Christmas Day

The Salesians, the child leaders, and the children of Don Bosco Poipet wish you all a very Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

On this day, we said farewell to our 20 year old German volunteer, Karin, who stayed with us for around six months watching over the girls of the center literally 24/7. It's amazing to see the commitment of young people nowadays. Youth serving youth, as they say. Young people guided into good causes could always be harbingers of peace and development; but misguided they could cause great havoc too.

Advent

Advent is the start of a new Church year for Christians.
Every new year signifies another chance to start anew. Hence it's good to start working on a clean slate. Take a look at this clean white artboard. Go ahead click on it.

ARTBOARD

And as you move your mouse on it, clicking and dragging, you can fill it with colors and figures your heart and mind could ever desire or imagine. Until you produce your very own artwork. Life is art they say. Such is life... it's in your mouse... ooops sorry, it's in your hands.
Advent is like clean artboard where you start to fill it little by little, step by step with colors and decors until at the end up with the most colorful artwork - Christmas.

9th Socio-Cultural Research Congress

I've just returned from this annual Socio-cultural Congress (14-16th November) held at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. This year, there were around 70 researches chosen for this conference. Those who presented came from 10 different countries. The theme was: "Equity, Sustainability, and Development- shaping the future of Cambodia." The researches had to relate to any of the three tracks: (a) cultural history and social change, (b) society, economy, and environment, (c) theorizing future development. I got to present my research for track A as I tried to investigate on: "Classroom Questioning Behaviors in Cambodian Vocational Training Institutions." Funny thing was... I lost my voice at the day of my presentation. Luckily, my powerpoint and summary script were written in English and the translator simply presented it in Khmer. Everybody was happy since we saved 20 minutes of redundancy having more time for the Q & A portion.

Down the street where I live

Meet Don Bosco Poipet's streetkids: Here are some of the children I live with
(got the pics from a volunteer - I'm not great in taking pictures)

Aren't they cute? (don't be deceived by those innocent looks)

With them there is not a minute you're not in a lookout.

Once you stay with them... you'll never be able to leave them.

They'll literally cling on to you so you can't go.

Benchwork

Don Bosco Poipet's new intake of Voc-tech students comes from the grade 6 entry level (Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville have grade 9 as entry level). They are being introduced to the world of benchwork. This starts with long hours of filing. I could still remember our batch when we did the same many years ago in college. Boy! how we hated this gruelling and humbling exercise. Time dragged on as we yearned to be transferred to the less laborious yet more prestigious lathes and the shapers. Until one day, we had a field trip to Toyota Motors. There we learned that the "filers" received higher salary than the "machinists" and the best ones were even taken to Toyota Japan. That experienced changed the wold of "filing" for us.
Filing smoothens out the workpiece's rough edges. It seems a lot of benchwork still needs to be done in my spiritual life. Otherwise this piece won't fit in nicely in Your "great master plan."

A Microsoft Conference

Sometime ago there was this Microsoft conference in Boston. I'm not really a big die hard of this but since I do have my Microsoft certs, I always enjoyed updating myself in the things that they offer.
One of the conference paper and presentation was:

“Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em: Getting Good People to Stay” by Beverly Kaye and Janis L. Keeley

According to Beverly: “Every leader's contribution to their organization's mission and strategic goals is highly correlated to his or her ability to retain, engage, and develop talented, highly skilled, knowledgeable people. Today's leaders are expected to build a work environment in which their key employees thrive, constantly learn and give their discretionary effort to their organization. Talent-minded managers know that if their organization is to be productive and competitive, they must not only 'hang on" to good people, but also continually develop them in order to meet constantly changing business needs. The big question for most leaders is how to do this in a "no-time-to-do-it" environment.”

Wow, that for me is the epitome of "shepherding." Reminds me of Your management style found in John chapters 15-17. Incidentally, last week I submitted my abstract to the Royal University of Phnom Penh for the upcoming Socio-Cultural Research Conference. Let's see if it gets chosen. It's a research on: "why students nowadays don't ask relevant questions in class?" OK, I know, I ask too many questions from you... maybe I have too many doubts and too many curiousities. Hey, I'm not complaining, so far you are giving me answers in prayer.

My Final Exams hopefully

I had to bus back to Phnom Penh on the 21st. I met my proctor (our UPOU registrar) at my schoolmate's pad. Her husband was not at home, so we three had the place all to ourselves. We had our exams in the evening of the 22nd. Alma, my schoolmate, had to do one in Social Marketing. I had to hurdle my last UPOU exams in Socio-cultural foundations of Education. Later we three spent the night chilling out by the riverside sharing life stories.

