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People and activities in the Cambodian deaf world
In recent years the Disability Action Council has celebrated their own Deaf Day, apart from the activities of the deaf community. This year it was the last of the Deaf Week events. At the DAC headquarters, several hundred deaf people–mostly students–were invited to a reception with an under-secretary of state for the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Some more photos of the pre-departure fun before the DDP students went home for the Pchum Ben holidays. The students were playing LOUD music and showing off dance moves they picked up from Tik-Tok.
Pchum Ben is the Buddhist equivalent of the Catholic All Souls Day, a time to remember, respect, and pray for deceased family and ancestors. Unlike All Souls Day, it’s a 15-day celebration with the last three days as public holidays. The holidays will be next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday but our students went home today.
A large part of the afternoon was given to really simple games that kept the crowd occupied in various parts of the building. Winners of the individual games had a tally sheet stamped and with three wins they could select a prize.
We invite deaf entrepreneurs to bring their goods to sell at the Deaf Day celebration.
When I arrived after morning mass, a little after noon, most of the Deaf Day participants had finished eating and were just enjoying the time together. They live very isolated lives and seldom get to see each other and talk in their own language.
Sunday will be the big Deaf Day celebration, and one part of the opening ceremony is a coconut dance. Today some of our students were once again rehearsing for their big show.
Day 4 of Deaf Week was a bit more low-key. The students and staff decorated their faces with Cambodian stickers.
This was also Julie Lawler’s birthday and the Phnom Penh staff celebrated with her at lunch time.
Each day of Deaf Week our education students have some sort of fun activity. Today they made little hats from paper cups. Some of the students are really creative! All of them had a lot of fun!
