HI and welcome to information of the Fund Raising raffle I am currently running.
This Raffle has only a maximum of 100 tickets and for a $5 donation you will receive a ticket in this Raffle (While Tickets last of course)
First Prize is : $100 Meal Voucher at LONE STAR Cafe & Bar
Second Prize is : Womans Beauty Pack.
Third Prize is: : $50 Meal Voucher at LONE STAR Cafe & Bar
This Raffle will be Drawn at 7pm on Friday 2nd July 2010.
All winners will be notified and prizes will be personally delivered to yhe winners by my self Fiona Newsome.
This raffle is being held to help me get back to Cambodia to Wat Opots Childrens Community to help get the jewellery project off to a new level and start setting up for the new project called Heart and Hope Correspondence, which is a project designed to not only inspire the Children at Wat opot to read and write Cambodian and maybe also read and write english....but will provided for the children a trust worthy friend in the world who can send them kind supportive and loving words and wishes that hopefully the children can have in their life. I am aiming to get back to Wat Opots Childrens Community in August of this year...who knows maybe a little sooner??
If you need to contact me please email me feebs@clear.net.nz
........................................................or phone/txt NZ 021 727 323
Good Luck!!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sorry for Delay in Information
Hi everyone I am sorry for the delay in updating this blogsite I am still on dial up and my photo sizes sometimes just don't seem to want to load at all ...All a bit frustrating but I will get on top of it all very soon!.....but alos I have but also very busy fund rasing again for my trip back to Wat opot Childrens community for this year............so stay Tuned
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Together We Learn - A Workshop of their own
So I decided we needed to set up a work properly some where so we could get into trying some more ideas with the bamboo bracelet concept.
It was also important that I started to have some more formal classes that the children who were interested would be able to attend to learn some of the fundamental jewellery making techniques.During this learning and discovery process, many children came and went in between their schooling and other duties. After a few days a first sample came about. At first sight we were happy with the idea, but a discussion was set forth at diner time with Wayne and myself and we came to the conclusion that the bamboo pieces might look nice and more personalized with some small pictures painted onto them. Wayne even suggested the children could paint some with the words Wat Opot on them to personalize the bracelet.
We first had on
e half of the sewing room to set up a work shop and so myself, Marijke, the cleaner Serain and two volunteers Jean (NZ) and Jo (Aus) that were there the first week we arrived at Wat Opot, helped us clean up the first work space that we had to use.
We were only able to use our half of the sewing room in the afternoons due to the local communities Governors wife spent the mornings at Wat Opots Sewing room teaching local community girls how to sew to a level that would see them pass the sewing test for the garment factories.
But it soon became apparent to me that with the time frame I was working with and the fact that nearly two weeks had come and gone, it was important that we had a space for a workshop to be set up on a more permanent.
After having a discussion with Wayne about a better space to work and teach the children in the skills of jewellery making...he decided that we could use the room that was the meeting room that Partners in Compassion and the Home Care organisation use on occasion. So I moved the tools, beads and other supplies and set up a new work space in the meeting room.
It was a great space at we could leave everything out at the end of each day and the room was lockable with a pad lock w
hich was piece of mind of nothing going missing and also it was better for me as in the sewing room I was having to keep things in the Volunteers sleeping quaters and taking all the jewelery making stuff over to the room every day and bring it back to the sleeping quarters every night. The days feel warm enough and it takes more energy to teach in warmer temperatures let alone ferrying every thing back and forth each day.
Poor ole Marijke was left trying to work out and get going the sewing machines in the afternoons and after about a week she spoke to me how she felt lonely being over there in the afternoons while we were all in the new workshop space. I suggested that she bring one of the sewing machines over to the new work space but she felt that she may not beable to do so as it may upset the morning sewing teacher.....So me being me and not one to muck around thinking about things (action woman) decided that we would get some of the boys to carry it over in the afternoons to the new work space and get it taken back in the evenings.
