GEJ FESTA in Cambodia
On August 24, NPO Good Earth Japan (GEJ) hosted the GEJ FESTA at the Prey Preal GEJ Primary School in Cambodia. Seven years have passed since GEJ began aiding local residents in Slab Pang village, Battanban Province, which is located on a former land mine site. GEJ, with the cooperation of the Population & Community Development Association (PDA), Battanban Province, and the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), has carried out a wide range of activities thus far, including providing farming technology guidance, building infrastructure such as road and reservoir construction, and enriched the country’s education system by building elementary schools. GEJ has also expanded the regions in which it carries out these activities.
The GEJ FESTA was held to showcase the results of the farming technology instilled in local residents and provide an opportunity to engage in exchanges with people and children living in the area. Around 3,000 local residents participated in the festival. Events included a competition and sale of agricultural products, a drawing contest for elementary school children, and food booths.
Also, as a part of the exchange between Japan and Cambodia, demonstrations were given of traditional Cambodian dance and Japanese drums (Mekon Drums). Singer – songwriter Kenichi Iwasaki held a musical exchange with the children and the student, and volunteer group Rare Smile from Tsuda College performed Soran Bushi. Members on a GEJ study tour from Japan also volunteered and further deepened exchanges with local residents.
Cambodia and its land will continue to flourish going forward thanks to GEJ’s activities, and we here at the Hitachi Construction Machinery Group plan to continue to hope and offer our support to ensure that the children of Cambodia can keep on smiling.