spawning grounds for fish and its rich silt deposits fertilize rice fields. Twice a year, this great river reverses its flow attracting upwards to a million Cambodians who gather on it's mossy banks to celebrate the Water Festival. Historically, this 3 day celebration held at the end of November, featured colorful boat races, the largest boats measuring over 100 feet and crewed with up to 80 oarsmen. This year, however, the great river was quiet as all boat races were cancelled to honor the passing of the king's father. Instead, Khmer families flocked to the beach to relax in the sun and eat fresh seafood while their children's laughter rang from the surf.

A day in the life of AP

SreyPhea crouches quietly in the evening light gently coaxing her spindly seedlings to grow. The AP residents have begun cultivating small vegetable plots, learning how to plant the seeds and nurture them with water under the direction of Barb Devine, our full-time English teacher. Each day the children run over excited see how much the seedlings have grown in the night.

A day in the life of AP

Introducing our new weekly Friday blog update! Every Friday we'll post special moments, stories and photos that give you the reader a personal glimpse into the daily life at the AP house and allow you to see the world through the youthful eyes of our AP residents. 

There is a term that photographers use to describe the kind of magical light that changes the mundane and banal into a work of art: "Jesus light." It is this light that Michelangelo painted into his masterpiece on the Sistine Chapel ceiling and it is this same light that filters through the entwined tree branches that ensconce the AP courtyard. In the evenings, the children file out into the courtyard in crisp, matching uniforms and move in unison, like a silent dance, as they practice their karate techniques and forms under the direction of the Sensei. 

These two images show a fun juxtaposition between the older residents, who have lived at AP for many years, and two of our newest residents, who joined the AP family over the past few months. For these two little ones, their initial time at AP is about finding a balance in their new life and learning how to move in unison with their large new family.

Aziza's Place Staff Retreat

In a small town tucked beside the sleepy river of Kampot, the Aziza’s Place staff gathered for the first annual two-day retreat to reflection on the past and to build towards the future. Our morning alarm clock was the steady chug of the fishing boats as they made their way upstream to their favorite fishing holes. In this idyllic setting, we came together with the purpose of promoting staff development, teamwork and to generating a strategic plan for the future of Aziza's Place. 

Under the direction of meeting facilitator, Sotherawat, the AP staff began the retrospective process of constructing a five-year AP timeline and identifying significant milestones and obstacles. This exercise was to provide everyone, both new family members and those who have been with the organization long-term, with a clear perspective of AP's history and to establish a strong foundation that all future work will build on. Sotherawat also led the team through a creative, self-discovery session that gave each member a glimpse into the others lives and backgrounds and promoted a strong sense of unity among the staff. In the day-to-day grind of life, sometimes small details such as these get overlooked, but for the first time in AP history, in a hidden alcove at the crook of the Kampot river, AP took the time to truly unite as a family. 

The second half of the two-day workshop was geared towards building on the past to create a brighter future. As a group, we answered questions about AP's strengths and weaknesses, necessary improvements and the implementation of structure and where we envision the organization in another five years. Each member of the AP family contributed their ideas and perspectives and, as we continued, a path began to form on how to take AP to the next level. 

Ideas that were discussed during the retreat:

 • Implementing monitoring and evaluation structure to all of AP’s programs to objectively assess progress and to achieve desired results.
• Be more proactive and plan in advance.

• Improve human resource development, implement staff policies, procedures and assessments to improve the cohesiveness of the staff and to prevent ambiguity when it comes to roles and responsibilities. 

The staff retreat was an incredible success and we would like to say a a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to the Global Fund for Children (GFC) - a grant-giving foundation partnering with community-based organizations who work with the world's most vulnerable children and youth. GFC has been instrumental in funding Aziza's Place for over two years and this year awarded AP the GFC Opportunity Grant that enabled us to launch our first annual Aziza's Place staff retreat.  
  
The following are some images from our time exploring Kampot and Kep.
Enjoy! 

October Newsletter

Dear Aziza’s Place family & friends, 

This fall season marks the start of a new academic year, which often heralds changes and new beginnings. For the long-term residents of Aziza's Place, the start of the school year will mean new teachers, new subjects and, perhaps, new classmates. For Aziza's Place as a whole, this fall brings changes in the form of new family members, Mandolyn McConaha, as the in-coming Communications Director, and Barb Devine, as our permanent English teacher. These additions to the Aziza's Place family bring with them fresh perspectives, ideas and skills and we’re excited to have them both join the team! 

