Journeys Within Our Community
"The Giant Puppet Project is a fantastic opportunity for our children to be involved in something BIG! The pleasure they get from seeing their work being enjoyed by the hundreds of people that come to watch the parade is immense. Being involved in the whole process, from staring with a pile of raw materials to finishing the parade shows them that they are capable of creating something wonderful- a huge confidence boost for children used to being on edges of things. JWOC is already looking forward to taking part in the 2012 Giant Puppet Project!" - Nicola Ball, Managing Director, Journeys Within Our Community
Cambodian Landmine Museum Relief Fund
The 'Landmine Kids' hadn't been part of the Great Puppet Project for a couple of years and not all of them knew what it was about. But the ones who did were ALL excited about doing it again. I'll tell just one story about one boy. He came to live with us just a few weeks before the Project started. He came from a very small village in the north of the country and his new home was a bit bewildering. He was very quiet and we never saw him smile. UNTIL he started to build his puppet. Then we couldn't stop him from smiling. The GPP helped open this little boy up. We are very greatful you included us, and we are looking forward to next year. - Bill Morse, Project Manager, Cambodian Landmine Museum and Relief Center
The Green Gecko Project
"Thanks to the brainchild of Stu (one of our very own volunteers), the expertise of Mr Jig (giant puppet maker extraordinaire) and his many talented puppeteer fairies who collaborated with over 300 local kids from orphanages, schools and centres to present the noisiest, most colourful street show ever seen in Siem Reap. The endangered tiger and crane, the Khmer naga and apsara, dental hygiene guy, road safety kid and many enchanted forest creatures were amongst other larger than life illuminated effigies paraded by their junior creators. It was a fabulous experience from beginning to end; watching their masterpieces evolve from their handy work to the pride and joy beaming from their faces as they chanted 'Green Gecko, Green Gecko', shaking their shakers and holding up their gigantic achievement to hoards of bemused yet delighted onlookers curb side." - Tania Palmer, Co-founder and Director, Green Gecko Project
Anjali House
"The Giant Puppet Parade is a much anticipated annual event for the children of Anjali House. Working in the arts throughout the year the parade is a vital opportunity for the children to meet and make friends with children from other local organisations and work together to create something that acts as a catalyst for creative expression and social change. The exponential growth of the parade year after year is testiment to the inclusiveness of the event and the popular support it receives from the community. As with all community art the GPP provides the children with new skill sets, educates them on local issues, encourages them to work with participants from other backgrounds. The public parade fosters community recognition and engagement and builds self-confidence in the children that participate, something that we continue to notice build in the children year on year." - Samuel Flint, Director, Anjali House
The Global Child
"Throughout my time volunteering in Cambodia, something that became very evident to me was the lack of art in the education system, as well as the culture in general. For many of our students, having the chance to participate in the Giant Puppet Project sparked an interest in this outlet for their talent and creativity. They also had the chance to meet and work with other children from various NGO's in town. On parade night, I watched their eyes sparkle in excitement as they saw their Kouprey light up the night sky amongst the other beautiful puppets. Watching our students proudly march their puppet through Siem Reap, and the crowds of cheering onlookers was a perfect culmination to the entire experience. We are grateful to the volunteers and puppeteers who worked so hard to coordinate and put together this wonderful project, and feel lucky to have been a part of it." Elizabeth Osborne, The Global Child
ABC's and Rice
"The Giant Puppet Project makes our children very proud and happy. It builds their self-worth because the puppet is actually made by them. They are delighted with what they achieve and that they get a chance to be a part of the build to produce this wonderful outcome. It’s wonderful to see the children in a setting outside of school where they work as a team. They have so much fun during the parade, marching with everyone and showing off their puppet to Siem Reap. One particular child said he enjoys the puppet build because of the surprise of which animal we are making and that we learn to care for all the animals. The Giant Puppet Parade in Siem Reap is the biggest event in ABCs and Rice’s calendar year. We thank everyone involved for making this such a spectacular event." Tammy Durand, ABCs and Rice