Learn more about how the youth make a difference. Who ever says the youth can’t change their world haven’t seen many of our youth in action.
Our website: Thuy Smith International Outreach
Revolutionary Optimists
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Great Vietnamese Musician! Check her out.
Youth from Sierra Leone uses his extraordinary gift in making a difference in his country
Investing in people makes more of an impact in the end rather than only sending aid. The people in their own countries are it’s best resources. Invest in them and they will develop their nation.
Cambodia: History and (Khmer cooking)
For more recipes, click on image for a website full of Cambodian Cuisine recipes and how you can sign up for Cambodia cooking classes.
The you-tube clip talks a little bit about the History of Cambodia as well as share some of its cuisine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bVJoGlmkcU
The Danger of a Single Story
You can learn more about Chimamanda Adichie here
“Searching for the right words to articulate the cries from your heart”
Copyright-Mai Neng Vang
“Searching for the right words to articulate the cries from your heart”- Mai Neng Vang
Most people call it “writer’s block”; I call it “searching for the right words to articulate the cries from your heart”. After two months of contemplating my words, I am finally able to tell a story that I have been keeping silent for far too long. This story is not a complete one and is only the beginning of the many stories that need to be told. But we have to start somewhere so I will start with the place I come from.
I am a Hmoob American woman. I was born in a refugee camp in Thailand called Chiang Kham where each day was lived with an uncertainty of more tomorrows, where food was scarce and diseases were abundant, where the tears of my people could drown the camp. I came to the United States a month shy of turning four, leaving behind the place where my parents grew up, leaving the poverty that was part of daily life, leaving those we loved, never knowing if we would see them again. We didn’t come with much; the most valuable things we carried were dreams of a better life and hopes to find a place we could call home.
All Rights Reserved- Mai Neng Vang
My parents told me that education was the key to a better future so I was very set on making education my priority. And while I was working on my English at school, my parents were working on making a life in America.
Both my parents are very intelligent people; the words of wisdom from their hearts taught me more about life than anything I’ve ever learned in a class. However, when they first came to the U.S., neither of them could read nor write the language so they had to use their physical strength to make a living because here in America, you can’t get very far when you cannot communicate your intellectual strengths.
My parents tried the best way they knew how to give my siblings and I a life that they never had, having grown up in the terror of a war that was not supposed to be theirs to fight. The battle they fight today is one for the future they dreamt of for their children.
All Rights Reserved- Mai Neng Vang
This country has been my home for the last 18 years. I have been so blessed to experience the opportunities I have had; I am so grateful for the chance to fulfill my goals. However, the closer I get to my goals, the more I realized how much injustice there is in this country.
Even after the Japanese internment camps era and the Civil Rights Movement, policies still exist that oppress people of color, the media still portrays people of color as un-American, and segregation continues in a different form. Even after living the majority of my life thus far in this country, people still question whether or not I am American. I feel that there are certain expectations of a person in order for others to consider them an American.
So what does it mean to be an “American”? Everywhere I turn, people say, “America is about diversity, to be different is to be American.” But how is this true when people frown on those who do not know the “American way”. In my eyes, my parents are strong and brave and intelligent, but as soon as they step outside of the Hmong community, into the “American” world, their voices are weakened and they become children again in the eyes of those who are only listening to their accents; they are looked down upon—sometimes by people younger than them. I’ve seen this happen. Unfortunately, I know it still does.
In 1943, President Roosevelt said, “Americanism is a matter of the mind and the heart.” I would like to question the validity of such a statement. If it is true, then why do I have to prove my Americanism with a sheet of paper that grants me the right as a citizen of the United States of America? Why did my mother and father, grandmother and grandfather spend endless days, weeks, months, years studying for a test that was so difficult to pass? If it is a matter of the mind, then why is the accent that I carry more important than what I have to say? If it is a matter of the heart, then why is it not enough to be patriotic and loyal to the government of this United States of America? If it is about what I think and feel then why is my Americanism questioned because of the color of my skin and the shape of my eyes? Why do I still get asked “Where are you from?” with the expectation to answer with a foreign country? Why am I still being judged by the Hmong blood that runs through my soul?