Most importantly, we would like to bid a heartfelt farewell to Cath Waugh, our out-going Communications Director who, in reality, has meant so much more during her three and a half years at Aziza's Place. Arriving as a volunteer in the Spring of 2009, Cath made an immediate impact with her warm smile and overflowing affection that she showed to all the residents and staff. Even after her time as a volunteer concluded, she maintained a close contact with AP, stopping by on a daily basis and involving herself in the work and lives of everyone at AP. From this mutual affinity, it was a natural progression that we offer her the CD role in October of 2010, and to our delight, she accepted. Once settled into the CD role, Cath was instrumental in helping develop and formalize many of the Operational Policies, as well as being the organization’s representative to our large family of supporters, volunteers, visitors and corporate and institutional partners. We will miss her dearly and eagerly await her return to Cambodia in 2013. She leaves a tremendous 
legacy, which we hope to perpetuate and benefit from in the years to come. 

“I'd like to extend my personal 'Thank You' to Cath. You are unique and very special and your presence at Aziza’s Place has helped us evolve into this haven that serves our resident children, their families and their community." 

-- 

Amjad Ghori 

Co-Founder 

“As the author of the Courtyard Newsletter and a point of connection for our wider Aziza’s Place community – volunteers, visitors and supporters – for the past two years, I have been honored to be the one to share the news of the Aziza’s Place children, staff and the development of Aziza’s Place as a whole. It has been truly wonderful to be part of the lives of the children at Aziza’s Place who all continue to grow and develop into confident, genuine people, full of character, all striving towards their individual interests and talents. Great things lie ahead for the AP residents in the coming years as they eventually start graduating from Aziza’s Place. I’m thrilled to see each of them take hold of their futures and find their own niche in the world. The Aziza’s Place children, staff and family will always be close to my heart. Although returning home to New Zealand is in my immediate future, plans to return to Cambodia are already underway!” 

 -- 

Cath Waugh 

Communications Director 

2012-2012 

                                             

                                  _____________________________

Winds of Change:

Welcoming Mandolyn and Barb to the Aziza's Place family

 

We are excited to usher in a new era for both the Communications Director and English Teacher roles at AP. Mandolyn, from California, U.S.A, joins the team as the in-coming Communications Director and brings many years of international work experience in the education, media and not-for-profit sectors.  She has lived and worked in South Korea, SE Asia and most recently W. Africa. Her background in photojournalism and passion for sustainable development will be a valuable asset for AP. 

We are also excited to welcome Barb Devine, from Victoria, British Columbia Canada, into the AP fold as the in-coming English Teacher. Early in 2012, Barb visited Aziza’s Place for three weeks and lead inspiring art workshops with the AP residents. She has an impressive background and certification in teaching, both English (as-a-second-language) and painting and has worked in graphic design for many years. We are excited to have Barb as a valuable member of the AP family!

AP would like to extend a sincere thank you to Rob Rushworth for the role he played in developing the English Program during his 14 months with AP. He lifted the achievement bar for the children, extending their English language abilities with his project-based approach to teaching.  He developed a comprehensive English curriculum that incorporated science, mathematics, mechanics, film study, cooking, and basic marketing and engineering principles – a truly dynamic program of holistic learning. We wish him all the best for his future endeavors!                                       

                                    _____________________

                                A Bright New Face

 

This fall we welcome a bright new face to the Aziza’s Place family- Kouy Sueon, 7 years-old. She is the youngest of 5 children, and lived in the Steung Meanchey dump-site, a community in Phnom Penh that many of the residents once called home and where many of their families still live. Her parents spend their days at the dump-site picking through the trash for items to sale or recycle. Many of her siblings stopped attending school at a young age in order to help support the family. At AP, Sueon has the chance at a full and healthy childhood and the opportunity to obtain a quality education. She is eager to learn and has energetically jumped into our summer supplementary classes.  She began her 2^ndgrade studies at Toul Toumpoung Khmer Public School in early October and has quickly adjusted to life at AP.  Sueon is excited to be the newest member of the AP family and has been welcomed by all with open arms.     

