Book chronicles the story of charity for children in Cambodia

Checking it out: (From left) Gentry, Bradley and Khor admiring the art pieces done by the teachers and children of Colours of Cambodia.

By THO XIN YI

thoxinyi@thestar.com.my

Monday October 29, 2012 

HAVING volunteered at Colours of Cambodia and organised art exhibitions to raise funds for it, Pei Yeou Bradley, who is also known as Honey Khor, has published a book to spread the message of sharing and giving.
Khor, an artist who also teaches in a centre she set up in Puchong, teamed up with writer Martin Bradley to produce the book A Story of Colours of Cambodia.
Colours of Cambodia is an non-governmental organisation established by William Dewey Gentry in 2003 to teach art to the Khmer children.
The 148-page full-colour book began with the story of how Khor chanced upon the NGO during a holiday in Siem Reap.
Told through Khor’s eyes, the story is essentially about Colours of Cambodia — how Gentry founded the NGO, the people running the NGO in Siem Reap and the children’s love for art.

Martin and Khor took nine months to work on the book. Both of them visited Siem Reap for a week to talk to the key people at Colours of Cambodia, and got married at Colours of Cambodia while at it.
“I was often asked a lot of questions about Colours of Cambodia and why I wanted to volunteer for them, so I thought of writing a book to tell the story,” Khor said.
To cover the printing costs for 1,500 copies of the book, Khor raised RM20,000 from her friends, families and students’ parents.
Therefore, every cent obtained from the sale of the book, which is priced at RM50 each, goes back to Colours of Cambodia.
A book launch was held in Shah Alam recently.
Art pieces by Khor and the teachers and students of Colours of Cambodia were also exhibited at the launch.
Gentry said he was inspired by a French missionary, Father Henri, to give the Khmer children time rather than money.
“I visited a school in Cambodia and saw a lot of children who could draw.
“I saw the talent and asked the teacher what if I come here to teach,” said Gentry, an American who is currently running a family business in Singapore.
Colours of Cambodia has three full-time teachers to teach at eight schools during or after school hours.
The children can also attend the open teaching sessions at its gallery from 1pm to 4pm.
Gentry said Colours of Cambodia makes the children feel they matter.
“Getting better at their skills and talent gives them a sense of worth.
“One of the children has moved on to study interior design in Phnom Penh,” he said.
To purchase the book, email cofcthebook@gmail.com or call 012-606 9219.
For details on Colours of Cambodia, visit www.colorsofcambodia.org/.