Au Revoir Sihanoukville

I asked my rector what time he plans to leave. He set departure time after lunch. I waited for him to pack. Finally at 4PM (hey, its still after lunch)we managed to pull out of Sihanoukville. We arrived at Phnom Penh for supper, freshened up, and had a good night's sleep. Onward to Poipet for the morrow!

EAO Salesian Brother's Convention

From the 21-25 August, Don Bosco Cambodia (Phnom Penh) hosted the East Asia- Oceania Region's Salesian Brother's Seminar (click on the link for more technical information). On the 22nd, although some of our students had to present some dances, I chose to remain in Sihanoukville, until a telephone call from one of them beckoned me to take the bus to Phnom Penh. That evening I met my good old friends, many whom I haven't seen in years especially those whom I've worked with in Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Philippines. I got the chance to meet other brothers too from Australia, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, China, Samoa, Indonesia, Timor, and Mongolia. Some 15 of them did in turn visit us in Sihanoukville on the 26th.

So, what is a Salesian Brother? He's a "lay person" and yet "a consecrated religious." Don Bosco envisioned them to be in places or works where priests cannot or would not thread. Being a lay person he is able to be involved in the world, and yet being consecrated he is commited to poverty, chastity, and obedience, and of course community life.

Sentenced Home

The other day I chanced upon a Korean television program (“Heart to Heart”) an interview with film maker David Grabias. His latest film (with Nicole Newnham) entitled: “Sentenced Home” touches the plight of around 1400 American-Khmers being forced to return to Cambodia. This documentary follows the heart-breaking story of three Cambodians from their birth in that homeland that starved, tortured, and murdered their families (Pol Pot times) to their being raised from childhood as Americans in the USA. And ironically this same country that raised them to adulthood is now pushing them back to an unwilling return to a distant homeland they never really knew. And the reason is because of law infractions in their youth whose sentences they have already served.

I really do hope I could find this film in the market. I'm excited to watch it. I’m sure this film will become a firestarter for more discussions about being exiled and about going home. The real controversial point is the question: “Where is home for you?”

I’ve read a line before which says: “Home is where your heart is.”

Next month, I move again to Poipet – the fifth time I move to another home in my six years here in Cambodia. It’s a no big deal for me now. When I was back in the Philippines I got three assignments in three years during my practical training days right after college. Later after theology, I got assigned to six houses in a span of ten years. So if You ask me did I feel at home in all those places – a resounding Yes and no regrets! But how come they keep moving me on? Ah… after all, You did promise a home in your Father’s house for us pilgrims down here. That’s where our heart is, I suppose. Not in the house, but with You as home.

People you meet in the morning

Yesterday on my way back to Sihanoukville from Phnom Penh, I missed the 7:15 bus. Since I still had half an hour of waiting time for the next one, I decided to take my breakfast in one of those open air stalls just beside the station.

Just then a shoe shine boy accosted me but seeing that I was wearing rubber slippers, he quickly excused himself. I thought that if I were wearing leather shoes or sandals I could have parted with some of my money for this boy who was honestly trying to earn a living. But there was no need for that since another man next to me employed his services and he started on his early morning work just beside where I was eating my bowl of noodles.

Then an elderly man on crutches approached me and begged for some money. I didn’t seem to care because I said to myself that although he was physically handicapped, he could still earn a living doing something other than begging. Fortunately for him, the couple sitting on the next table offered him some loose change.

Now I was really feeling uneasy with myself.
I remembered one of those sayings: “If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.”

Suddenly, a monk appeared in front of me barefooted and dressed in his worn-out saffron robe, carrying an umbrella in one hand and a begging bowl on the other. Without thinking twice, I took out a few riels to put in his begging bowl.
That night I slept soundly.

Had I lost this opportunity for almsgiving, I’m afraid I might have ended up praying to You: “Lord let your face shine on me…” and You would have answered: “Three times I approached you and you did not recognize me. For whatever you do to the least of these, you do unto Me.”

Move, moved, moving (again)

I’m moving to another community again. I’ve been given my new obedience (assignment) - Poipet by September. Funny, I haven’t finished unpacking and now I’ll have to pack them up again. People keep asking me how I feel about moving...

Well, I think that moving can always have a significant meaning to any person. To the fearful it could be threatening because things might get worse. To the hopeful it could be encouraging because things might get to be better there. To the confident it could be inspiring because of the challenges one could meet.
But I’m not telling what it is for me -to keep you guessing.

Foxes have holes and birds have nest, but You have no [permanent] place to lay your head. Why should I be any different if I long to follow You?

