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International Volunteer Day 2003 in Cambodia
This year’s IVD in Cambodia was directed to the MDG 6, was linked to World AIDS Day (WAD), and specifically stressing the crucial role of volunteerism in fighting stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS. The adopted slogan was: “Will we let HIV/AIDS isolate our loved ones? Volunteerism against Stigma and Discrimination”.
December 1, 2003, Banteay Meanchey IVD/WAD
Many activities were planned throughout the country in the week of WAD and IVD. Apart from the attendance at the launching of WAD on 1 December in Phnom Penh, UNV (the GIPA team) participated in the organisation and implementation of a day in Banteay Meanchey directed against stigma and discrimination. A march through the city of Sisophon, a sporty competition between PLHAs (people living with HIV/AIDS) and volunteers, a concert, traditional dancing and other entertainment were part of the event.
December 2, 2003, Battambang, visiting and gift given to HIV/AIDS patients
On December 2, a GIPA animator organised a visit for local (volunteer) organisations and authorities and the third Governor of Battambang to a HIV/AIDS centre just outside the city of Battambang. The centre is located at a Pagoda site, and offers training and local medicines against the consequences of HIV/AIDS. Volunteers are involved in the management of the centre. PLHAs told about their experiences, and gifts were being offered to the PLHAs at the centre.
December 8, 2003, Siem Reap volunteer street cleaning parade
December 8 in Siem Reap a parade and voluntary street cleaning by PLHAs and some of their family members took place. The intention was to increase awareness on recognising the abilities and the contribution PLHAs can make to society, as well as recognising the important contribution they can make to social events. “Even if we are weak, we could join in some special events in term of reducing loneliness, stigma and discrimination on HIV/AIDS and helping to break down social barriers. Not only at this event, but also in future if we are still alive and have some support” as one participant concluded.
December 6, 2003, Phnom Penh IVD/WAD
The main event, jointly organised by UNV and other UN agencies, the National AIDS Authority, CPN+ (Cambodian People living with HIV/AIDS Network) and the Municipality, took place in Phnom Penh on December 6th. At the Wat Phnom, the presumed origin of Phnom Penh in the centre of the city, almost 1000 people came together to prepare for a symbolic AIDS walk. After a minute of silence and the release of white balloons for Sharon, several guests stressed the importance of volunteerism in relation to HIV/AIDS.
Speeches were delivered by Mr. Heng Sokrithy, Coordinator of CPN+ (personal experiences), Dr Jim Tulloch of WHO and Res Coor ai (“… the need for volunteerism in combating HIV/AIDS cannot be overemphasised…”), Mr Peter Leuprecht, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Human Rights in Cambodia (“… the human rights approach to HIV/AIDS requires that law and institutions that foster discrimination against specific individuals and groups be eliminated…”), and Mr. Map Sarin, Vice Governor of Phnom Penh (“…May the spirit of IVD today translate all sorrows, sufferings and loss caused by HIV/AIDS into a strong momentum or driving force to promote the volunteerism among us…”).
After a warming up exercise by the Cambodian marathon walker Mr. To Rithya, the actual walk started. The parade with a mixture of participants (volunteer organisations, NGOs, monks, PLHAs, UN people, etc.) was headed by two celebrities: the actors Ms. Chorn Chan Leakhena and Dr. Chea Samnang, and ended at a city park. At the park the AIDS concert from Johannesburg was being projected on a giant screen, while on a podium karaoke and dancing stressed issues related to HIV/AIDS.
Visit to the AIDS Home of the Missionaries of Charity Hospice, December 13, 2003
The IVD celebration in Phnom Penh has been extended for another week when the UNV Country Office Team together with a number of UN volunteers and some private individuals visited the AIDS Home of the Missionaries of Charity Hospice. Around 35 orphans of HIV/AIDS victims were treated to a morning of fun and excitement on December 13, 2003. With the help of former NUNV Suon Bun Rith, a group of young Khmer dancers from the APSARA Arts Association joined the group to lead the young orphans with ages ranging from 2 to 12 years old in singing and dancing. It may be worthy to note that said young artists from AAA are orphans themselves who are under the care of the Association.
Aside from the group singing and dancing, the children participated in various parlour games after which everybody feasted on the cakes and pies prepared for them. To cap the occasion, simple and practical gifts such as pairs of shoes, clothing, colouring books and crayolas were distributed to the delight of the children. Likewise, with the kindness of some benefactors, the Hospice was gifted with some cash donations.
The occasion has evidently been so special for the children and the feeling was the same with the group of UNVs and the others who participated because of having had the privilege of spending very meaningful moments with this group of less fortunate young ones.
The Missionaries of Charity Hospice (MCH) has been operating in Cambodia for almost 13 years. Among other assistance, it provides medical service to prisoners and the indigents. The AIDS Home was established by the MCH five years ago to provide medical care to individuals afflicted by the AIDS disease particularly those who have been abandoned by their families. With the clinic, an orphanage has also been set up to provide care and support to infants and children orphaned by parents who have died of HIV/AIDS and have been totally abandoned by their families and relatives.
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