Today, fear and uncertainty is what is silencing people like my parents from speaking up about injustices that they have experienced. They are afraid of confronting a system that will not listen to them, afraid of talking to people who will not understand them, afraid that their Hmong voices cannot be heard in this sea of English. As a society, we need to listen to the silence more often because sometimes, silence speaks louder than words. Listen to the people whose voices are often lost among louder voices; listen to those voices that have never spoken because of fear; listen to the silence of those who are being oppressed by the systems and institutions. We need to do more than hear these voices; we need to listen with our hearts ready and our minds open. Healing can only start once we take time to listen to the stories of pain and suffering.
And so I write my story so that others can be inspired to share theirs. I write down words that cannot begin to express the pain behind them, but still I write. I write in hopes of opening the eyes of everyone around me. The story does not end here, so I will continue to write.
*We allow our guest bloggers to share from their experiences / perspectives, one of many. Take what resonates with you, put aside what does not. We are merely a platform for various views, perspectives, and voices.
Public Cambodian Holidays
Public Holidays in Cambodia
Public holidays in Cambodia includes many traditional festivals and Buddhist holidays, which are based on lunar calendars, thus the Cambodian holiday dates change from year to year.
International New Year’s Day The celebration of New Year’s Eve has become more and more popular in Cambodia, and although not an official holiday, many offices are closed. Sunday, 1 January 2012 Monday, 2 January 2012 – New Year’s Day Holiday (substitute)
Victory over Genocide Day This national holiday commemorates Vietnamese-backed troops taking the capital from the Khmer Rouge in 1979. It marks the end of the Khmer Rouge regime after their defeat to the Vietnamese. Saturday, 7 January 2012 Monday, 9 January 2012 – Victory Day Holiday (substitute)
Chinese New Year First new moon in the Chinese lunar calendar. An important celebration to Cambodians with chinese origin. Monday, 23 January 2012 Not a public holiday
Meak Bochea Day /Magha Puja Day An important Buddhist holy day, celebrated in Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos on the full moon day of the third lunar month in Buddhist Calendar. The month is known in the Thai language as Makha (Pali: Magha). Bucha, also a Thai word (Pali: Puja), meaning to venerate or to honor. As such, Makha Bucha Day is for the veneration of Buddha and his teachings. Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Women’s Day This United Nations-inspired holiday, International day for women has become a big deal. Don’t hope to get anything done. Thursday, 8 March 2012
Cambodian Khmer New Year/Chaul Chnam Thmey Khmer New Year 2012 is possibly Cambodia’s most important holiday in the year. The cities empty as Cambodians rush to spend the holiday with family. The holiday lasts for three days beginning on New Year’s Day. This time of the year is at the end of the harvesting season. The farmers enjoy the fruits of their harvest and relax before the rainy season begins. Gifts and tips are especially auspicious during April and should be accompanied with the phrase ‘Sok Sabay, Ch’nam Tmey’ (Happy New Year!) Friday, 13 April 2012 Saturday, 14 April 2012 Sunday, 15 April 2012 Monday, 16 April 2012
Labour Day / May Day A relatively minor holiday. Embassies advise avoiding large labor-related gatherings and rallies falling on this day as union disputes can occasionally turn violent. Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Visaka Bochea / Visaka Buja Day Vesak Day 2012, Buddhist observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha Saturday, 5 May 2012
Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony Known in Cambodia as Pithi Chrat Preah Neangkol, this public holiday corresponds to the start of the planting season. Royal astrologers will predict the coming season’s weather. Wednesday, 9 May 2012
HM King Sihamoni’s Birthday Commemorates the birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni on 14 May 1953. The current king was crowned in 2004 after the abdication of his father, Norodom Sihanouk. Sunday, 13 May 2012 Monday, 14 May 2012 Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Children’s Day International and Cambodian Children’s Day celebrated to raise awareness of children abuse, children trafficking and children labour. Friday, 1 June 2012
HM the Queen Mother’s Birthday Commemorates the birthday of The Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk. Cambodians have a deep affection for the queen mother. Even so, this is a minor holiday which does not usually affect travel. Monday, 18 June 2012
Cambodia Constitution Day A public holiday called to celebrate the anniversary signing of the Cambodian new constitution by King Sihanouk on 24 September 1993 Monday, 24 September 2012