Can you spot the difference?

Last Christmas I took this photo of three Dominican Sisters together with some Filipinas. The picture was taken after the Mass in the makeshift church since renovations started in the main church. Today, after six months of adaptation here in Sihanoukville, I once again took their photo with the same Filipinas (with some additionals) this time in front of the newly-renovated church right after we finished the Mass. Can you spot the difference?

The religious habit is actually the symbol for poverty. During the middle ages (when most of the mendicant orders started) the habit being the same for all in a particular monastery or convent saw to it that no one was richer or poorer than the other brothers or sisters. Ironically, to have a religious habit made today costs more than the average man's clothes. Anyway, habit or no habit, Don Bosco once said: "It is not the habit that makes one a religious but virtue."

The World Cup & Development of the Poor

Since many of us are engrossed and excited with the ongoing Football World Cup '06 in Germany, might as well use the event as a reflection springboard.
There's this nice picture and tantalizing question in the Dropping Knowledge website. (your question.org)










"Can sports play a role in the development of poor nations?"
I believe it can. Many years back I found myself coaching and playing football with the poor kids in the slums of Tondo, Manila. This made me seriously ponder about their future: "are they just going to play football all the time; what's in this for them?"
Being good in the game, many of them got scholarships to pursue their studies in many universities who needed good footballers. Later on I saw others make a living by becoming professional football referees, while others became coaches and trainers. Football has certainly given them a good alternative to break the circle of poverty.
Football is but a drop in the bucket. I've seen others rise from poverty through other sports in my own backyard... I've seen it in other Don Bosco settings in many other countries, and I believe it's going to happen too here in Cambodia.

When I was a novice in this congregation, we used to tease jokingly (no offense intended) about other congregations too... like how it was a "sin" if the Franciscans and Augustinians missed their prayers, how it was a "sin" if the Dominicans missed their study period, and how it was a "sin" for us Salesians if we missed our daily scheduled games/sports. Now I begin to realize why Don Bosco emphasized on this for us.

"x-culturation"

There are a number of terms which ends in "-culturation" that I've been learning in my DL module from the University of the Philippines (Open University). The course is on the "Socio-cultural foundations of Education." It might be worth sharing.

Enculturation refers to the transmission of cultural traditions from one generation to the next. It is the process in which an individual from the time of his birth is taught the social norms, behavior and customs of the group where he belongs. For example in the western culture, when one faints or gets sick, only the doctor (expert) goes with the patient and everybody distances away to "give room." Here in Cambodia, when you faint, everybody tries to grab a part of your body (nose, ears, hands, feet, head) and massages it in order to keep you "alive" (conscious). This knowledge and behaviour seems to have been engrained in everyone since childhood. This must be probably due to the "compassionate" character of the culture where one should not be left alone especially in difficult times.

Acculturation is the transmission of cultural traditions from anybody who "knows" to anyone who does not know. This occurs when an individual or group which is aware of the existence of another culture adopts the said culture. A very good example is how the Khmers have adopted "French bread" in their diet and in their cuisine. They have also incorporated the chinese "Guay-thiow" or noodles in everyday life. Fashion trends from clothes to hairstyle are changing due to "global" influence. All that is acculturation.

(There'll be more -culturation terms like inculturation, intraculturation, interculturation, etc. but that will not be our focus.)

Thus one's culture (present tense) is a product of both enculturation and acculturation. Culture therefore evolves and is a dynamic reality.

These two concepts not only form my "national" culture but also my "religious" culture.
They also apply to the growth of my spiritual relationship with You. There are things I've learned about You from my parents, my teachers, my elders when I was young - "enculturation."
There are things I continue to learn about You from my own experiences
and from the examples and witness of people I've met, I've worked with and I've worked for, and from discussing these things with you in 'prayer'- "acculturation."
Hence my relationship with You is a product of the past and the now - it is dynamic just like you.... Hey, didn't they say that You are the God of the living and not the dead?

Pedagogical Upgrade

Twenty-five instructors/teachers from our school received their certificates from His Excellency Sabaong Sarat (governor of Sihanoukville). Mr. Keo Lay from the Ministry of Education Youth & Sports confirmed their worthiness after the teachers underwent a month-long training seminar given by the same Ministry (MOEYS). The two-hours a day hectic grind upgraded their knowledge on pedagogical skills and at the same time increased their awareness on the teacher's code of ethics.

There is a Cambodian saying which goes: "Jeh min chneah jong" (skill cannot defeat will). I believe that if we are experts in teaching only skills, then we will produce a generation of experts without a conscience - productive hands without a compassionate heart. True success is when our knowledge and skills are tempered by our right attitudes and values.

