Education
In an effort to work with local communities in the investment of education, we have chosen to provide scholarships to young women and the poorest of poor. We also support the construction of schools and learning centers for communities along the Burma-Thai border, Cambodia, Laos and USA. As valuable projects are proposed, we will assess the prospect of investment.
Project Enlighten Scholarship Program
Program Coordinator: Jill Morse
Assistant Coordinator: Naret Duk
Siem Reap, Cambodia
This is where it all began for Project Enlighten. Our scholarship program encompasses the Landmine Kids College Fund, John F. McKim Scholarship. The Landmine Kids College Fund is specifically available to the youth at the Cambodia Land Mine Museum (CLMM) in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Our John F. McKim Scholarship is available to young adults within the Siem Reap area of Cambodia.
Pongro Village Sustainable Community Project
Program Coordinator: Mr. Sim Sao
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Project Enlighten has developed a positive relationship with Team Member Mr. Sim Sao’s community, Pongro Village in Siem Reap Cambodia. Together we’ve worked long and hard to develop a program that will result in sustainable resolutions to simple challenges the community meets. The greatest resolutions come from within a community, as only they have the power to discover the right way to resolve the challenges they meet in a way that works with their cultural and social considerations.
This program contributes to the development of social capital, human resources at the local level and community physical resources. One of the first steps toward sustainability came with Project Enlighten providing “seed money,” for the Pongro Agricultural Bank. This program is part of the establishment of long-term sustainability of rural communities, while placing social responsibility in the hands of the communities we work with.
The Giant Puppet Project, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Program Coordinator: Bina Hanley
Siem Reap, Cambodia
What is the Giant Puppet Project? A local children’s community arts project, the largest of its kind in Siem Reap, providing a creative platform for disadvantaged children to foster and promote expression and self-confidence through art. Now entering its sixth year, this significant event for underprivileged children in Siem Reap creates an important sense of community building, establishes teamwork and offers pride and commendation.
Under the guidance of student artists from Phare Ponleu Seplak in Battambang and the project’s Artistic Director, Jig Cochrane, over 500 children participate in fun and creative workshops, which are designed to charge and encourage the imaginations of the children. During the course of the workshops the children’s enthusiasm grows until it bursts onto the streets of Siem Reap on the evening of the annual parade.
Giant puppets are created by children and include unique educational, cultural or ecological themes such as road safety, endangered species, hygiene, local cultural appreciation and environmental awareness.
Established in 2007 with just over 200 children participating in the inaugural parade, the project has more than doubled in size. In recent years, nearly 600 children from numerous local schools, orphanages and 'street kid' centers have annually taken part alongside children from a local shelter for child landmine survivors.
Project Enlighten is proud to adopt the Giant Puppet Project along with other supporting organizations to help this inspiring educational event continue for the youth in Cambodia year after year.
The Volunteer Development Poverty Children’s Association (VDCA)
Director of VDCA: Togh Main
Siem Reap, Cambodia
This is a Khmer borne and run non-government organization, which we provide guidance and support to. This program has two schools that are need of quality teaching materials and library books in both Khmer and English. Classroom supplies of any sort are greatly welcomed. If you are interested in a volunteer teaching position please contact Mr. Togh.
Ban Navangtai New School Project
Program Coordinator: Phouva Vorapanya
Ban Navangtai Village, Khammouane Province, Central Laos
This wonderful village where I spent my childhood is in need of progress within their education system. My name is Phouva Vorapanya and I am a fellow wildland Firefighter of Asad and Olivia Rahman. I grew up in this village and in my early teens immigrated to the United States of America in search of a better education and greater opportunities. In a short period of time, I was able to adapt to the English language and move on to graduate from Humboldt State University in 2003. I am now seeking to help my home country in whatever way possible, starting with investment in the local education system. We here at Project Enlighten hope this will be a project that many would like to support and follow throughout each stage of progression.
We are happy to announce that with your generous donations, Phase 1, the leveling of the soil, concrete for footings, foundations and cement post columns was started and completed in 2010. During 2011, with all of your support, Phase 2 of the program including the construction of the walls, window frames, doorframes, and brickwork was completed. 2012 brings to fruition the final phase of this project and includes roofing, wall finishing, tables, classroom materials and teacher training. We still need your support! Please click on the link for full proposal details.
I would like to take this opportunity to graciously thank our supporters and our donors. Also, many thanks to Mr. Kenneth Perry, who has been working countless hours to fundraise for Ban Navangtai New School Project continuing his quest to race across all of the 4 Deserts and to complete an Ultra Marathon on all 7 Continents, and a footrace across the Antarctica Peninsula. Last, but not least, I want to say thank you to the directors of this program the Rahman’s and the Carroll’s for their continued support and encouragement to make this dream become a reality. Thanks again to everyone for your continued support in creating better educational opportunities for generations to come in my home village of Ban Navangtai.
Burmese Refugee Community Empowerment Program (RCEA)
Program Coordinator: John Glenn
Houston, Texas USA
For many decades, the United States has become home to refugees from war torn countries. Wrongfully displaced from their home countries, these people have lived through oppression, human rights violations, inequality, genocide and resettle in what becomes, for many, their "Third Country." They seek a life of opportunity, compassion and freedom. Project Enlighten has partnered with John Glenn, of Houston, Texas to provide opportunities to Burmese Refugees who have resettled in the United States of America. John is a Refugee from Burma whom we have had a strong partnership with, for years dating back to his time spent in the Refugee Camp 'Nupo,' on the Thai-Burma border. He founded an English Language School [previously supported by Project Enlighten] in his refugee camp to help prepare refugees for a new life in their "3rd Countries."
John and his wife were resettled into a refugee community in Texas, USA in 2009, where they quickly observed that refugees were ill prepared for the intricacies of American life, despite the efforts of resettlement organizations. They met many challenges and felt that it was important to help other refugees be successful. John's passion for education and humanitarian ethos, led him to organize his community and partner with viable organizations focused on education, English speaking/comprehension and life skills.
In the Houston area there are thousands of refugees resettling, creating a great challenge and competition in finding gainful employment. Having good English comprehension, speaking skills and understanding American culture is vital in the success of the people placed in the United States. A group of leaders in the Burmese community organized and formed the "Refugee Community Empowerment Association (RCEA) in 2009. This organization helps Burmese refugees by providing opportunities form them to learn. Their assistance includes tours to Asian jobs fairs, weekly transportation to Asian markets, distribution of rice cookers to refugees, support in submitting food stamp re-certification forms, interpretation for driving tests, and interpretation for medical appointments.
Project Enlighten continues its support to the Burmese Refugee Community through RCEA's new initiative, the establishment of a Community Learning Center. To help John and the many other refugees, please contribute to our Burmese Education Program!
Emergency Action
Program Coordinator: To be determined
Location: As needed
Project Enlighten is committed to helping others who are faced with adversity and in critical times of emergencies we act with the help of our supporters.
In the spirit of providing humanitarian support to countries worldwide, Project Enlighten demonstrated it's ability to act on human based needs following the wake of Cyclone Nargis' devastation in Burma. Project Enlighten partnered with resources in South East Asia and with the help of our supporters raised over $15,000 Emergency Aid to Burma's Cyclone survivors. Project Enlighten implemented a 'Burma Cyclone Emergency Relief Immediate Action Plan' the weeks following the disaster. "We were all compelled to do whatever we could for the victims of this natural disaster living in a country where its people already struggle and suffer on a daily basis. Read more (PDF)
Future Projects
Do you have a project that you would like Project Enlighten to sponsor? Please contact us and submit your proposal! We are happy to learn of ways we can help communities everywhere!