Pchum Ben Day Festival of the Ancestors. Buddhist tradition demands Cambodians visit many pagodas over two weeks. Food, flowers, rice and gifts are given to the monks to convey to the afterlife so the dead do not haunt the living. This is a particularly poignant celebration given Cambodia’s recent history. Monday, 15 October 2012 Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Cambodia Coronation Day Cambodia Coronation Day is the anniversary of the coronation of current King Norodom Sihamoni. Monday, 29 October 2012
Former HM King Sihanouk’s Birthday Retired king Sihanouk is indisputably Cambodia’s most important modern monarch and still widely regarded as divine. Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Cambodia Independence Day Marks anniversary of independence from France. King Sihamoni visits Independence Monument in Phnom Penh. Friday, 9 November 2012
Water Festival / Bon Om Thook Millions teem into Phnom Penh from the provinces to celebrate the end of monsoon season. Dragon boats race for three days with the king overseeing. Perhaps the best time of any for meeting the people and enjoying the culture of Cambodia but the capital is impossibly crowded! Tuesday, 27 November 2012 Wednesday, 28 November 2012 Thursday, 29 November 2012
Human Rights Day A United Nations-inspired holiday. Unlikely to affect travel plans but government offices are closed. Monday, 10 December 2012
The one man and the lives of many children he saved, reunited
Learn more here: http://www.powerofgood.net/story.php
Educating girls in Afghanistan
Famous Vietnam War photo wins award
We are not posting this for political reasons, but at the same time, it is a reminder there is never any glory in war…..to remember ALL those who have suffered, not just Veterans.
Nick Ut is an AP photographer. His life work has taken him to Vietnam, where he captured a war image that had such an impact. Watch the story behind the famous photograph “The Napalm Girl”. Nick Ut was honored with the Leica Hall of Fame Award on September 17 at “LEICA - DAS WESENTLICHE” before photokina 2012.
An amazing bridging of the gap between people of Iran and Israel
Great performance in Memory of a young Vietnamese Musican / Artist
In memory of John Nguyen
Born and raised in Chicago, he was proud of his heritage and the place he came from. He attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Have heard nothing about praise for John, not just for his music, but his heart and advocacy.
First video is a rap in Vietnamese, second video is a rap he performed in English. Very talented. Check it out!
Out of the slums to dancing
Learn more about the tour here
Powerful reunion, Daughter & her father
Learn about the Filipino Amerasians here
A Cambodian teacher doesn’t give up, but gives back
Stories like these are inspiring. No pity, although who could fault him if he had any struggle of doing so. However, he instead is in the spirit of humility, gratitude, and resiliency.
Powerful letter from a son to his father & Tribute to Japanese American Veterans
Learn about new musical and documentary coming in September 2012 regarding the Japanese American experience- http://www.allegiancemusical.com/
Ao Dai- Traditional Vietnamese Dress
Some of our favorites.
Work to be done, aftermath of war
*We post this simply for Humanitarian Outreach Awareness, not any political statement.
Going back to the old ways, an inspirational retired teacher
The work of Natabar Sarangi and his Loka Samabaya Pratisthan Trust. Watch video below, go to their website here
Behind the Beautiful Forever
In this brilliantly written, fast-paced book, based on three years of uncompromising reporting, a bewildering age of global change and inequality is made human.
Annawadi is a makeshift settlement in the shadow of luxury hotels near the Mumbai airport, and as India starts to prosper, Annawadians are electric with hope. Abdul, a reflective and enterprising Muslim teenager, sees “a fortune beyond counting” in the recyclable garbage that richer people throw away. Asha, a woman of formidable wit and deep scars from a childhood in rural poverty, has identified an alternate route to the middle class: political corruption. With a little luck, her sensitive, beautiful daughter—Annawadi’s “most-everything girl”—will soon become its first female college graduate. And even the poorest Annawadians, like Kalu, a fifteen-year-old scrap-metal thief, believe themselves inching closer to the good lives and good times they call “the full enjoy.”
But then Abdul the garbage sorter is falsely accused in a shocking tragedy; terror and a global recession rock the city; and suppressed tensions over religion, caste, sex, power and economic envy turn brutal. As the tenderest individual hopes intersect with the greatest global truths, the true contours of a competitive age are revealed. And so, too, are the imaginations and courage of the people of Annawadi.
With intelligence, humor, and deep insight into what connects human beings to one another in an era of tumultuous change, Behind the Beautiful forever carries the reader headlong into one of the twenty-first century’s hidden worlds, and into the lives of people impossible to forget. (Excerpts from website)
Learn more about this book here