Going the Full Circle

I needed to go to Bangkok for a medical check-up. This time instead of taking the plane (costs more than $100 RT), I decided to take the full circle journey: "To Bangkok and Back."
Monday, 29 March - took the bus from Sihanoukville to Phnom Penh ($3)
Tuesday, 30 March - took the bus from Phnom Penh to Poipet border ($7)
Wednesday, 31 March - crossed the border and off to Bangkok ($7)
I went for my check-up at the Hospital- Thursday, 1st of June. I then contacted a van that goes to Khlong Yaay (Thailand)- Koh Kong (Cambodia) which left the house at 3AM Friday ($15). I arrived early morning at 8am at the port of Koh Kong to take the boat ($15) to Sihanoukville. At around 1PM the boat docks at the Sihanoukville port.
Home Sweet Home on 2nd of June. A coming full circle journey!

They say that: all things in life travel a full circle. My origin is where I shall return. My source will be my destination. This is what I believe in. This is what I hope for. My journey today reminded me of that (and so does the scientist's yo-yo in my profile).

Parlor Game Certification

On 24th May we celebrated the Feast of Mary Help of Christians... the religious service like the Mass and the Procession was optional (religious tolerance and sensistivity reasons)... problem is they all like to participate. Perhaps a Marian festivity always generates much interest not because of religion but rather it personifies and celebrates motherhood - something which we all dearly adhere to regardless of social status, nationality/race/color, or creed.

Afterwards we had some games to cap off the day. Every student has to complete six parlor games to be able to get their prize. In short they have to show that they're "parlor-game certified."

The answer's not "wrong" only "incorrect"

Cultural sensitivity is something we should really, really strive for (that means anywhere we are). I'm so used to correcting my students in terms of: "Oh that's good, that's bad. This one is correct and the other is wrong. And that one is really intelligent and the other seems stupid."
Little did I realize that they were using a different set of English vocabulary from mine, like... "this answer is not so good, the other is incorrect, and that last one is not clever at all."
I thought we were speaking the same language until I realized that we were using different words to express the same thing.... so I reflected on this and found out the reason.

Laurence Mills wrote something like this: "Buddhists try to avoid the use of 'good' or 'bad' and prefer to talk instead of the categories of 'wholesome'and 'unwholesome' in terms of actions and their consequences."

From hindsight I think this is because in the buddhist philosophy (very much like the Christian one) only actions which are willfull, conscious, and deliberate leads to 'karma' - meaning potentially productive of a future result. Hence could be termed as good or evil.
But the innocent mistake of my student for example, is unintentional and thus bears no future result in the future. Even though I am the teacher I think my students have taught me the importance of kindness through choice of words through this little episode.

When I was younger a teacher of mine once quoted to me a line: "Little acts of kindness, little words of love, help to make earth happy like the heaven above." Mercy and compassion do make sense. It's definitely a way of getting up there to You!

Something funny happened on my way out of school

Today I picked up from our school my much-awaited and long-overdue MBA diploma and transcript. It took longer than usual because they have added documentary requirements like High School diploma/document (Form 137 in the Philippines). Problem is… the high school I went to is now buried in lahar together with all the documents. The irony was that I couldn’t prove that I studied and finished my high school studies in a school of which I later became its HS principal.

As I was driving our van out through a narrow exit passage, there was this coed student who was trying to fit in her motorcycle to park in a small space along the turn. As a result I hit its back side and damaged the park lights. Here in Cambodia with a little incident like this, everybody becomes curious. Before you could spell “hello” a big crowd has gathered around the poor motorcycle and the girl. The girl was probably more shocked of the crowd rather than of the incident.

I parked my car a few meters from the “accident” and approached the girl for the “negotiation process.” Along with the curious onlookers we surveyed the damage to the park lights. I asked the girl how much I could offer to settle in order for her to buy a new set. The shy girl was more confused than ever because it was probably her first time to be put on a “limelight.” In the end, I gave her $5 so that she could replace the park lights. And a smile lit everyone’s faces. Luckily, I was among I was among cool headed and kind persons. But if are a foreigner amongst a rowdy group, you’ll have to shell out $20 on a situation like this. So that’s how I got to "flee the crime scene."

I remember now that You have two friends Micah (6:8) and Ezekiel (18:23) and they once wrote on what to do in a situation like this: “to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk (drive) humbly!" Hope I learned my lesson.

