A new cultural centre in Poipet

(This news is reported on the day that UNESCO releases its report, Illiteracy, a challenge for life.  The Salesians in Cambodia are doing their bit to respond to the high level of illiteracy in the country; 36% of adults nationwide are functionally illiterate; the level around Poipet is higher, perhaps as high as 50%)

POIPET: November 9, 2005 --- In a place known to both Cambodia and Thailand as the place for casinos, trafficking children, trade of any kind, - and poverty, Poipet, in the Banteay Meanchey Provinceseems an odd sort of place for a “cultural centre”.  Even odder if such a centre is dedicated to orphans, children rescued from trafficking and illiterate youth.
    It is easy to find beautiful stage sets  in the luxury casinos in contrast with the general poverty of Poipet; beautiful stage sets all prepared for Thai karaoke with bright lights for  rich customers.Therefore, a cultural centre with a beautiful stage and a clean library in the heart of Poipet can not be otherwise than unique and something rather wonderful, dedicated as it is to the persons who suffer more poverty and abuse in Cambodia than anybody: the children.

    November 7 was a memorable date for Don Bosco Childrens Home. It was the date when Mr. Kees de Vries officially opened the Centre. He is the main benefactor from Holland who made possible the construction and opening of the Cultural Centre.  The program of the opening, with the presence of local authorities, the Salesians, the educational community and the children, took place in the morning. Some speeches – not too long because the children like fun more than words – and a cultural program with traditional Khmer dance, songs, music and the Don Bosco Poipet Circus with great performances in the best style of young John Bosco.  It was all a way for the children in Poipet involved in the Don Bosco programs, to say they were really happy with all those good gifts coming from good hearts and God’s providence.  Mr. Kinn May, the librarian, said to the AustraLasia reporter: “This is the best for our kids… This is a place for them and we thank Mr. De Vries and Don Bosco so much. Now we have to fill the place with books and programs. We have few books now, but they will come because our children really like to read and they must read good things for their hearts.”  
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