By Serey Samchet, Carrie Herbert, Kit Loring | Directors Ragamuffin Cambodia
At Ragamuffin, we have been working with more vulnerable young people who have been dealing with complex attachment issues, social stigma, and depression. Throughout our work, Art therapy has been one of the most effective therapeutic approaches in helping them express their deep emotions and thoughts in order to bring relief from their problems. For example, one of our clients was at high risk of self-harm. She is suffering due to abandonment, sexual trafficking, and poverty. As a result of all these experiences, she found herself very sensitive and fragile. During her therapy session, she expressed all her suffering through drawing which helped her understand the impact of her trauma and a pattern of self-harm. Despite living with those painful memories, she has gradually learned to respond to herself with self-compassion and kindness. The more I work with clients, the more I see how the safe and gentle process of arts therapy helps them learn how to find support and re-discover their life’s purpose again. I see it as an important part of their journey of self-redemption and self-discovery which will take them to new insight and hope for their current and future life.
At Songkites, we had such a beautiful and inspiring experience today. Those so often described, simplistically, as disabled, and so often marginalised is societies around the world, shone so brightly and proved, if any proof was really needed even to the causal attentive observer, that they were able and gifted and rich in insights and creativity.
We came together to create a song and a video to advocate for the acknowledgement and inclusion of those with ‘differabilty’. The goal is to promote this video globally. This small group of Cambodian artists then champions of a cause; a cause that matters so much in a world where every kind of extremism and elitism gives rise to irrational prejudice and fear.
“There is love in my heart - so much love … my heart is expanding, so full of love for our world - what’s inside the heart is love, and this love is endless”. Is he right? Could a few Cambodian people described as disabled make a difference in our world? With your ongoing help perhaps they can.
Our thanks to all who participated and to all of you for contribution - you are stars in the night sky.
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