The University of Cambodia Student Senate, supported by The University of Cambodia, raised funds to support orphaned children living at People Poor Organization Child Deprived Help, which is located in Kandal Province. On February 14th, 2016, an event was held under the theme, “Loving Community,” in an effort to raise awareness within Khmer youth, especially students, about Valentine’s Day. The idea is that Valentine’s Day is not about love between romantic couples, but about the love that is shared with those in need and the community at large.
The University of Cambodia Student Senate started collecting donations from UC students, professors, faculty, and staff three days prior to the event. All the funds raised during that period were spent on study materials and food for the orphans. On the morning of February 14th, The University of Cambodia Student Senate, along with students who volunteered to be a part of this event, set off to the target location as planned.
When the participants arrived at the orphan-age, they were warmly greeted by the orphanage children and staff, most notably, Mr. Vat Vet, the center’s manager. The event was opened with an introduction of The University of Cambodia and its mission and vision laid out by H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Founder, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and President of The University of Cambodia, which is to more ac-tively give back to the community. After the brief in-troduction of The University of Cambodia, Mr. Vat Vet shared the background of his organization, and explained how the organization struggles day by day.
After the opening remarks, the participants bonded with the orphanage children through various activities including lessons about hygiene, face paint-ing games, balloon stepping games, as well as singing and dancing. Finally, participants handed out gifts to the children at the orphanage and held a quick photo session together.
The participants and children parted with hearts full of joy and lots of meaningful memories. The participants learned about the true meaning of love, which is not always about the love between cou-ples. Additionally, the children have learned that they need to have hope about their situation, and that they must strive so that they too can become role models for our community.
