September 2024 Update

September 2024 Update

September 2024

HELLO FROM KAMPOT!

What's been happening at Epic Arts.

There was a lot going on this month for staff and students at Epic Arts.

Thanks again to all of our Epic Arts supporters, we really appreciate everything you do to help us spread the word that every person counts (EPiC)!

Inspiring Stories

After leaving school in 2020 Phuya found it difficult to find work. She stayed home for one year, anxious about her future and spending her days alone and not communicating with anyone.

She says she had no confidence. Phuya wanted to study at university but was unable to do so due to family finances.

In 2022 Phuya’s mother met the Epic Arts social work team when they were recruiting students to join our Inclusive Arts Course (IAC).

Shortly after joining IAC Phuya’s confidence started to grow, she started making friends and learning new skills.

During her time in IAC Phuya started to think about her future, she loved dance and wanted to join the Epic Arts Dance team. At the IAC graduation Phuya felt very proud of her achievements, but also a little nervous to dance for the first time in the graduation performance in front of all Epic Arts staff.

The performance was a fantastic success and in 2024 Phuya joined Epic Arts Dance as a full-time professional dancer. She loves exploring dance movements and is not afraid to try new things and push herself to explore dance.

Phuya loves to travel around Cambodia and abroad performing dance to advocating for disability, she says she does not feel afraid anymore and is no longer nervous on stage.

This is just the start of Phuya’s dance career, we are proud at how much she has achieved and look forward to continuing to watch her grow and develop in the dance world.

Events and Performances

While the world was watching the Paralympic Games in Paris, Kampot held their own Special Olympics Local Games at Kampot Stadium inviting our Special Education Project students to take part.

The event was organized by the Provincial of Education Youth and Sport In Kampot, and attended by the Deputy of Kampot Governor, Governor of Kandal province, Secretary of State MoSVY, and the Director of Department of Education Youth and Sport in Kampot Province.

Epic Arts students loved all the activities and won awards and recognition in the racing and football events. 

Well done to all participants for their great sporting achievements!

Inclusive Arts

This month Epic Arts Dance performed in Singapore for the second time this year.

The team spent a week on campus with UWCSEA sharing incredible experiences with their students.

Together we explored the power of inclusivity through the arts and dance, immersing students in workshops that brought passions to life.

UWCSEA students had a fantastic time participating in dance workshops and collaborating on creative art activities, from designing T-shirts to crafting cards, all while learning a bit of both the Khmer and sign language. 

Students practiced and performed the choreography they had learned during a special performance at the end of the week for their families, followed by an interactive workshop that got everyone involved!

Impact Update

Thanks to our partner NEP Cambodia who recently hosted an impactful two-day conference under the theme "Equal Opportunity: Same School, Same Teacher, Same Outcomes,".

Epic Arts were proud to be part of this conference which included education leaders, government representatives, schools, researchers, NGOs and community members to discuss and develop strategies and policy analyses for enhancing the quality of education in Cambodia.

Honored by the presence of H.E. Oung Borat, Secretary of State for the MoEYS, and H.E. Pa Socheatevong, Member of the 7th National Assembly and Chairman of the National Assembly's Commission on Education, Youth, Sports, Religious Affairs, Culture, and Tourism, the conference provided a unique opportunity for diverse stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue.

The event concluded with a shared vision to transform Cambodia's education system, making quality education accessible to all children.

AND FINALLY…

If you are in Kampot check out our new Epic Cocktail menu at Epic Arts Café! 

We have 3 delicious and refreshing cocktails for only $3.50 each. Or join us for happy hour between 3pm and 5pm daily for 2 cocktails for just $5  🍹

We hope you find our newsletter informative, inspiring, and engaging. And remember, you're not just a subscriber; you're a valuable member of the Epic Arts family.

We truly appreciate your support, and can't wait to share our incredible journey of inclusion, creativity and empowerment with you.

P.S. Don't forget to follow us on our social media links to stay updated in real-time and engage with our vibrant online community.

Epic Arts
Street 730, Sanath Village Central Territory, Kampot
Cambodia

Epic Arts is a UK registered charity (#1091059) and registered in Cambodia

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