Cambodia Project Update: Hands-on Learning in Kampong Speu & Kratie

Written by: Yuka Takahashi, WFWP Cambodia

This spring, I had the opportunity to visit two rural provinces in Cambodia as part of our ongoing Cambodia Project — Kampong Speu in March and Kratie in April 2025. Thanks to the continued generosity of WFWP New Jersey and its donors, we were able to welcome 10 new children into the program this season, expanding our support and educational outreach.

Both Kampong Speu and Kratie are deeply rural areas, where many children have limited access to creative learning tools or activities. Even using simple materials like scissors and glue is unfamiliar for many students. That’s why hands-on art and storytelling programs make such a meaningful difference.

Arts & Crafts in Kampong Speu

With Cambodian New Year approaching, I led an arts and crafts session where the children made holiday cards featuring snake and flower motifs. The highlight of the activity wasn’t just cutting out shapes — it was learning how to fold paper to create symmetrical designs.

At first, many of the children struggled. But after practicing a few times, they began to see their own improvement. You could see the pride and joy on their faces as they realized what they could accomplish — sometimes for the first time in this kind of creative environment.

Creative Writing in Kratie

In Kratie, we focused on developing the children’s communication and imagination through a creative writing workshop. We began with a basic skill: describing what they saw in a picture. This exercise helps children become more confident in expressing themselves — a foundational tool for both school and everyday life.

From there, we moved on to a more advanced activity: imaginative storytelling. Each child was asked to add elements to the original picture using their own ideas, then write a short story. Some children created poetic, original narratives, while others struggled. But all of them engaged, tried, and grew — and that’s what truly matters.

To wrap up, the children worked in groups to create a story using a very simple picture. They were challenged to collaborate, listen, and build something imaginative together. These activities help build not just literacy, but also confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

These visits remind me how powerful small moments can be — a folded piece of paper or a sentence on a page can spark something big. I’m deeply grateful to all who support this project. Your commitment continues to open doors for learning, expression, and joy in the lives of children who need it most.