Education
Tutoring
All of the children in CCT's programs have the opportunity to be tutored in English, Computers, Mathematics and Khmer Literature. Our tutoring program is aimed at increasing their academic confidence and results. As the majority of the children we work with have never been to school prior to meeting CCT, our tutoring program is a big step towards catching up to the other children in their class.
Apsara Dancing
Every Saturday and Sunday CCT's 'Apsara Dancers' come together to learn the traditional art of Apsara dancing. Classes are open to children 10+ years, and are made up of students from all of our various programs.
Cambodia's cultural heritage, including this ancient art form, was almost destroyed by the Khmer Rouge. In the years following the regime, Apsara dancing has regained its place as an integral part of Khmer culture. Some of the dances performed by CCT’s children date back to the 11th century, with the same graceful moves that would have been seen in the temples of Angkor Wat. Learning Apsara dancing helps our young people form a living link with a past that was almost destroyed forever and, at the same time, foster a pride in themselves and their cultural identity.
Some of the costumes the dancers wear are sewn by members of CCT's Family Outreach Program.
Lakhon
Lakhon Khol, or masked theatre, was a dying art. Nearly all of the old masters died under the Khmer Rouge regime. In years since Lakhon Khol has received little support and the tradition is struggling to survive.
Lakhon Khol consists solely of material from Reamker, a Cambodian epic poem. Scenes from the Reamker are painted on the walls of the Cambodian Royal Palace and carved into the walls of the Angkor Wat and Banteay Srei temples. It is considered an integral part of Cambodian culture. The CCT 'Lakhon Kids' tackle issues of trust, loyalty, love, and revenge which they act out through dramatic encounters as princes and giants, monkeys and mermaids and a rather forlorn princess!
Skool of Rock
Several of the kids in CCT's programmes have been particularly interested in learning to play western instruments. A group of them have recently formed our very first CCT rock band. Playing drums, bass, keys and electric guitar they are covering Beatles songs as well as creating fusions of well loved Khmer love songs and rock'n'roll hits.
CCT also holds traditional Khmer music lessons every weekend which is open to all children, in all our programmes. These talented music students provide the soundtrack to the dances that CCT's Apsara Troop perform.
Computer Skills
CCT provides free computer classes to all of the children in our programmes as well as to our staff. Children in our Foster Family and Youth Centre Programmes live centrally and have access five days per week to the classes that we run from our computer lab. We enroll the rural children in our Family Outreach Program in computer classes within their local communities.
Computer literacy will provide huge benefits to all these students as they move towards tertiary education, employment or running their own small businesses.
Art
Every Sunday our art teacher runs art classes open to all of the budding artists in our programs. The children learn the basics of drawing and painting and have fun with arts and crafts. They learn traditional Khmer techniques as well as being encouraged to use their imagination and creativity.
We are never short of artworks depicting cartoon characters, flowers, animals, and Cambodian landscapes to decorate our office walls!
Physical Education
The children in CCT's Foster Families participate in Physical Education. The kids are coached in the development and care of the human body and maintaining physical fitness. The P.E. classes help to develop the children’s overall cognitive abilities and motor skills via soccer, volleyball, athletics, aerobics and various other activities such as dance and roller skating.
Youth Health/Sex Education
CCT and the Reproductive and Child Health Alliance (RACHA) hold regular workshops for the adolescents and young adults from CCT's Youth Centre, Family Outreach Programs and Foster Families. In these workshops they learn about sexual and reproductive health, sexuality, safe sex and contraception, pregnancy, abortion and STDs including HIV/Aids. They are also taught about responsible and healthy reproductive and sexual behaviour.