A Ship's Last Voyage

Many things could happen to a ship in its last voyage: for the luxury steamship Titanic it was tragedy; for Blackbeard the pirate’s Queen Anne’s Revenge it was notoriety; for the slave schooner Amistad it was freedom; for Cook’s exploratory ship Bark Endeavor and Columbus’ Santa Maria it was glory. What future awaits Coco Explorer II?

Last week, on the 16th of April, I celebrated Easter Sunday mass with the crew of Coco Explorer II. This was to be their final voyage. Feelings of thanksgiving for the past voyages mixed with anxious expectation over what awaits are painted over their faces as we joined together in the liturgy of Christ’s resurrection. After this last voyage, the crew members will be headed back home to see the faces they’ve long missed. And although the crew may never see each other again, they are full of hope to meet others in another voyage, in another ship.

They have taught me the meaning of Easter. Although Your earthly voyage of dying and rising has given us victory over evil, I must with a continued faith and hope sail towards the high seas over life’s daily battles knowing that in the end that last voyage will ultimately lead to You. And your parting words to me: "Fear not, I have conquered the world!" will see me through.

Khmer New Year celebrations

The Khmer New year technically lasts for three days (although celebrating this festival usually lasts for a week - we closed school on the 11th and we'll resume on the 19th).

The first day of New Year is called as Moha Sangkran, and it when the New Angels (Thevada) come to take charge of the world for a one-year period. This year Moha Sangkran of the New Year will begin on April 13th. People have to clean and decorate their houses and prepare fruits and drinks to welcome the New Angels at their homes. The elederly often meditate and pray so that any angel who comes to their houses at that time will stay with them and take care of their family for the whole year. In the morning at the first day of New Year, most Khmer people prepare food to offer the monks at Khmer temple to get their blessings. It is also a time for boys and girls to play traditional games together at the temple or any field or playground in their village because it is only at the New Year period that boys and girls are allowed to play or to get together traditionally. Also it is an opportune time for single people to search for the special partner to get married in the future. We must remember that in the past 30 years, "dating" did not exist in Cambodia.

The second day of New Year is called Wanabot, which means day of offering gifts to the parents, grandparents and elders. Usually, Cambodians like to share gifts or presents to employees and also donate money or clothes to poor people. In the evening, people go to temple to build a mountain of sand and ask the monks to give them a blessing of happiness and peace.

The third day is called Leung Sakk - this means the new year starts to be counted from this day, for example as the international year 2005 begins to be 2006 after December 31, the Buddhist year of 2549 becomes 2550 after this day. To complete the New Year festival, Khmer people need to perform the last ceremony, called "Pithi Srang Preah", which means giving a special bath or a special shower to Buddha statues, the monks, elders, parents, grand parents to apologize for any mistake done to them and to show gratitude to them also (Our students and teachers performed our version of this in school before they left for the holidays).
Every one has a wonderful time during this ceremony because it is an occasion for every one to enjoy themselves by sprinking or throwing water at each other. Happiness is everyone's wish for each other during these days as people treat each other extra-kindly. Let our wishes be that the joy & kindness-filled spirit of the New Year extends throughout the entire year.

For more information and pictures on Khmer New Year, click on this link: http://www.mot.gov.kh/event_festival/khmer_new_year.htm

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday marks the opening of the much revered Holy Week for Christians. Of interest is the fact that this year's Good Friday will coincide with Khmer New Year (same as Thai New Year). And so for pastoral reasons, fasting will be on Wednesday instead of Friday, so as to join the entire nation in its most important celebration which lasts for a week.

Today as I watched the people (me included) raise and wave their palm branches in a symbolic gesture of welcoming Jesus triumphantly to Jerusalem with joyful shouts of "Hosanna."
Ironically, a few minutes later as the gospel was dramatized by the youth, I found myself one of those shouting this time "Crucify him."

How inconsistent are my thoughts and how confused are my ways. That is why I'm always in need of conversion. Conversion - a metanoia, an internal turnabout, a change of heart; yet for me, simply put it's a "coming to my senses" and "remembering what I am here for?" and basking once again in the experience of Your love.

Spreading Good Books

I am living now in a culture where the teacher is held in high respect and as in the olden days, the one with unrefutable knowledge and the answer to all questions, and where many times his ways are unquestioned. Something like: "No student can be greater than the teacher."

But surprisingly one student of mine asked me: "How can I be better and more clever than you are?" I said: "Simple, read more books than I do. (Lol, problem is I'm a speed reader!)"

Here at times, the teacher is one who has read one book more than the student... Funny, they can't seem to understand why foreigners go to the beach just to stay under the sun and read a good book. Reading books have to find a way into the hearts of Cambodians in order to better themselves.

