This trip was to visit CCAM, a place of refuge for many children who have fallen on hard times. All are youngsters from difficult backgrounds – orphans, street kids, children sold into slavery, kids who were members of gangs, poor children whose families could not feed and educate them, abused children, abandoned kids from broken homes, teenagers on their way into prostitution, etc.
Gioia Michelotti and Noren Vann Kim who run the facility met whilst working with Cambodian refugees in the States. Now based in Phnom Penh they teach and train using traditional Khmer music, dance, drama, visual art and storytelling.
As the organisation has grown, renting property has become more and more of a problem with sky high rents and flooding causing major upheaval. In July 1999, they were able to purchase their first tract of land in Kompong Chhnang for the purpose of growing their own food and for building multiple buildings to house the many facets of CCAMS. Since then, other tracts have been purchased, completing a three-acre site. An EMI team of architects and engineers partnered with CCAMS in June 2003 to draw up plans to build a CCAMS extension centre on that property. In July 2007, the construction of the perimeter wall around the property was completed. Now they await funds to build the buildings inside.
They also await funds to purchase their own headquarters property in Phnom Penh and to eventually establish additional Art Centers in every province.
The dream is to have room to take in more children, even babies. There will also be room for widows to help care for the children, work in the gardens, and create arts and crafts to generate income for the ministry.
In addition, we will have room for handicapped musicians and other types of artists to live on the premises. There will also be accommodations for married staff with families and short or long-term volunteers.
