Following the completion of “GEG Youth Achievement Program 2012-2013” organized by Galaxy Entertainment Group (“GEG”) and Macau Management Association (“MMA”), six winners of the program’s final competition set off for a five-day study tour in Cambodia recently. The program offered members a cultural exploration in the famous landmarks and scenic spots; it also gave them the valuable opportunities to visit two local charity associations and reached out to the people living in some of the most impoverished regions of the country.

Accompanied by the instructors from GEG and MMA, the six members of Youth Achievement Program (“YAP”) visited Cambodia in mid-August to engage in an array of meaningful activities, including the opportunities to learn about the country’s historical background from the cultural landmarks, such as National Museum of Cambodia, Angkor Wat and the Imperial Palace. The group also visited New Hope Cambodia in Siem Reap and People Improvement Organization in Phnom Penh, the charity associations which provide free medical service, education and training programs for poor families. During the visit, the members were given the opportunities to interact with the beneficiaries to have better understanding of poor people’s livelihood.

120 sets of daily items sponsored by GEG, including toothpastes, toothbrushes, towels and shower gels, were given out to the students of the associations. The YAP members also prepared a bundle of gifts such as stationery sets and famous snacks in Macau for handing out to the children. To make it a truly memorable gathering for everyone, the members specially arranged a fun-filled learning experience for the students by engaging them in group exercises and teaching them simple English words. More activities followed as the children dressed up in traditional costumes to give a folk dance performance, as a token of warm welcome and gratitude to the YAP members.

A visit to an old campus of New Hope Cambodia has probably left the most striking impression on the YAP members who are so accustomed to city life. The campus is located in one of the most impoverished rural areas in Siem Reap, where the villagers only live in little shanks made from wood plank and sacks, and children wear rags and go barefoot. Since visitors are rare, the arrival of the YAP members has certainly filled the entire village with joy and excitement; and they were warmly welcomed by the children who led them around the village by hands.

After five days of vision-broadening activities in Cambodia, the YAP members were deeply moved by how the less fortunate people coped with the obstacles and difficulties in life. “No matter how harsh their life is, they always maintain a positive outlook and never lose hope in it. The experience with these people has given me more courage to take on the challenges in life, because it makes me realize how lucky I am,” said Ho Sou I, one of the YAP members and a designer working at an art studio. “I have also developed great friendship with my team mates after working closely with them throughout the six-month program. I really appreciate their efforts and have learnt a lot from each and every one of them.”

Targeting local youths between 18 and 25, the “GEG Youth Achievement Program 2012-2013” aimed to help the participants discover personal strengths through a range of team building activities and volunteer work. The third term of “GEG Youth Achievement Program” will be launched in the near future. For further information, please pay attention to the announcement of the organizers.