St. John Bosco has this to say about a good book (Spreading Good Books, 1885):
"It can find its way into homes where a teacher/preacher is not welcome.
The dubious will take it as a gift or remembrance. Read, it calmly teaches truth. Scorned, it is not discouraged.
Set aside, it does not complain, but patiently awaits the time when conscience may rekindle the desire to know the truth.
It may be left to collect dust on a table or on a library shelf, and given no attention for a long time. But then comes the hour of solitude, of sadness, of sorrow, of boredom, of need for relaxation, of anxiety about the future- and this faithful friend shakes off its dust, opens its pages, and as was the case with many great men, it may bring about the most extraordinary of paradigm shifts. "

Don Bosco in "Reasmey Kampuchea"

Way back in the 2nd of February, 2006 the local khmer newspaper published this article about us here at Don Bosco Sihanoukville (original in Khmer):

More than 40 out of 400 students of the DonBosco Technical School a Non Government Organization located in Ou Pram Sihanoukville are facing the danger of being sent out of school and thereby preventing them to continue their skills program. This happened after the Representative of the organization and the Principal of the school did research and found out that more than 40 students were children of people who could afford and have the possibility to study at the University level in evening courses.

The plan to send away pupils who have done nothing wrong and having more than 40 students go out of the Don Bosco school without allowing them to continue their skills program was immediately announced. And it was just recently that the said organization has come up with the decision of not accepting students that can afford to study in the University. They cannot allow these students to enter Don Bosco School because it would take away this good opportunity from the poorer boys.

Aware of (related to) this decision of the Don Bosco school, those numerous students who had their names in the “send away” list informed the newspaper “Reasmey Kampuchea” crying that they have never failed to follow any order or rules given by the school and they had always followed school regulations to their best effort.

Also each one of them had fought hard to endure the painstaking misery and the difficulties of staying in the school - some for almost a year now, others for almost two years. That of being already near the end of their skills program and the immediate school decision makes this situation a horrible and profoundly sad one for them.

The same group of students continued saying that the Representative of the Don Bosco Organization and the Principal of the School accused the students that they are studying in the University in the evening courses and during the day they come to take the courses at Don Bosco. And so for this they must be sent away according to that decision of the school that has just been newly announced.

The students admit that their parents are not so poor. But they cannot afford to pay money for bachelor and master courses at the university. They take short and affordable (cheap) computer courses only.

If their parents had much money they would not even volunteer to endure the painstaking misery they are enduring these days in Don Bosco School. Perhaps they all would go to study in Phnom Penh or abroad without the need to come to seat down shedding tears as they are doing.

Therefore the President of the Don Bosco Organization and the Principal of the School, please, should consider these and be tolerant to allow them to finish their two year course for this year!

After hearing the situation (phenomenon) mentioned above, many parents and tutors of the Don Bosco students had this reaction, “They say: Don Bosco School shouldn’t view the students as poor or as rich at all. If the students were rich and they willingly observed all and every internal rule and regulation of the school all throughout this time- one year for some, almost two for the others, the Don Bosco School should give encouragement to these students because they now understand well how to live in society. They have changed their thought from bad, from mischievous, from only roaming around, vagabond and playboy, and have now become good young people. All this should make the Organization and the School proud to be able to change men like that.

As for sending away students and not allowing them to continue just in the middle of the year like this was not a good point. It has made all these young boys and girls broken-heart. It could cause them to go back to their old ways and be more brutal, more cruel, or worse than before.

The parents and tutors of all these more than 40 students of the Don Bosco School that have to face the situation of being sent away appealed to the Sihanoukville authority of the government of Cambodia, to please intervene and coordinate with the Don Bosco Organization for this situation (phenomenon). In order that their sons complete the skills program successfully and to ask the Don Bosco Organization to cancel this decision because that looks discriminating.

For now the “Reasmey Kampuchea” newspaper didn’t yet have any contact with the Don Bosco Organization in order to clarify the problem.

On the 7th of February, 2006, they sent representatives to contact us about the issue. Until now they have not written an article to correct their statements.
1. We never chased out anybody for an unjust reason; students (rich or poor) asked to leave are only disciplinary cases (and after having been given public warnings and having talked with their parents/guardians).
2. We have only around 200 students. DB PNH has around 400.
3. Students in Don Bosco are non-paying students - there is no tuition fee (why should the rich or those who can afford avail the slots intended for those less fortunate khmers? Is our fundamental option wrong?) Let's hope the more fortunate Cambodians help their fellowmen who are less fortunate not only in words but in deeds and instead of getting their place in such pro-poor institutions.
4. Watch out for my next post for the aftermath of the this policy issue.

