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 

                                             

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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!                                       

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                                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.

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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.

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                                        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.

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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.