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(1) Scott Nesson – an acquaintance for about 12 years
I listened to Scott Nesson’s report on the progress of the new center and the foundation. I have been in acquaintance with Scott Nesson for about 12 years. In 2013, we first met at the Prime Minister HE Sun Chanthol’s house. HE Sun Chanthol brought us together. He prepared us a special steak and we had a wonderful time listening to him singing. I was not aware of who and what Scott Nesson is either. I only knew that there was a director from Hollywood. So HE Sun Chanthol introduced us to each other. At that time, he had a children’s sponsorship program at the center, where (HE Sun Chanthol) had sonsored several children. We were interested. We later went to see the first center. My family and I went there one after another, bringing doctors (to help check their health) and so on. We have been connected since he was not yet a Cambodian. Currently, he is a Cambodian and is my advisor.
(2) The people’s hearts in the community that Scott Nesson helps care for are warm
Talking about the heart and working with the heart, I think what Scott Nesson does is a great example. What is the testimony? In Steung Meanchey, the people are struggling as there are also people coming from the provinces. It is a center with a lot of marginalized people. Our authorities have paid attention on them. What surprised me, however, was that though Scott Nesson is not married but he has many children. Wherever he goes, he is called Papa Scott. (The children are) from the age of 2 to 70. He asked me to find a wife for him. How can I find one if he has thousands of children (like that). When we walked into the community, we (saw) that the hearts of the people he helps care for are very warm. This shows how committed he is. He has given up his salary of hundreds of thousands of US dollars, as a famous Hollywood director, living a high-class lifestyle or high show in America. He gave up them all up and come to work with his heart for our people.
(3) The Cambodian Children’s Foundation works with a true heart to help people
Every year, they go to fundraising outside (the country) to continuously help the children. It has been seen as tangible results. This is what we see as a good partner of the Royal Government. Samdech Techo cares about NGO partners who work really hard to help the people. We have hundreds of thousands of partners in the country (which shows how we value) the freedom of NGOs working as good partners of ours (Royal Government) who work with a true heart to help the people. This response is a tangible result in increasing additional benefits for the community. Now, some of the children there have received scholarships to study in Australia and with different majors, and those who leave (the center) also get jobs. We help each other.
(4) The 7th legislative Royal Government continues to support activities of partners that help poor communities
Our country has made many improvements in the lives of its people, but we must recognize that not everyone is successful. In every country, there are people who succeed and who failed. Those who are unsuccessful, especially children and the elderly in our poor communities, needed help. In the cities, especially Phnom Penh, there are many programs to help. I would like to thank the local administrations, districts, cities, and villages for their good cooperation and support for partners, national and international organizations that help children, women, victims, as well as organizations for the disabled and those in need of help. The Royal Government encourages all of these activities, and the 7th legislative Royal Government continues to be committed to supporting the activities of partners, civil society organizations, international organizations that work together to help citizens, especially in communities that need help, such as poor communities or children, women, and victims. We are committed to provide help.
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(5) Since 1979, governments have been cooperating with partner organizations that are doing real work to help people in all sectors
Once again, let me thank Mr. James McCabe, who had the vision for such organization […] which, if we look back over the past 12 years, from 2013 […] it has been a real activity. To create something like this requires a lot of commitment and dedication. I thank you for your participation, as well as many partner organizations that are working to help communities and reach people in all aspects of Cambodia. The Royal Government welcomes you. Some say that the Royal Government has a problem with (non-governmental) organizations.
That is not the case. Since coming out from the Pol Pot regime from 1979 or in the 1980s, many civil society organizations, international organizations – such as World Version, have come to help and are continuing to cooperate, especially with partner organizations that are doing real work, to help people in all sectors of Cambodia. The Royal Government still considers them special partners and continues to cooperate with and provide them supports. This is our commitment. Best wishes to all. So, goodbye. Thank you./.