From Work-stress to Seamstress
An emotional graduation ceremony at Hôtel de la Paix Sewing School for 19 disadvantaged Khmer women
Online, November 22, 2010 (Newswire.com) - "Now I look forward to each day - my future is bright" said a beaming graduate as she accepted her award for top graduating student at the Hôtel de la Paix Sewing School in Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia.
Ten months ago 19 young Khmer women between the ages of 16 and 25 embarked upon a vocational training program that has changed their lives. No longer will they spend 16 grueling hours a day on a cramped brick manufacturing site in stifling heat to earn US$1 a day. Thanks to the generosity of Hôtel de la Paix's guests and its 'Connecting' program, to date 131 women have graduated and living a new life.
Based at Wat Damnak and overseen by a network of local monks from the Life and Hope Association (LHA), the Hôtel de la Paix Sewing School provides these vulnerable young women sewing skills, daily English lessons, basic life skills, as well as training on running micro businesses.
Upon graduation from the program each student received a sewing machine and table, bicycle with carry bag and a starter kit so they may return to their village and start their own business - thereby being able to build a bright future and support themselves and their families
Guests of Hôtel de la Paix are invited to support the revival of Cambodian culture and people through customised community based activities and sponsorships. Personalised tour of the Sewing Centre is included in the Community Package or available upon request. Visit www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com or Hôtel de la Paix, Cambodia FaceBook fan page for further information.