“Creative arts enable and empower people living with disabilities to change their lives and the lives of other people living with disabilities,” said Sally Shaw, an advisor to the new drama performance debuting this week at Mith Samlanh Restaurant.

Twelve World Vision vocational skill training students will be performing a drama entitled “Life of Hope” on Friday, 1 October. Each of the twelve students lives with a disability.

“We strongly believe that this drama will help break down the barriers of discrimination and stigma in Cambodia,” confidently shared one of the students.

During the drama, the students interpret some of the struggles People With Disabilites (PWD) face in Cambodia. These struggles include poverty, social barriers, and challenges to having their voices heard.

The drama performance, a joint project facilitated by VBNK/CCD and supported through World Vision, the British Embassy, UK Charity and Mith Samlanh, aims to raise the public’s awareness of not only PWDs’ needs but more importantly, their potential. The performers demonstrate that they are able to lift themselves out of poverty and actively participate in their country’s development.

“The discrimination and stigmas, experienced by PWDs, obviously impact their personalities and lives,” commented Chab Vibol, World Vision’s Mines & Disability Programme Manager. “Through creative dramas, they build their confidence, sense of trust, and self-esteem”.

In Cambodia, disabilities are a critical development and social justice issue. 9.6 percent of Cambodia’s population lives with a disability. Disabilities in Cambodia are mainly attributed to polio, congenital diseases, war and conflict accidents and landmine explosions.

Disturbingly, the disability rate per capita in Cambodia is one of the highest in the world. Most PWDs experience discrimination and marginalisation in society.

“Their voices are heard as they struggle for a behaviour change in the way society treats PWDs. These students’ drama performances challenge non-disabled persons to see PWDs’ abilities rather than disabilities,” added Chab Vibol.

The students receive support from World Vision’s Bringing Hope Project to pursue tertiary education as they continue to advocate for the elimination of discrimination against PWDs.

MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
Date: Friday 01 October 2004
Time: 06:30 PM
Location: Mith Samlanh Restaurant N° 215, Street 13

To arrange interviews with students and for more information, please contact:
Sok Naly, Communication Coordinator, HP: +855 12 727304