The selection process of accepting children at AP involves a three-week trial period, during which time the new resident is observed as he/she becomes accustomed to the AP routine of studying and participating in extra-cirricular activites - a new way of life that is very different from their home environment. After this period, a meeting between the new resident, their family, and the AP staff allows for a discussion about the prospect of a long-term stay at Aziza’s Place.

___________________________

GFC Knowledge Exchange Workshop 
Working together for Sustainability 

 Aziza’s Place is honored to be a long-term partner with Global Fund for Children (GFC) – a grant-giving foundation partnering with community-based organizations who work with the world’s most vulnerable children and youth. GFC has been instrumental in funding AP for the past two years, and this year AP was invited to participate in the GFC Knowledge Exchange Workshop held in Manila, Philippines. 

Soy Socheat, AP’s Director of Programs, attended this three-day workshop that provided him with the opportunity to network with similar grantee organizations from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. The GFC Knowledge Exchange Workshops focused on the theme of “Working Together for Sustainability.” The sessions were based on the premise that each organization possesses valuable knowledge and experience and that, by facilitating a cross-organizational information exchange, each grantee would be enriched.

Socheat particularly enjoyed attending the site visit to the Laura Vicuna Foundation and had the chance to see not only their community work, but also the ‘Child Protection Clinic on Wheels’. He gained new ideas from a presentation given by Amanda Hsiung, GFC’s Associate Program Officer (East and Southeast Asia), and Farah Anwar, Program Associate (South Asia), addressing the use of Evaluation and Monitoring techniques to improve program structure. He returned from the workshop inspired by the exchange of information and ideas and eager to implement them at Aziza's Place.

                                            ____________________

                                        Community Outreach Program

The Aziza's Place children participated in Cambodia’s nationwide education campaign, coordinated by NGO Education Partnership (NEP), for the second year running. The campaign aimed to encourage Cambodian families to enroll their children in public school.    

This year the residents energetically shared their positive message about the benefits of education with the community of Steung Meanchey. They worked as a group to engage the parents and children in the community and to communicate the importance of education and staying in school. They led educational activities, such as games teaching the Khmer alphabet and a storybook reading session.   

The program was such a success that the AP residents returned two weeks later for an afternoon where they led additional learning activities – such as reading groups, drawing and coloring, basic mathematics, origami, and games. This was an exciting moment for the AP residents to become leaders and mentors and to invest their time and knowledge back into their community. For more information about the Outreach Program and for additional photos, please visit our Facebook page.

.

     _________________________

 

Aziza’s Place would like to extend a warm welcome to Ruth Lemon, from Devon, UK, who will be volunteering for the next 3 months. She plans to obtain her teaching certificate in 2013 and is excited to gain experience and knowledge by working with the AP children. She assists our full-time English teacher, Barb, and is involved in teaching English to the AP staff as well as one-on-one English tutoring for the youngest AP residents. She has also scheduled extracurricular activity sessions in dance and piano, two areas of great interest to Ruth. We are delighted to have Ruth working with us and appreciate the energy and passion she brings to the classroom.

Aziza's Place News: June/July 2012

Sreyphea, enjoying the summer
break from Khmer public school
with kite flying activities in July.

Our Mission: Enable each child to reach maximum potential by providing residents with a safe environment, a range of creative educational, developmental and recreational programs, nurturing individuality, character and community while preparing each child for onward challenges and success, whether they involve university education, vocational training, or gainful employment.

