Cultural Adjustment Class Project
Reported by Monica Oung, WCC/NW General Secretary

World Cambodian Congress Northwest Region celebrated its first successful project which was a big "eye opener" graduation and brought together all the communities, Cambodian families, friends, children and monks in Washington State on July 11th, 1998.  We bridged the gap between the parents and the children and integrated family value, we taught the children to read, speak and write Cambodian and helped them to keep their heritage. We are slowly teaching them about democracy which is a very important role and goal for  us.

It was supported by 200 people, including  WCC Board Members and members  from the states of NJ, NY, MA,CT and OR, a group of dancers from Seattle and a classical music group, as well as the monks who came to bless the opening  of the ceremony.  In addition, there were the Board Members from United Way (grant donor committee) and  congressional and senate staff members who attended the graduation.  Warmest welcome speeches in Cambodian and English were presented by the cultural adjustment class students and the blessing dance and a musical performance were also part of the celebration.

After the opening remarks by Monica Oung, WCC/NW General Secretary, Mr. Thoeuy Kong, Cambodian NW Association President, and Vicheath Toun, United Cambodian Development Association Vice president, addressed the gathering regarding how their organizations could help the Cambodian community by tutoring high school students after school and organizing others activities as appropriated.

Mr. Setthivuth Oung ,WCC/NW president, explained how the project served   the needs of an under represented group of people and promoted harmony among  the family here and around the world. The intention of this project was to help

other organizations use it as a role model for implementing other  similar projects. He thanked the audience for participating in this first outstanding project of its kind in the Northwest region.  He read US senator Jennie Long's letter which congratulated the young graduates. Mr. Bob Terwilliger, who represented United Way, described how the grant reaches out to diverse groups and the criteria required to apply for it.   Ms. Midori Okazaki, representative from State senator Patty Murray's office talked about herself as a Japanese immigrant and how she didn't have much  of a chance to learn her own language.

Mr. Jeff McCormick, Slade Gordon's special assistant, gave an in depth presentation regarding this project.  It not only enriched the Cambodian community, but it also enriched America.  The immigrant family needed the right tools to be successful in their new life in their adopted country. Mr. Jim Troyer Chief of staff from US Congresswoman Linda Smith's office, addressed the role of the US congress and what they were doing in regard  to Cambodia's situation.  He said what was happening in Cambodia it was very important, not only for the Cambodians but to the entire world as well.   He asked to keep this project going.

The audience enjoyed listening to him talking about the election and they asked pertinent questions in the short time available.  "OH  PTEY SROK KHMER" was sung by one group of the students while another group danced.  This entertainment created a strong impression and lots of emotions for the guests and many Cambodian parents who heard and saw this traditional presentation for the first time since they left Cambodia.  It brought back memories of Cambodia and how it was prosperous during that time before the country fell under communist control.

As we celebrated the graduation that reflected on what we had accomplished over the past 6 months and we are looking forward to meeting the challenges facing our new project in 1999.  Furthermore, it was the perfect time of  the year to thank all the WCC/NW members, supporters, and others for their hard work and dedication in working together as a team to advocate democracy.   The work had been  productive and full of reward. As a coordinator of this project, Monica Oung thanked all Cambodians for  their part in contributing to that success.  A project was only as successful a s it workers, and they were the supporters who will lead our community and Cambodia into the 21st century.  With the same efforts and commitment from our WCC members we are confident our country in the future will find a real democracy.