Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL HomeCambodian orphans to perform dance, visit with Hawaii foster parents

Cambodian orphans to perform dance, visit with Hawaii foster parents

HONOLULU (KHNL) - After years of frequent email correspondence, a group of talented orphans from Phnom Pehn, Cambodia will meet their Hawaii foster email parents for the first time.

The children from the Future Light Orphanage of Worldmate will arrive on Oahu September 3 to participate in cultural exchanges with other Hawaii students and culminate with a fundraising performance at Mamiya Theatre.

For most of the children, this trip is the first time they've ever left Cambodia.

"We wanted to bring the kids here, so they could meet their foster parents in the flesh, as well as experience our American and Hawaiian cultures while sharing their own culture with us," said Nancy Walden, Cambodian Children Cultural Tour Chair.  "These extremely talented teens represent a positive future for Cambodia.  To see them perform is an inspiring delightful experience."

FLOW was founded in 1992 by Phaly Nuon, a survivor of Cambodia's infamous "Killing Fields" of the Khmer Rouge.  

The orphanage cares for 250 children ages 5 to 22 and an additional 100 children who come from neighboring villages for lunch and English classes.