Dear friends of Aziza's Place, 
  While the summer break from the Khmer public schools, starting mid-July, meant no school for the AP residents, their life at AP is nevertheless full of activity.  The eldest residents developed their own schedules as they headed out to their internships at various organisations and businesses around the city for their internship activities.  Some chose to work in paid positions while others opted to volunteer to gain skills in a field specifically suited to their interests.  We are impressed at the way they have each taken responsibility, and independently pursued and made their own decisions for their internship roles, with minimal input from the AP Staff.
  Our younger residents continue to pursue their supplementary studies at Aziza's Place, while also being afforded time for other new activities planned for the next two months, including; participation in a valuable week-long Reproductive Health Education Course with Karol & Setha for the younger teens (as described further below) and swimming classes, a new and exciting effort for the children to develop this vital skill.
  We also convened the first of our 'Family Days', a new initiative for Aziza's Place children and their families to assemble and share new activities in the framework of the greater AP community.  These gatherings have already proven to be a great success as a positive bonding time for AP residents, their parents and siblings, and AP staff.  We look forward to the next Family Day in November. 
  Last, but not least, we extend a sincere thanks to our generous family of supporters who enable all Aziza's Place activities to become reality.  This month, we send out a special Thank You to Global Fund for Children (GFC) for their decision to once again support Aziza's Place in 2012 and gratitude for their pledge to support in the coming years.  We also hosted Amanda Hsiung, GFC Associate Program Officer, in July - it is always wonderful to show our supporters the impact they have made on the lives of the Aziza's Place children.  An extra special note of gratitude is reserved for Craig Nethercott and Laura Mountcastle, two long-standing supporters of Aziza's Place who once again demonstrated their commitment with very generous donations, and former volunteer Leila Antakly who continues to corral support from her vast web of friends in support of Aziza's Place.  Thank you Craig, Laura and Leila!  Aziza's Place thrives as a result of the continued belief in our mission expressed through the financial support of our institutional and individual donors/partners.        


With much gratitude,
Aziza's Place

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'Family Days' Strengthen Sense of Community for AP Residents and their Families

AP residents, their families, and AP staff gather together

during their visit to the zoo.

  Family relationships are essential for Aziza’s Place residents and we recognize this in the development of our programs and activities.  This year we have expanded our Family activities by creating a new ‘Family Day’ initiative.  On various public holidays throughout the year, when families of AP residents have free time, we organize special events where AP residents and their families can spend time together. 
  Our first two Family Days have already demonstrated the value of such events as a natural and positive way of strengthening the wider Aziza's Place community through relaxing and fun times for both AP residents and their families.  Our first Family Day was a wonderful success where we all prepared spring rolls and soup together, before devouring the delicious meal!  The atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful as AP residents, their parents and siblings, and AP staff, all worked alongside each other in preparing and enjoying the food, and each other's company.   
  Our second Family Day was a trip to the nearby province of Takeo when we hired a bus to travel and meet with children from another NGO 'A Greater Hope Orphanage (AGHO)', spent time at their centre, and then visited a nearby zoo together.  It was the first time many of the children and their families had been to the zoo, resulting in a fun and learning experience for all. 
  We encourage Aziza's Place residents and their families to maintain strong connections with each other - some residents visit home in the weekends, other family members visit their child/sibling at Aziza's Place on a regular basis.  Family Day events provide an additional way for AP residents to share fun and new experiences with their families and reinforce that we work together as a community.  See the Aziza's Place facebook page for pictures!                
 

Eldest Residents Take on New Roles with Summer Internships

Cheng, Sreymach and Ny take a break during their

work at 'The Local' - a guesthouse and restuarant.

  With the commencement of the summer break from public school, the eldest residents researched new job opportunities and internships to gain work experience in both paid and unpaid positions.  Last year, our six eldest residents all successfully sought out and secured internship positions focused on their individual areas of interest, but primarily on an unpaid basis.  This year Ny and Cheng also joined the internship/work program, increasing the number of working residents to eight for the August - September summer break period.     
  Internship positions independently secured by AP’s eldest residents, employing job-search skills developed in previous internship experiences, match their interests and aspirations.  AP staff provided guidance as and when needed through preparation sessions and one-on-one meetings.  All eight residents updated their resume’s, contacted organizations or companies, followed up with interviews, managed their time and made decisions based on their time priorities.  Cheng, Ny, Rotha and Sreymach found paid work at a guesthouse and restaurant – ‘The Local’.  They each hold different responsibilities within the daily operations of the business.  They animatedly share their daily experiences with other AP residents and recall learning how to serve customers, take guesthouse bookings, order supplies, prepare food in the kitchen, and other daily tasks of the business, most importantly, using their ever-confident English skills. 
  Along with her work at the restaurant Sreymach has been involved in a local counseling centre, Magic 7s, particularly with general administrative tasks.  Counselor Yim Sotheary has a long-running relationship with Aziza's Place as the facilitator for staff training and staff capacity building workshops, and individual and group sessions with Aziza's Place residents.  She has been delighted to support Sreymach's interest in the counseling field. 
  Chanthy and Theara both successfully applied for advertised roles at a newly opened restaurant 'Oishi'.  Theara has been learning strong customer service skills as a front-of-house staff member, welcoming guests and receiving bookings.  Chanthy worked at the restaurant temporarily for one month.  He plans to take on a new role teaching art at a local NGO, starting in August, while also studying an art course to advance his skills in this area which is his true passion.
  Other residents are in the process of searching out their placements before the beginning of August.  Ven is interested in building on his experience from last year, teaching Computer studies and English.  Chiev has been working on directing his own film, while searching out a part-time role for the internship program.  It is exciting to see the eldest residents take hold of their confidence and build on ther previous experience in searching out work opportunities.  We all look forward to hearing about their newfound knowledge as they make decisions and take on new roles in their community. 

