Khmer Cultural Sessions at Coomoora Secondary College and Southval P.S

Coomoora S.C

The Association's Khmer Cultural Resource Centre started the cultural session with Coomoora Secondary College on Wednesday August 21, 2004.

The students of the whole Year 8 level of the school were present.

The session was introductory information about Cambodia, its people and culture:

- The general information on Cambodia, including Angkor Wat Temple, the National Symbol of Cambodia
- Legacy of wars- refugee camps in Thailand
- Settlement of Khmer people in Australia
- Preservation of Khmer culture by Khmer residents in Melbourne

We used colour photographic slides, printed photos and display of artifacts to illustrate the Khmer culture and people.

At the end of the session we presented Ms Karin Leidke, School Principal, with two pieces of Khmer textile, a silk check krama and a piece of Hol.

These are the token of co-operation between the school and the Cambodian Buddhist Association of Victoria Inc., in promoting the cultural awareness of the Khmer culture, which is represented in the school, by about 30 per cent of ethnic Khmer students from the area.

The Khmer cultural session is conducted during the school hours, once a month.

Following the introductory session a smaller group of students registered to continue with the following Khmer cultural session to take place.

The feedback from teachers was very positive and encouraging.

Southvale Primary School

The Cultural Session will start at Southvale Primary School on the 6th of September 2004.

A group of students representing all grade levels will participate.

We look forward to mutual support and cooperation between the school and the Cambodian Buddhist Association of Victoria Inc.

August 31, 2004