Awakening Discipline and Identity through Khmer Arts

Sopaht Johnson
Program Director

Cambodian children need to learn about our history, art, and culture so that their identity shines with pride and the potential of their personal futures. Given Cambodia’s traumatic past, such cultural transmission has been severely limited. Refugee youth lacking understanding of their identity and the degree of their parents’ sacrifices so that they can have a better life often float rudderless in a sea of uncertainty. Media and peers become surrogate influences. Learning about traditional Khmer arts and history, youth can gain a newfound sense of pride for our cultural heritage and a sense of hope and purpose toward their future.

Self-discipline is an essential aspect of teaching Cambodian arts and dance. Taught using one-to-one classroom mentoring relationships by community leaders and instructors, learning Khmer arts requires the adoption of discipline and perseverance. These skills are essential in order for youth and children to develop independence and integrity that will help them avoid problem behaviors and create better futures.

Growing up as refugees in often difficult economic circumstances, Cambodian youth and children frequently lack key adult mentors that can influence their behaviors in positive directions. Moreover, caught between the influences of traditional parents and contemporary peers and school learning, young Cambodians lack a clear conception of their own identity.

Please support us in this critical and time-consuming work required to build healthy identities and self-discipline among our youth using Khmer arts education and adult mentoring. Your contributions can make a long-term impact into these children’s lives.