Residents Invited to Extend their Printing and Design Skills

The 2011 Calendar Team - Sreypov, Cheng, Sengkry,

Roth and Ny.  This summer Sreypov, Sengkry and

Roth enjoy 'work experience' at Grand Arts Printing

Shop in Phnom Penh.

  While the eldest residents search out internship opportunities, the younger residents at Aziza’s Place are excitedly looking forward to their summer break.  Khmer Primary School will finish the school year at the end of July, but in the meantime three of our high school residents have taken on a special opportunity of gaining their own part-time ‘work experience’. 
  In 2011, Sreypov, Roth and Sengkry were all involved in creating an Aziza’s Place Calendar.  They participated in photography workshops facilitated by a volunteer photographer, and then designed a final product using Photoshop software.  The calendar was a wonderful success and our local printer, Mr. Makara Singh, was impressed that the AP residents had created it themselves.  He responded by offering his own knowledge to support them, inviting them to spend time at his company where they can learn the process of printing production, interact with customers and work on the computer aspect of design.
  Sreypov, Roth and Sengkry are all excited to spend the next few weeks at Grand Arts Printing Shop on a part-time basis, extending their knowledge and starting their own version of ‘work experience’.  We are grateful to Mr. Singh and his team and Grand Arts Printing Shop for their encouragement of these AP residents.     

Five AP Teenagers Participate in Reproductive Health Education Classes

   This summer break, AP’s five younger teenagers (13-15year olds) will take part in a valuable workshop program run by Karol & Setha (acronym for ‘Knowledge And Reflection on Life & Sexuality Through a Holistic Approach’).  In 2010 our nine eldest residents enrolled in this workshop whose benefits were noticeable and very positive.  With the next group of residents reaching adolesence, we recognized it is their turn to participate.  Karol & Setha is an educational program run by Khmer trainers, taught with a holistic approach and targeted to specific age-groups.  The workshops introduce topics of positive relationships, sexuality, identity, peer pressure, decision-making, critical thinking, communication of one’s feelings and needs, and understanding the feelings and needs of others.  We have seen the courses as a valuable way for our teenagers to be comfortable in asking questions about sensitive topics, to consider how they interact with others, what it means to build positive relationships with their peers, to know they have a say in how others treat them, and addressing topics that are often not openly talked about in Cambodian culture but are important to learn.  

Thank You Global Fund for Children (GFC)

Amanda Hsiung from Global Fund for Children (GFC)

spending time with Chanthy and Navin at Aziza's Place.   

  This month we were delighted to host Amanda Hsiung, Associate Program Officer  from Global Fund for Children (GFC), based in Washington DC.  We extend a big thank you to GFC for their re-commitment of support to Aziza’s Place with their generous Enterprise grant of $10,000 for 2012.  We are also honored to be the recipients of the Rising Stars Award of $1,250, given to recognize the work of GFC’s board member Michael Daffey.  GFC’s grant has provided crucial support for the set-up of the eldest residents’ new housing, and will be attributed towards staff training, the salary of our permanent English teacher, life-skills courses, and internship costs for residents.  We are grateful for the opportunity to work together in partnership with GFC to strengthen our programs and support the organizational development of our team.

