Toutes à l'école

A word from some individuals who sponsor a pupil from the "Happy Chandara" school

They explain to us why they took this step, for them and for their families.

Cécile Bigeon
Head of communication for the tourism industry

"I studied Indonesian and Javanese at Langues O (translators note: INALCO or National Institute of Oriental languages and Civilisations) where my favourite teacher Solange Thierry, wonderfully passionate about Asia, knew better than anyone how to tell us the story of Buddha, of the industrious work of the researchers and architects of INALCO and of Khmer culture. In 1992 I was finally able to visit Cambodia. When I think of discovering the Angkor archaeological site, totally deserted, a matrix of stones in the jungle I am still moved, the most powerful view I have ever seen. Accounts of the suffering endured by the people under the rein of Pol Pot, seeing children with limbs lost from anti-personnel mines, meeting such a wonderful people all inspired me to want to do something small, something personal for this remarkable country. Sponsoring a little girl feels a bit like a drop in the ocean - but by not attending the school she would be missing so much.."

Colombine Blum
Decorator

"I have four boys, and then I dreamed of having a girl. It's no longer possible but today but I imagine that the young girl we sponsor is the spiritual sister of Ange, Saul, Eloi and Milo. A little Cambodian that we're going to support, encourage so she can make a success of her life. Education is the most important. Culture helps you to live, opens you up to others, helps you to see further than the end of your nose. Knowing the place women occupy in so many countries, sponsoring a disadvantaged little girl so she can go to school and not be taken advantage of is a big deal! One day I'll go to Cambodia, I can't wait to see her with her Happy Chandara schoolbag."

Delphine Grisoni
Head of training

"I've always wanted to sponsor a child. Today, I'm a mother and I want Noé who's 4 and Anouk who's five and a half, who both travel a lot and go to a good school, to know that what they perceive as normal here is a luxury for millions of disadvantaged children elsewhere. The little girl we sponsor will be part of their lives, they will swap drawings, write to each other and one day, they'll meet in Cambodia. In my life as a woman I know how important education is to be a free and independent adult".