This made Marijke very happy to be in the same space as myself and the children learning Jewellery making. In fact it became a great dual space for Marijke and myself and the skills we were able to teach the children.... not only was I able teach jewellery making fundamentals to the children and women, but Marijke was able to get a handle of the use of the tredal sewing machine and also instigated and getting occupied the younger and less interested children with painting on Paper and fabric. Later Marijke turned this into a opportunity to impove some of the young girls hand sewing skills.
This created a fun and active atmosphere in the new workshop space.
It was also important that I started to have some more formal classes that the children who were interested would be able to attend to learn some of the fundamental jewellery making techniques.During this learning and discovery process, many children came and went in between their schooling and other duties. After a few days a first sample came about. At first sight we were happy with the idea, but a discussion was set forth at diner time with Wayne and myself and we came to the conclusion that the bamboo pieces might look nice and more personalized with some small pictures painted onto them. Wayne even suggested the children could paint some with the words Wat Opot on them to personalize the bracelet.
We first had on
e half of the sewing room to set up a work shop and so myself, Marijke, the cleaner Serain and two volunteers Jean (NZ) and Jo (Aus) that were there the first week we arrived at Wat Opot, helped us clean up the first work space that we had to use.
We were only able to use our half of the sewing room in the afternoons due to the local communities Governors wife spent the mornings at Wat Opots Sewing room teaching local community girls how to sew to a level that would see them pass the sewing test for the garment factories.
But it soon became apparent to me that with the time frame I was working with and the fact that nearly two weeks had come and gone, it was important that we had a space for a workshop to be set up on a more permanent.
After having a discussion with Wayne about a better space to work and teach the children in the skills of jewellery making...he decided that we could use the room that was the meeting room that Partners in Compassion and the Home Care organisation use on occasion. So I moved the tools, beads and other supplies and set up a new work space in the meeting room.
It was a great space at we could leave everything out at the end of each day and the room was lockable with a pad lock w
hich was piece of mind of nothing going missing and also it was better for me as in the sewing room I was having to keep things in the Volunteers sleeping quaters and taking all the jewelery making stuff over to the room every day and bring it back to the sleeping quarters every night. The days feel warm enough and it takes more energy to teach in warmer temperatures let alone ferrying every thing back and forth each day.
Poor ole Marijke was left trying to work out and get going the sewing machines in the afternoons and after about a week she spoke to me how she felt lonely being over there in the afternoons while we were all in the new workshop space. I suggested that she bring one of the sewing machines over to the new work space but she felt that she may not beable to do so as it may upset the morning sewing teacher.....So me being me and not one to muck around thinking about things (action woman) decided that we would get some of the boys to carry it over in the afternoons to the new work space and get it taken back in the evenings.
This made Marijke very happy to be in the same space as myself and the children learning Jewellery making. In fact it became a great dual space for Marijke and myself and the skills we were able to teach the children.... not only was I able teach jewellery making fundamentals to the children and women, but Marijke was able to get a handle of the use of the tredal sewing machine and also instigated and getting occupied the younger and less interested children with painting on Paper and fabric. Later Marijke turned this into a opportunity to impove some of the young girls hand sewing skills.
This created a fun and active atmosphere in the new workshop space.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Together We Learn - A product of their own.
By the end of the first week, an idea for a jewellery product for Wat Opot to develop had come to light. So without much delay we got some of the children who were showing keen interest to start working on producing a sample. I thought wood would be a great material for what they were to create but was quickly advised that it would perhaps be too costly and time consuming to obtain... but there was lots of bamboo that could be worked with. So when in Rome as the saying goes... I quickly adapted to the idea of working with bamboo. The hand drills that were donated, as well as the drill bits, all came into action. Showing the boys who were there to learn was an interesting time for
me... at one stage I stopped to laugh at the thought I was having: How did I become a woodwork teacher?... I ended up with a few drill cuts on my fingers and thumbs from holding the cut bamboo pieces that the boys were learning to drill on. So after about my third to forth cut I decided that it was time for the children to help each other and hold the bamboo pieces while they learned drilling.
me... at one stage I stopped to laugh at the thought I was having: How did I become a woodwork teacher?... I ended up with a few drill cuts on my fingers and thumbs from holding the cut bamboo pieces that the boys were learning to drill on. So after about my third to forth cut I decided that it was time for the children to help each other and hold the bamboo pieces while they learned drilling.