Special thanks to supporters in June and July 2012:

•  Craig Nethercott
•  Laura Mountcastle
•  Saud Alghunaim and family (Sharifa, Abeer, Tarfah, Hind and Nouf) 
•  Jenny Dutton    
•  Fatima Javed
•  Mohamed Semary

Many thanks also to previous volunteer Leila Antakly for her active and continued efforts  in connecting others to the the mission of Aziza's Place, inspiring them to become part of the AP community by supporting our activities and programs.  Her efforts resulted in funds sufficient for a much needed upgrade of the AP tuk tuk, as well as a new washing machine, blender, mincer and assorted computer software.        

How to Help Aziza's Place

Are you interested in supporting the children and programs of Aziza's Place? We invite you to become a part of our growing global community by donating, volunteering, or simply connecting us to your network of friends and family.  If you are a prospective volunteer, please take a look at our volunteer needs on idealist.org or simply contact us.

Easy ways to provide financial support:

  Please click the "Donate" button to make a donation via PayPal. For donations over $400, please click here for wire transfer information. U.S. donors can receive a tax credit receipt for your contribution. If you are a UK donor please click here. You may also elect the Gift Aid option so the tax-gross up is received by the charity.

Thank you for supporting the children and families of Aziza's Place.

Aziza's Place News: April/May 2012

Our Mission:  Enable each child to reach maximum potential by providing residents with a safe environment, a range of creative educational, developmental and recreational programs, nurturing individuality, character and community while preparing each child for onward challenges and success, whether they involve university education, vocational training, or gainful employment.  

Dear Friends of Aziza's Place,

  This edition of Aziza’s Courtyard is filled with exciting goings-on at Aziza’s Place over the last two months!  First and foremost is the glorious news of our House-mom Mom Phat’s wedding that took place on April 29th, filled with joy and celebration!  Also no less important, is the move of the nine eldest Aziza’s Place residents into new accommodation (five boys in a roomy flat down the street from AP and four girls into the adjacent former volunteer flat) providing them a degree of independence in a safe and controlled environment as well as tasking with taking on greater responsibility in looking after themselves.  This project represents a significant step for Aziza’s Place as well as our eldest residents in the preparation for their eventual departure from AP.  This important initiative also impacts all current residents by opening up room for new, younger children to enter Aziza’s Place.
  As a consequence of these changes, existing staff members have taken on new responsibilities and two new staff members, Mom Sarik and Chamroeun, have joined the Aziza’s Place team.  Mom Phat’s new responsibility will be as House Manager for the new boys’ residence where she will live with her new husband while also working full days at Aziza’s Place during the weekends.  Mom Sarik  will take on Mom Phat’s previous role as a House Mom at AP during weekdays while Chamreoun is welcomed as a weekend staff member who will provide extra supervision and support for the children’s weekend activities, enabling our full-time staff to have full weekend breaks.  Read more about Sarik and Chamroeun below.       
  Rounding out the full roster of activities this past month, AP’s younger children competed in the annual ISF Football Tournament, while all the residents eagerly participated in the creative art workshops led by visitor Barb Devine.  The children and staff were also delighted to see Co-founder Amjad Ghori and his friends Mark Arnold and Cindy Turcott this month who timed their visit to coincide with Mom Phat’s wedding.  They all jumped right in to the fun and activity at Aziza’s Place.  Read on for more detail!        

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Eldest Residents On the Move to New Housing Premises

Top:  Eldest AP Boys on the balcony of

their new residence, with House Manager

Mom Phat.
Bottom:  Eldest AP Girls relaxed in their

new housing next door to Aziza's Place.

