STORY AND PICTURE
BY PETER TEO
IN PHNOM PENH
SINGAPORE'S Ambassador to Cambodia,
Mr Lawrence Anderson, has paid tribute to the many Singaporeans
involved in different forms of assistance, support and welfare
programmes for needy Cambodians.
One of the most satisfying aspects
of his job, he said, is when he is invited to witness projects
that involve Singaporean volunteers, church groups and non-governmental
organisations (NGOs).
"Since I arrived in Phnom
Penh over a year ago, I have been pleasantly surprised to find
so many Singaporeans involved in different assistance, support
and welfare programmes for needy Cambodians.
"This is only right because
Cambodia is one of our neighbours and one of the great religious
principles we learn from early childhood is that we should always
love our neighbours, as we love ourselves."
Mr Anderson was speaking at the
official opening of Emmaus Women's Centre on Sept 1 which was
set up by the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) in Cambodia's Beung
Anchagn Village in Toul Prich Commune.
The opening was preceded by the
centre's Dedication Service at which Bishop Dr Robert Solomon
shared words of encouragement from the "Emmaus Experience",
which speaks of two travellers making their way from Jerusalem
to a village called Emmaus when the Risen Christ drew near and
joined them in their journey.
Mr Anderson said: "I first
came to Emmaus with my wife and son in June last year. We visited
COSI Children's Village next door, while this new centre was under
construction. Now it is completed, I must say it looks impressive.
"But, this is the physical
structure of the buildings. Even more important is its spiritual
heart -- the faith, dedication and vision of its founders and
staff."
To Mr Anderson what is special
about Emmaus Women's Centre is its focus on helping women from
poor and needy families, many of whom face hardship or crisis.
Besides providing food and a home, the centre teaches the women
practical skills like dressmaking, computer training, dance and
serving skills so that they can support themselves.
This is all very commendable,
he said, adding: "I would like to think Emmaus Centre was
built on the faith, hope and love of its founders and supporters.
I believe that these tenets will also guide its residents as they
seek to build purpose and meaning into their lives."
He said over the past 17 months
he had come to know people like the Rev Philip Lim, the Country
Coordinator for Cambodia, and his wife, and Ms Betty Ng, the Manager
of Emmaus Women's Centre.
Paying tribute to them, he said
"so many others like them have shown great patience, commitment
and dedication in their desire to help the Cambodian people and
I truly admire them for this".
"They have also taken the right approach by actively working
with the Cambodian Government and the local authorities in the
provinces, civic groups and NGOs. This will improve their efforts
to reach out to the disadvantaged people here.
"Most of all, I would like to commend the staff at Emmaus
Women's Centre -- the manager, teachers, chaplain and other members
for their faith, courage and professionalism."
The centre was opened by Mr Ith
Sam Heng, the Cambodian Minister of Social Affairs, Veteran and
Youth Rehabilitation, who in his speech, said he is "very
pleased and thankful to Community Outreach Services (COS) and
the Methodist Missions Society and all those who are supporting
the work of Emmaus Centre and COSI Children's Village".
We
will remember
Singaporeans' kindness:
Cambodian minister
"I'm really
impressed and thankful to the director and staff of COS for their
hard work in raising funds and building up this Emmaus Women's
Centre. Through this centre, many young women can come and learn
skills so that they would be able to have a job to support themselves.
"The people of Cambodia,
orphans and women of Cambodia will remember this kindness in our
heart," he added.
About 350 guests turned up for
the back-to-back dedication and opening of the centre, which is
strongly supported by the General Conference Women's Society of
Christian Service (GC-WSCS) of The Methodist Church in Singapore.