Together We Learn - Sorting the Beads
It has now been four weeks since I returned from my volunteering trip to Wat Opot, Cambodia. I went with the intention of sharing/teaching my skills and knowlege of making costume jewellery. I wanted to help Wat Opot become self-supporting by using these newly-learnt skills to make products with their own hands to sell to tourists and vistors to Wat Opot Childrens Communtiy.
I have taken my time to let all that I experienced sink in and integrate deep into my soul. After all the wonderful experiences with everyone with whom I worked and spent time in Cambodia, coming back to my reality in New Zealand I have experienced a feeling of unsettlement.
I made sure that I was conscious of going only with intent and as few expectations as possible... little did I expect or imagine that I would be so deeply touched and broadened by the privilege of being able to spend time and offer my skills to the children at Wat Opot.
Here is what went on...
The first week there it was great just to get our bearings and to get to know the children and adults of Wat Opot Childrens Community.
I thought it a good idea to just break open the 21 kilos of donated beads and set them out on sheets for the children to just have fun with and sort through. First, I thought we could get them to sort them into size and then I thought maybe lets just go for sorting by colour.
I wanted
all the children to have an opportunity to connect to and have fun with the beads - as I did not imagine that all of them would be able, or interested, in learning the techniques of jewllery making.
With help from the lovely Marijke Lups, we took out a few bags of beads specifically for the smaller children (ones that were easy for the littlies to play with and sort). Marijke being an ex-primary school teacher was a blessing for her guidance with the under-6 year olds.
Once that was under way I began unveiling the rest of the beads. We used the sleeping platforms in the girls sleeping dorm. Once the beads were out it was such a frenzy of excitement... if al
l the children were not there at the start, the energy of the activity seemed to be sending out vibes and before we knew it, it was all hands in to help with the bead sorting.
It was hot work for Marijke and myself - not only getting used to the Cambodian heat, but also trying to keep a reign on the excitement and frenzy from getting out of control. It was an amazing feeling being there with these children and sharing their excitement in fossicking through the masses of beads.
I would say I was feeling humbled by this experience as I remember thinking who am I to be the one to be here having this experience?
The next day I planned to begin a loose arrangement of teaching some light and fun jewellery-making skills with all those who wanted to participate. Fortunately we were able to use the room where Home Care sector were running a morning sewing class (for local community girls to help
them pass the test for the garment factory work opportunities).
Marijke and I got permission from Wayne (the orphange co-founder and overseer) to clean the sewing area up a bit (with the help of two visiting volunteers, Jean from Nelson in New Zealand and Jo from Australia). Then we set up a table to work on. Marijke looked over the treddle sewing machines with dismay as they were not in such great condition and we could not even find bobbins to test them out! Apparently, they lock up the bobbins to prevent them from going missing. This seems to be the normal way to treat tools and anything of value... a sad fact of life in an impoverished society.
The first things the children made were beads hanging which were to decorate the work room and help to inspire all who saw them. These were simple small sections of beads knotted into place on a long strand of wax braid thread. Eventually they were hung up in the window frames of the new Art and Craft shop. Once each child had made a bead hanging, they went on to learn how to make a beaded macrame bracelet.
This went on for two days with various children appearing throughout the afternoon to learn... and occasionally just to sneak some beads into their pockets. However, their efforts to discreetly escape were thwarted by my seeming to have not only a sixth sense, but also eyes in the back of my head.