  Significant and exciting changes for the eldest AP residents have been on the horizon for some time and early May saw these planned changes put into action.  Consistent with our Vision: Aziza’s Place children to develop into responsible adults with the life skills to become productive citizens of their community, economically self-sufficient and socially empowered, we undertook a major initiative to help prepare them to eventually live on their own, fully equipped with the necessary skills required to do so.  The primary objective is to offer an environment where our eldest residents can develop greater independence, more responsibility for their well-being, while remaining accountable to Aziza’s Place guidelines within the framework of their peer group.  
  The first group to move were our five eldest boys (all of whom are 16 and older) who took up residence in a separate house located on the same street as Aziza’s Place but two blocks down.  Mom Phat will take on the role of live-in House Manager, supervising the boys in their new residence.  The four eldest girls (all 15 and older) moved to the small apartment rented next door to Aziza’s Place that had served as the volunteer flat for the past four years.  The AP teenagers were all excited about the moves and set about to transform their respective living spaces with their personal stamp.  Cheng says "The new house is perfect!  It's bigger, it's quiet, and I'm excited about the new things like cooking, that we will learn to do ourselves."  Chiev said "We have already made our own schedules and plans for cleaning and working together."  Sreypov and Ny said about their new place "It's nice to have more freedom.  It's quiet without the younger girls, and much bigger than our old room!".
  We are excited to see our AP teenagers grow and mature into young adults.  New housing will give these residents (most of whom have been with AP for five years) the opportunity to act independently while still adhering to AP rules and oversight.    With the eldest residents moving to new housing, space is also opened up for new, younger children to enter Aziza’s Place.  This new transition will eventually impact all AP residents, current and future, in their preparation for departing Aziza's Place as confident, responsible and self-sufficient young adults.   

Welcome Sarik and Chamroeun to the Aziza's Place Team

Top:  New House Mom Sarik. 

Below: Weekend staff member

Chamroeun, and Ream.

  Alongside the current changes taking place with the eldest residents we welcome two new staff members to the Aziza's Place team.  Khut Sarik has started working as a live-in House Mom for the younger AP residents (previously Mom Phat's role).  Phin Chamroeun  has also started working as a weekend assistant on Saturdays and Sundays.  These changes have been put in place to adapt to the accommodation adjustments for the eldest residents and also to ensure AP’s full-time staff are given sufficient weekend breaks to be energized for the working week. 
  Sarik has already moved into Aziza’s Place and is quickly adapting to her new role of caring for the children, and helping with cleaning and cooking.  She comes to AP from the nearby province of Takeo, previously working at a local hospital where she would clean and prepare food.  Sarik herself has one son, aged 21years.  She has a calm and caring nature, and is quickly settling in to life at Aziza's Place.   
  We welcome Chamroeun to the AP team as a weekend assistant.  Our previous weekend assistant, SreyMom, is now working full time in her role at a beauty salon.  The weekend role has been extended to both Saturday’s and Sunday’s to enable our full time staff to have full weekend breaks.  The new schedule will be beneficial for both the children and staff, with fresh ideas and support from Chamroeun and Mom Phat who now supervise and coordinate the children's weekend activities.  Chamroeun has experience working with children as a High School Economics teacher.  He was quick to join into games of volleyball and basketball and getting to know the children on his first day at Aziza's Place!  
  We are delighted for the positive impact both Sarik and Chamroeun will bring to Aziza's Place as strong role models for the children and extra strength and support for the AP staff team.  

AP Football Stars Participate in Annual ISF Football Tournaments

Pre-match photo with the seven AP girls who

played in the 2012 ISF Girls Football Tournament.

  The Aziza’s Place children hit the football fields in force for the Pricewaterhouse Coopers/ISF U13 Boys Tournament and Barclays Capital/ISF U16 Girls Tournament in March this year.  Our parner NGO,  Indochina Starfish Foundation (ISF) organizes these two annual competitions as one component of their tremendous work all around Cambodia, giving hundreds of children from more than 30 NGO’s the opportunity to play sports.  Aziza’s Place is privileged to be part of the ISF football program, enabling our residents to practice football twice a week, to be taught by skilled football coaches, provided with uniforms and shoes, and transportation to the practice field.  The sports program is a valuable opportunity for the AP children to learn skills of teamwork, confidence, leadership and the benefits of physical fitness and healthy living.     
  This year three AP boys and seven AP girls competed with children from other NGO’s to form teams in the boys and girls tournaments.  The other AP residents all came along to support the players with their cheers and tactical advice during each match.  Sokty, Lina and Sreysros were all proud to have scored goals for their respective teams!  We were also delighted to meet ISF sponsors Terry and Jill Nolan who have supported Aziza’s Place and enabled us to participate in the ISF program for the last four years.  They brought extra support to the Girls Tournament with their attendance and cheers in all the girls matches!  Take a look at photos of both tournaments on the Aziza’s Place facebook page.

