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NEWSLETTERS

NEWSLETTER TWO

Posted 22nd November 2008

Dear Friends of Singing Kites,

The three months since our last entry, has flown. I am intending to makes these newsletters bi-monthly at least, to keep you all up with what is happening with our fundraising efforts, and Tanop news in general.

Firstly, I would like to send my heartfelt thanks to all those who have contacted me personally about the website. The feedback has been very positive, and also very encouraging. This website is the best means of keeping people informed of our progress, and the general happenings in Tanop. I am deeply grateful to John Moss, who has freely donated his time and expertise in creating this site for us. He has been a wonderful support and help to me. I am indebted to him.

FUNDRAISING NEWS

I express my very sincere gratitude to all those who have supported our fundraising efforts. We would not be able to realize our goals without your help and contributions. Every contribution, no matter how small, is vital to our success. Without your help, nothing would be achieved. So many people have helped us, and I wish I could mention you all here. Please know your help "makes my heart sing"... for I know, step by step, we walk that path of fulfilling not only our dreams and goals, but those of Tanop.

We had two major fundraisers this month.

The Book Launch and Exhibition in Toowoomba

This was held on Thursday night the 6th of November. The café-gallery was packed to capacity, and everyone seemed to enjoy the evening. It was wonderful to see so many of the people present who had supported us last year for the "Sunrise Children's Village" dinner.

I thank you all for attending.

We raised $3200 during the night, and more contributions have flowed in since then.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to all those who helped make the night a successful one.

Tea for Tanop

The Alphabet Action Group held their event on Saturday the 15th of November at Joseph Alexanders, Brisbane. Sixty ladies attended, and all responded to the afternoon with great gusto and enthusiasm!

Tara Gutman, a Canberra based lawyer was guest speaker, and she spoke about her personal association with Cambodia, and Tanop village. Her speech was an inspiration to us all, and I think raised awareness of just how Cambodia’s dark past has impacted on today's generation of young Cambodians, and the hope they have for a better future through education.

We would like to thank those who did so well in organizing the afternoon. It was a very special time for us all, and the venue was perfect. To Libby Wyatt, Catherine Adams and their team... a HUGE THANK YOU!

The final fundraising amount is yet to be finalized , but it appears that over $4000 was raised.

More about this in the next newsletter.

BOOK AND BRICK SALES

Sales of these are going well. We have sold 467 bricks, and 120 books.

Buy a brick for Christmas!

We have bricks in Christmas envelopes, and these make excellent Christmas gifts. The price of a brick is $10. They can be ordered through this website, or by phoning Lyn Hotchin on 0746308381 or 0417731797 . Postage and packaging is free!

Books make excellent gifts too!

"Faces of Cambodia" is a book of black and white photographs with writings. Some of the photos were taken in Tanop.

Price is $20. Postage and packaging to be advised.

Black and white prints of any image in the book are available for sale. They are matted and packaged ready to be framed. Contact Lyn for details on 0746308381 or 0417731797.

Proceeds from the sale of these items go directly to support the building of the Education Centre in Tanop. Please continue to support us, and make it possible for us to reach our goal by the end of December! We are getting there, but need your support still. Please tell anyone you think might be interested in helping us.

With your support, we can make a difference!

NEWS FROM TANOP

Our Head Teacher, Tith Tek will continue to work at the NGO "New Day Cambodia" in Phnom Penh until the end of this month. He has been volunteering there since June last year, gaining experience in helping to run an organization, whilst at the same time , completing his university studies. The work experience at the NGO will give him useful knowledge in running the Education Centre. He will be our Director and Head Teacher.

You Sarith, our second teacher has started teaching classes under his house in the village (see photos at right). Every day children of varying ages are seen crammed into any space they can find, eager to listen and learn from their teacher. It is quite amazing the enthusiasm and dedication these children have to the task of learning. They seem to instinctively know that their future depends on the knowledge they can gain... and have a genuine hunger for an education.

What a wonderful day it will be when they have an Education Centre which can nurture their educational needs in an environment that is conducive to learning. We all wait with great anticipation for the day to come when the building will begin! I know we will have crowds of very enthusiastic and excited villagers, watching the daily building progress.

For the moment we will continue with our fundraising efforts, and know our day of realizing our goal is closer at hand.

With your help... we CAN make a difference, for it takes just one person to shine a light in the dark!

Until our next newsletter I wish you all well.

With gratitude and best wishes to you all,
Lyn

 

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