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Last updated 20/04/2012
Cambodian teenagers will use the universal language of dance to connect with South Auckland students.
Tiny Toones, a Cambodian dance crew made up of former street kids, will be sharing their story of growing up in a "post-genocide nation living on $3 a day" when they visit schools next week.
They're hoping to inspire the students to chase their dreams no matter what their circumstances.
The educational outreach programme helps impoverished Cambodian children affected by extreme poverty and exploitation.
It has provided education and a safe haven for more than 4000 children and their families since it was founded in 2007 by Cambodian-American deportee KK (real name Tuy Sobil). Amnesty International fundraising co-ordinator Lisa Ho is the driving force behind the cultural exchange.
She's been working to 2am most mornings on top of her day job to raise $5600 online and secure visas so the touring troupe can visit Auckland.
That's because she believes the Papatoetoe, Aorere and Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate students will be "blown away" by the group's journey.
"It's really inspiring to hear their personal stories of where they've come from.
"New Zealand teens have struggles but hearing from another group of teenagers struggling with the same issues in totally different circumstances will blow them away," Ms Ho says.
"Many of these kids have to beg on the streets, work in sweatshop factories or even in the sex trade just so their family can have their next meal."
Ms Ho travelled to Cambodia – her mother's homeland – in 2009 to work with Amnesty International and says the country's had a special place in her heart ever since.
"I've realised that my own personal issues pale in comparison to what these kids battle on a daily basis. The fact that I have a supportive family, can choose a career path, can choose where I want to eat, what I wear and where I hang out are huge privileges."
Ms Ho says there's meaning for everyone in the crew's inspirational message.
"No matter where you come from, what your background is, what mistakes you've made in the past, how poor you are, you still have a choice to overcome your circumstances, to not let your past define you and to find a support system to help you achieve your dreams."
The crew is scheduled to visit schools and a local breakdance competition, hold a youth conference and finish with a two-hour fundraising concert at Auckland Girls Grammar School on April 27.
Tiny Toones, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, April 27 at Auckland Girls Grammar. Cost presale ticket $15 or $20, go to eventfinder.co.nz/2012/tiny-toones-fundraising-show/auckland/newton for more information.
Cambodian teenagers will use the universal language of dance to connect with South Auckland students.
Tiny Toones, a Cambodian dance crew made up of former street kids, will be sharing their story of growing up in a "post-genocide nation living on $3 a day" when they visit schools next week.
They're hoping to inspire the students to chase their dreams no matter what their circumstances.
The educational outreach programme helps impoverished Cambodian children affected by extreme poverty and exploitation.
It has provided education and a safe haven for more than 4000 children and their families since it was founded in 2007 by Cambodian-American deportee KK (real name Tuy Sobil). Amnesty International fundraising co-ordinator Lisa Ho is the driving force behind the cultural exchange.
She's been working to 2am most mornings on top of her day job to raise $5600 online and secure visas so the touring troupe can visit Auckland.
That's because she believes the Papatoetoe, Aorere and Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate students will be "blown away" by the group's journey.
"It's really inspiring to hear their personal stories of where they've come from.
"New Zealand teens have struggles but hearing from another group of teenagers struggling with the same issues in totally different circumstances will blow them away," Ms Ho says.
"Many of these kids have to beg on the streets, work in sweatshop factories or even in the sex trade just so their family can have their next meal."
Ms Ho travelled to Cambodia – her mother's homeland – in 2009 to work with Amnesty International and says the country's had a special place in her heart ever since.
"I've realised that my own personal issues pale in comparison to what these kids battle on a daily basis. The fact that I have a supportive family, can choose a career path, can choose where I want to eat, what I wear and where I hang out are huge privileges."
Ms Ho says there's meaning for everyone in the crew's inspirational message.
"No matter where you come from, what your background is, what mistakes you've made in the past, how poor you are, you still have a choice to overcome your circumstances, to not let your past define you and to find a support system to help you achieve your dreams."
The crew is scheduled to visit schools and a local breakdance competition, hold a youth conference and finish with a two-hour fundraising concert at Auckland Girls Grammar School on April 27.
Tiny Toones, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, April 27 at Auckland Girls Grammar. Cost presale ticket $15 or $20, go to eventfinder.co.nz/2012/tiny-toones-fundraising-show/auckland/newton for more information.
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