Ceremonies and Celebration for Momphat's Wedding!

Top: Mom Phat and her husband

Sophal.

Below: Everyone gathered together

to celebrate.

  In the last few weeks Aziza’s Place has had an air of anticipation as we all looked forward to attending Mom Phat’s wedding on April 29th in her home province of Takeo.  Phat has been a House-Mom at Aziza’s Place since we opened in 2007.  She is a central figure in the Aziza’s Place family and we were delighted to share in her day of celebration! 
  The weeks preceding the big event were full of excitement.  Thanks to a generous contribution from Craig Nethercott, the children all went on a major shopping spree at all the markets to find perfect outfits for the occasion.  AP’s Co-founder Amjad Ghori, and visitors Mark Arnold, Cindy Turcott and Barbara Devine also arrived in time to attend the wedding festitvities.    
  The day began with an early wake up in order to meet the 5AM departure time from Aziza’s Place.  Despite the early hour the girls looked beautiful and the boys very handsome.  The entire troupe travelled by bus to Takeo arriving, still a bit sleepy, to a brightly decorated wedding tent and greeted by Mom Phat and her groom, Ven Sophal, who both looked stunning in their brightly colored traditional wedding outfits. 
  The day was filled with traditional Khmer wedding ceremonies, including an exchange of rings, blessing from the bride and groom’s parents, and a hair-cutting ceremony representing the new start the couple were making with their union.  Interspersed amidst the many ceremonies were formal sittings for vast amounts of food, another feature of Khmer weddings!  After the second major feast of the day, the afternoon was time for everyone to rest up while the older girls made a trip to the local beauty salon to prepare their hair and make-up for the Main Event (the evening party), and the ever-energetic boys enjoyed a game of volleyball.
  By 4pm it was time to celebrate and eat, again!  Everyone put on their new outfits and looked stunning!  Plenty of photo’s were taken (see the AP facebook page) as we all made our way back to the wedding tent where we all ate, sang and danced well into the night before the final fruit-cutting ceremony ended the blissful evening and signalled it was time to leave.  The entire day was filled with joy, and love, energy and excitement as we all congratulated the happy couple and felt privileged to share in Mom Phat and her husband Sophal’s special day!

Barb Devine Leads Creative Art Workshops for AP Residents

Sengkry welcoming Barb to Aziza's Place.

  This month we are delighted to welcome Barbara Devine from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.  Barb heard about AP through her friend and AP’s co-founder, Amjad Ghori.  With her experience in teaching Art and working in Graphic Design, Barb has already found many ways to help out at AP during her three week stay including workshops with the children, and supporting Art teacher Moeurn Chorn in developing ideas and techniques to jazz up the AP Art program.  Barb’s workshops have offered unique and fun ways of expression for the children with the first two workshops focused on lino print-making.  They were big hits as all the residents enjoyed and attended. 
  With her warm and friendly nature Barb has quickly become friends with the AP residents and staff.  She has especially connected with some of the older AP residents, encouraging them in each of their creative interests. We thank Barb for sharing her time and offering creative inspiration for all of us at Aziza’s Place! 

Thank You

Special thanks to Nancy Baker, and Stella Hetelkidis and her husband Mark Johnston, for supporting the first year's operations of the Boys/Girls AP Youth Houses in 2012.  
 
Thank you for your generous contributions in March-April 2012:
 
Craig Nethercott  •  Jan Testarmata  •  Scott Stafford  •  Laura Landry  •  Emmanuel Cantel and Family   

How To Help Aziza's Place

Are you interested in supporting the children and programs of Aziza's Place? We invite you to become a part of our growing global community by donating, volunteering, or simply connecting us to your network of friends and family. 

Our Part-time Volunteer position has opened up for the remainder of 2012.  Take a look at our volunteer needs on idealist.org or simply contact us.

Easy ways to provide financial support:

  Please click the "Donate" button to make a donation via PayPal. For donations over $400, please click here for wire transfer information. U.S. donors can receive a tax credit receipt for your contribution. If you are a UK donor please click here. You may also elect the Gift Aid option so the tax-gross up is received by the charity.

Thank you for supporting the children and families of Aziza's Place.