Hiroshima House is a facility built at Unalom Pagoda in Phnom Penh to express a wish for peace and friendship between Hiroshima and Cambodia. The association that runs it carries on the citizens' exchange that began with the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games, and was established as an NPO in 2009. It took its current name in July 2020.
Today it teaches children who have difficulty attending school, free of charge, in Khmer and arithmetic as well as English, Japanese, science, art and physical education. It serves 50 to 60 children, supported by Cambodian teachers and a cook. It also provides free, nutritionally balanced lunches, and treats table manners and tidying up as part of learning.
It also broadens the children's horizons through exchange, welcoming Japanese travelers and university and high school study trips, holding online exchanges and running a soccer team of its students. Operations are supported by donations and membership fees, and volunteers and interns are welcome.
Key points
- Free education and school meals for children from poor families
- Wide-ranging instruction, including languages (English and Japanese) and manners that are hard to learn in public schools
- Exchange with Japanese students and soccer broaden the children's possibilities through experience
Why this organization's work stands out
Exchange built up by citizens of Hiroshima since the 1990s has taken shape as a place of learning for local children. Its historical timeline and financial reports are published.
It responds to the children's own wishes to study Japanese or English and use it in future jobs, and offers opportunities for students and citizens to take part.
Editor's comment
I was moved to learn that a place built with a wish for peace is now a place of learning and smiles for children.
The activities are also shared through its blog and social media. Please take a look at the official website.