Written by Haydn Perks and Joshua Joly
Photography by Rosalind Purcell
On Saturday 6/12/14 the VSO ICS cycle 4 volunteers met up with members of the host community at Yeak Loam Lake for a welcoming party. Here we introduced ourselves and explained our projects to the community.
Once the host families had arrived, we gathered on a mat together in a circle. The food was shared out, spring rolls, fruits and biscuits, while the traditional band played in the background. The band consisted of a guitarist, a drummer and a violin like instrument. Singing was one of our group members, Thavy, the music was very good and everyone enjoyed it.
After chatting and relaxing, the formal introductions began. Narin, our project supervisor, and Andre, our project manager, introduced themselves and gave a short overview of the ICS programme in Ratanakiri. Then the microphone was passed around the volunteers, where we said our names, where we were from and what team we were on.
The party continued with more traditional gong playing and singing and dancing. All the volunteers joined in with learning the traditional dances, feeling a little awkward at first, but getting into the swing of things pretty soon. A few of the Khmer volunteers sung, very confidently, and also a local child gave a brilliant performance of some Cambodian kids songs.
At this point the dancing had become a little less traditional, with the UK volunteers performing their own dances to the music.
Overall, everyone had an enjoyable time and much cross cultural fun was had.