From dust you came to dust you shall return

Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Christian Lenten Period of 40 days marked with prayer and fasting. Here in Cambodia this rite is done in the First Sunday of Lent so that more people could participate and be aware of its significance.

Interestingly, this period of purification of oneself is also present in the Islam religion. They have the Ramadan in the ninth month of the Muslim year. Even here in Cambodia they have the Buddhist lent which lasts for three lunar months during the rainy season (July-September) where monks are required to remain inside their wat (convent-like abode) and when many lay persons adopt more ascetical practices like entering the monkhood.

"O wash me O Lord from my guilt. Purify me and I shall be whiter than snow." Such is our prayer to You during this period.... but our fasting and prayer would be useless without our change of heart. This is the essence of this season.

Exam jitters?

It's examination time once again. Here in Cambodia they have a funny saying:
An exams without a cheatsheet is like a city without electricity.
ការប្រលងអត់មានព្រីយ៉ុង​ដូចទីក្រុងអត់មានអគ្គីសនី​​
If we analyze this closely it could be because there never is any attention paid to high or low grades attained by a student. You're no 1? so what? you don't get a scholarship or medal like in other countries... you're just like the rest. You're 2nd to the last? it's ok, you still pass, just like the rest. If then there is no need to compete, then the saying above would be most useful.
So do they have exams jitters? Problem is that here in Don Bosco even if they go only for a certificate course, the teachers really guard them tightly to make sure they can't use their cheatsheets. At least it's an attempt to break the cycle of academic indifference.

In the real world, exams results count. And at the end of one's life, one asks himself, did I really do well in this world? It's also a pass or fail thing, isn't it?

Bishop Yves Ramousse turns 77

Today is the birthday of our retired Bishop Yves Ramousse. He was born in 1928 in Sambadel, France. He joined the Parish Foreign Missions Society and finished his studies at the Gregorian University in Rome and at the Catholic University in Paris. He was ordained priest on April 4, 1953, and consecrated bishop and given care of Phnom Penh in Cambodia as Apostolic vicar on February 24, 1963.

He was forced to leave Cambodia on April 30, 1975 because of the Khmer Rouge takeover. Bishop Chhmar Salas (first Cambodian bishop) succeeded him to the post but the Khmer Bishop unfortunately fell sick and died during this regime. And so on February 6, 1983, the Holy See put him in charge of all the Khmer Catholics living in different countries and of the whole Cambodia. He was re-appointed as Apostolic Vicar in 1992 upon his re-entry to the kingdom. He retired on April 14, 2001.

Now he enjoys his retirement with us - the lovely parishioners of Sihanoukville.

SITC Vietnam closed

Here's news from Vietnam(09-02-2006).
"At least 30,000 students and 1,000 teachers remain puzzled by the closure of the English-language schools operated by Singapore International Teaching Consultancy (SITC) nationwide. If the centre is unable to re-open classes, SITC will have to offer compensation for its students, teachers and workers according to Viet Nam’s laws, and the investors will face sanctions under the country’s regulations. " Now what kind of conscience could the man behind it have? He better have some explanations up his sleeve. Singapore won't like this.

Problem is SITC has also its Phnom Penh and Siem Riep branches. Will they close too? The Cambodian Daily reported that the Cambodian brances will remain open. My only interest with this issue is that I took my MBA courses from them (under Preston University). Well ok it's not so much the money or the time for me since I had good professors and I enjoyed my study with my Khmer classmates (plus two Chinese, and one Japanese). It was a privilege to have studied with them, I can tell you that. They've really been so professional. But this thing about the school's uncertainty is altogether different. Hmm, let's see... my classmates might be on a rampage right now... better make some calls and check them out!

Sportsfest of Colors at Don Bosco SHV

Here's a montage of some pictures from the Annual Sportsfest.

Run, jump, shout, but do not sin.

Run, jump, shout, play, laugh, sing… but do not sin (do no harm to anyone).
These famous words of St. John Bosco continue to remain valid in these times of ours.
In all my life and all the places I’ve been, I’ve never seen a Don Bosco School without any playground. Don Bosco always believed in training the mind and spirit by training the body. Mens sana in corpore sano!

So here in DB SHV we prepare for his feastday (31st) with a month-long series of competitive games (during lunch breaks) for both boys and girls.