A Story: When two boys tried to leave with beads in their pocket - without making anything and without asking for the beads (as all normal children in the world have the ability to try...) they were stopped and when they tried half-heartedly to deny what they were doing, I stood with my hand out in front of them until they emptied their pockets and handed back the acquired beads. I explained in a stern tone that what they were actually doing was stealing... and that they were not to do that but instead come and ask me for what they wanted, and perhaps they would be allowed to have the beads.
One boy who I had not seen taking beads, made his way in front of the boys I was speaking to and looking directly up into my eyes handed me the beads from his pocket and immediately lowered his eyes again. I sensed his honest remorse and before he could leave I reached out for him, and said in the best way I could, that what he had done was indeed wrong, but the fact that he had the courage to freely own up to having taken beads when he could of got away with it and to look me directly in the eye when giving them to me had earned him my respect.
I have learned over the years that humans do things that are not always deemed to be right of nature or of heart...but I have also learned that is takes great courage to come forward and admit when one has wronged another and be prepared to accept the consequences of ones actions. For such people I have the greatest respect and forgiveness.
I have taken my time to let all that I experienced sink in and integrate deep into my soul. After all the wonderful experiences with everyone with whom I worked and spent time in Cambodia, coming back to my reality in New Zealand I have experienced a feeling of unsettlement.
I made sure that I was conscious of going only with intent and as few expectations as possible... little did I expect or imagine that I would be so deeply touched and broadened by the privilege of being able to spend time and offer my skills to the children at Wat Opot.
Here is what went on...
The first week there it was great just to get our bearings and to get to know the children and adults of Wat Opot Childrens Community.
I thought it a good idea to just break open the 21 kilos of donated beads and set them out on sheets for the children to just have fun with and sort through. First, I thought we could get them to sort them into size and then I thought maybe lets just go for sorting by colour.
I wanted
all the children to have an opportunity to connect to and have fun with the beads - as I did not imagine that all of them would be able, or interested, in learning the techniques of jewllery making.With help from the lovely Marijke Lups, we took out a few bags of beads specifically for the smaller children (ones that were easy for the littlies to play with and sort). Marijke being an ex-primary school teacher was a blessing for her guidance with the under-6 year olds.
Once that was under way I began unveiling the rest of the beads. We used the sleeping platforms in the girls sleeping dorm. Once the beads were out it was such a frenzy of excitement... if al
l the children were not there at the start, the energy of the activity seemed to be sending out vibes and before we knew it, it was all hands in to help with the bead sorting.It was hot work for Marijke and myself - not only getting used to the Cambodian heat, but also trying to keep a reign on the excitement and frenzy from getting out of control. It was an amazing feeling being there with these children and sharing their excitement in fossicking through the masses of beads.
I would say I was feeling humbled by this experience as I remember thinking who am I to be the one to be here having this experience?The next day I planned to begin a loose arrangement of teaching some light and fun jewellery-making skills with all those who wanted to participate. Fortunately we were able to use the room where Home Care sector were running a morning sewing class (for local community girls to help
them pass the test for the garment factory work opportunities).Marijke and I got permission from Wayne (the orphange co-founder and overseer) to clean the sewing area up a bit (with the help of two visiting volunteers, Jean from Nelson in New Zealand and Jo from Australia). Then we set up a table to work on. Marijke looked over the treddle sewing machines with dismay as they were not in such great condition and we could not even find bobbins to test them out! Apparently, they lock up the bobbins to prevent them from going missing. This seems to be the normal way to treat tools and anything of value... a sad fact of life in an impoverished society.
The first things the children made were beads hanging which were to decorate the work room and help to inspire all who saw them. These were simple small sections of beads knotted into place on a long strand of wax braid thread. Eventually they were hung up in the window frames of the new Art and Craft shop. Once each child had made a bead hanging, they went on to learn how to make a beaded macrame bracelet.
This went on for two days with various children appearing throughout the afternoon to learn... and occasionally just to sneak some beads into their pockets. However, their efforts to discreetly escape were thwarted by my seeming to have not only a sixth sense, but also eyes in the back of my head.
