A small way to link Jesuit Service People
Number 4 - EASTER 2008
A VERY HAPPY EASTER! MAY GOD BLESS US ALL!
POIPET: The young people preparing for Baptism had a beautiful prayer, reflection day at the Sisters home in Poipet fr. Greg gave the final talk and they closed with Taize prayers
PALM SUNDAY: in Batambang saw hundreds marching with their palms! Fr Totet called on everyone to do something special in Holy Week
BANTEAY PRIEB OUTREACH:
Yuth, Klieng Vann, Joaqui and Denise, visited Banteay Prieb graduates on 6 March 08. The first stop was the ICRC Rehabilitation Centre in Kompong Speu, where Met Keo Thon is making artificial legs and two other graduates are working in maintenance and security. We met Phum Monorom, studentfrom the agriculture course who is rearing pigs. Then we visited last year's graduate, Khum Chunko, who is repairing TVs and other machines in Kompong Som.
As he left to go with us, to use his income generating loan to buy more equipment, he closed his workshop by placing plastic on his outdoor table, and used a brick for his key. I am sure there is more "rejoicing in Heaven" over this small way of living in dignity than over the top 90 billionaires who have a huge share of the world's wealth!
We visited the "village for the handicapped" ie land allocated 8 years ago for those who were willing to try to make a living in this isolated spot. We met 8 graduates, all surviving well enough. One is the village leader.
OPENING OF A SCHOOL IN BENG KTUM.
On March 14, Fr Dan Ross SJ and Webber from Taiwan joined the Sisophon team, Denise and Anne for the opening of a new school building in Beng Ktum. To reach the area we drove the denuded forest, along tracks past a village called Goven Drei [with no fish I could see!]. 73 children in two classes are very happy to move from the dirt floor and old shack, to a 3 classroom wooden building. Thanks to the generosity of Fr Dan Ross's social work students, graduates and friends. Thanks too, for the great efforts of Sok Eng, Setyo, Greg, Watt, Veng, and Sam Sok for making sure this school came into being, Srey Sver, who has disabled arms, was head of the Carpenters and responsible for the construction. He will take responsibility for the maintenance of the building. Nong Chenda, a man who lost both his legs to a landmine, and has been accompanied for years by Veng, our wheelchair outreach worker, was the driver of the truck which transported our construction materials. A neighborhood organization provided most of the furniture.
Before beginning the school, the area was carefully checked for landmines. Pen Savin and Uch Sampou are the proud teachers in the new school.
WOMEN'S DAY - BANTEAY MEANCHEY 8 MARCH 08
The Metta Karuna Team, Banteay Meanchey interviewed Nat Siv Lay, the Principal of the Junior High School, Swaysisophon, on Radio TV 3 - 103.5 kHz. They also interviewed Pun Lay Seng, from Samaki O Chrou, a widow and mother of ? children, one of whom was killed by a landmine. Nat Siv Lay insists on good quality of education in her school and has the support of the parents. "A good leader needs to be trustworthy, to update her knowledge, implement plans and be transparent about the money provided by the government for improving the school. They also should be responsible for what you do. Perhaps she and Sok Eng will start a movement for "Women for Good Education in our Schools!"
Pun Lay Seng sells groceries in one of the villages, where we have a school and spreads happiness. She says, "our worth comes from inside ourselves! We have to be patient with men, to forgive them but challenge them and sometimes with patience, they improve. Do not let them touch you in a way that belittles you. Both are courageous women who have succeeded through the struggles.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - HOW IT BEGAN!
By the end of the 19th Century, modern techniques were growing in the world, especially in the US and other countries with growing industries. Millions of women and children had to come and work these industries, mainly in factories, working 12-16 hours a day, for very small wages. The owners of the factories thought very little of the toll this hard work was taking on the health of these women and children. Because of this situation, on the 8th March 1899, all women textile workers and shoe factory workers in Chicago and New York, had a meeting and fought for an improvement in working hours and an increase in salary. This was NOT achieved. Instead, the factory owners created more difficulties. They tied and beat women, and removed them from their employment. The ousted workers continued to be in solidarity with their colleagues. This solidarity created so much pressure, that it strengthened the Women's Movement throughout the world, particularly in Germany, where industry was growing.
Three women in particularwho caused this movement to be internationally recognized. In 1917, an international gathering with 17 women met in Copenhagen and declared March 8 as International Women's day - a day of solidarity among women around the world. Women's rights and democracy, just working hours and salary for both men and women were its cause, along with particular care for women's and children's health.
Thank you all for joining us in celebrating International Women's Day.
BANTEAY PRIEB helped plan advocacy material to BAN CLUSTER BOMBS - heading to DUBLIN 19 0 30 MAY 2008.
COMINGS AND GOINGS:
Heri is back from Indonesia and feeling very lively and "laughy." Gabriel will go to Singapore on March 28 to see Thouen.
Bongbong will go to a meeting in the Philippines on March 25. He will also attend his graduation ceremony. Congratulations Bongbong.
Kike and Javi will accompany 28 dancers and musicians to Australia for a grand tour from March 25 -April 11. Safe traveling to you all.