Year of the Dog 2006

I was born in the year of the Dog, so I guess this description typifies and describes the "doggie" in me.
"Among the animal zodiac, Dog individuals are the most humanitarian. To the Chinese, Dogs represent justice and equality. These are the givers in life, prepared to sacrifice their own dreams, ambitions and desires for the sake of others, particularly for those they love. Fiercely loyal to those they love, Dogs are ever ready to jump to the defense of any member of their family or friends who is being attacked by either word or deed. They have a penchant for championing the underdog. Born with an innate sense of decency and a need for equilibrium in a chaotic world, Dogs strongly denounce injustice and wrongdoing, generously giving useful and effective advice to those around them. Their warmth, empathy and genuine interest in others win them many close friendships. Dogs inspire confidence in others, and the confidence is justified. They will always do their utmost for others, and their dedication can go to the point of sacrifice."

Reminds me of: "No greater love than this that one lays down his life for a friend."

Teardrops

A few days back I made some of my students and teachers cry. I’m not proud of it. In fact I feel bad about it. I had to execute a school policy. It was my duty. Unfortunately its compliance would result to painful separation for some. At first I wondered why it affected the others so much; too late did I remember these words:

… the rule of conduct in (Khmer) society will be “do not behave differently from the others" (khos pi ke), do not push yourself forward, do not take the initiative, for fear of finding yourself alone, of disgracing yourself in front of others, being derided for possible failure, judged. (Ponchaud, 1977)

And then with all my good intentions of wanting them to see reason behind such policy, I might have been too forceful in expressing my point. Again I should have known better and pondered these:

… (In Cambodia) the intents and attitudes of an individual should not be cause for exaggerated displays of anger or frustration. It is more respectful to indicate indirectly one’s position or feelings through physical demeanor or tone of voice, so that the recipient can intuitively judge the meaning intended and avoid unpleasant open confrontation.. (Seanglim Bit, 1991)

This becomes a real dilemma for me as an educator here: if I just follow what I have perceived to be right and in accordance with the more universally accepted rules of education, I would hurt their feelings. On the other hand, if I go down to their level and follow their ways, I feel I that I am bringing down the level of education in Cambodia 100 years behind the rest of the world. For now I can do nothing but simply ask for Your Guiding Light.

Korean Deacon

Last Sunday in Phnom Penh, I attended the Ordination for Diaconate of a Korean Missionary named Daniel. Although it's a fact that this year Koreans outnumber the Japanese in terms of tourism here in Cambodia, I never expected to see so many Korean priests and nuns (Carmelites) joining in this beautiful solemn ceremony.

The rite of ordination was done all in Khmer. No one spoke a word in Korean. The Korean superiors (it's their first time in Cambodia) spoke their lines in Khmer. Daniel answered and delivered his lines in Khmer including his thank you speech. Even the Korean priest who had to make a speech did it in Khmer. And we understood all they said. Now that's what you call inculturation!

The ceremonial advice of the bishop to a new deacon never ceases to enthrall me:
"Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach"
Whatever our state of life is, these words will always apply.

A Daughter's Gratitude

I am not fond of going out to parties and attending celebrations (very unlike of me when I was younger). But yesterday I attended a “Pithi Bon Katanyu” ពីធីបុណ្យកតញ្ញូ upon the invitation of Boneth, a former student of mine. It’s a celebration of gratitude organized by the children for their parents. When I arrived some time in the afternoon I saw some Buddhist monks from Veal Renh gathered in prayer to bless the couple. Afterwards all were invited to partake of the food at table. Incidentally Buddhist monks have a rule that they can eat only before noon so they were whisked back to their monastery (wat). Lucky for me - my monk-type affiliation allows me to fast only on Good Fridays. And I got to enjoy the chicken curry dish and pork stew.

Boneth’s father had a stroke a couple of years back. He used to drive their passenger van to and fro the Sihanoukville-Phnom Penh route as their means of livelihood. Now he sits half paralyzed on his wheel chair and unable to talk properly. But you can see from his gleaming eyes, vibrant hand gestures, and happy moanings that he is thankful for the gift of life and his beautiful family. Boneth now works to support her father and mother to show her gratitude to them. Her job at RHAC brings her to remote villages all over Kampong Saom province traveling alone in her motorcycle to distribute materials and instruct village people on family planning. She’s already had one fatal accident along these rough and dangerous Cambodian roads. But even this “brush with death” could not dampen her spirit nor cause her to lose focus on her life’s goals.

Now You know why I could not refuse her invitation. She is a witness to life.
Remember those guys Andrew, Peter, James, John, Philip and Nathanael? With a simple invitation You said: "come and see," ... and were they able to refuse?