A Story: When two boys tried to leave with beads in their pocket - without making anything and without asking for the beads (as all normal children in the world have the ability to try...) they were stopped and when they tried half-heartedly to deny what they were doing, I stood with my hand out in front of them until they emptied their pockets and handed back the acquired beads. I explained in a stern tone that what they were actually doing was stealing... and that they were not to do that but instead come and ask me for what they wanted, and perhaps they would be allowed to have the beads.
One boy who I had not seen taking beads, made his way in front of the boys I was speaking to and looking directly up into my eyes handed me the beads from his pocket and immediately lowered his eyes again. I sensed his honest remorse and before he could leave I reached out for him, and said in the best way I could, that what he had done was indeed wrong, but the fact that he had the courage to freely own up to having taken beads when he could of got away with it and to look me directly in the eye when giving them to me had earned him my respect.
I have learned over the years that humans do things that are not always deemed to be right of nature or of heart...but I have also learned that is takes great courage to come forward and admit when one has wronged another and be prepared to accept the consequences of ones actions. For such people I have the greatest respect and forgiveness.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Insightful Moment
It was a great experience and trial for the children of Wat Opot to have an order placed for the product they would be producing over the next few weeks. The Universe brings/supplies the opportunities with the right timing for the right and truest of intentions... Wayne is perhaps feeling a little nervous as he faces the reality of the next stage and his intentions for the Wat Opot children to be producing products for sale in order to become more self-sufficient.
First there was a surprise visit to Wat Opot by Susan, the owner of Butterflies Garden Restaurant Cafe, and her $280 order. Then Wat Opot found out that there will be a Buddhism Tour group or 20 people from Singapore coming on the 8th of August and they would like to stay for the night at the Wat Opot Childrens Community. This will provide another opportunity and test of the children's jewellery-making.
Marijke and I have decided to have four days away in Phnom Penh and Sihanoukeville to show samples of the children's jewellery to NGO organisations who support products made by under-privileged groups. We are planning on some R&R at the beach in Sihanoukeville. Our absence from the Wat Opot project will allow them to start working towards fulfilling and completing their very first order and a chance for them to build on gaining experience of working and relating together as a team. Also they will have to take responsibility for keeping the materials and tools safe and tidy etc. We will return early Friday morning to see how they went. I am sure that no matter what the outcome, it will be a wonderful positive learning experience for each of them.
The team of girls and boys that have come together to learn were excited to see their creations that would perhaps be chosen by their first official buyer... but more abut that in another post!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
We Are Here and Doing it.......
Sorry to take so long to put something on the site but we have limited use for adding information from the Orphanage.
We have been busy teaching our craft skill and have been challanged by what we think we Could do and what we can actually Can Do..... but staying present in the Now has been the key...these children are so openly creative and have responded to the new learning of skill faster than we could have imagined and I feel we are not fast enough for them.....
After three weeks of intense teaching and hanging out with all the kids....we had our first real order of product today from a tourist shop owner from Siem Reap.
They ordered $280 US worth of product....the kids will be busy.But it was a great experience and trial for them in them over the next few weeks to complete the order. We also have two tour groups coming to see how well and happy the HIV kids are living with the Non HIV kids.....a very positive childrens community.
So we have taken 3 days away from the orphanage to let them make products on their own.
So stay tuned to the next post about how they did........
We have been busy teaching our craft skill and have been challanged by what we think we Could do and what we can actually Can Do..... but staying present in the Now has been the key...these children are so openly creative and have responded to the new learning of skill faster than we could have imagined and I feel we are not fast enough for them.....
After three weeks of intense teaching and hanging out with all the kids....we had our first real order of product today from a tourist shop owner from Siem Reap.
They ordered $280 US worth of product....the kids will be busy.But it was a great experience and trial for them in them over the next few weeks to complete the order. We also have two tour groups coming to see how well and happy the HIV kids are living with the Non HIV kids.....a very positive childrens community.
So we have taken 3 days away from the orphanage to let them make products on their own.
So stay tuned to the next post about how they did........
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
