An enthusiastic crowd of over 400 people recently packed the ballroom at the Radisson Blu Resort, St Julian’s, for a fundraising event organised by the Drama Outreach (DO) project.
DO is a new NGO created to offer children in developing countries the opportunity to benefit from developmental drama using the acclaimed Helen O’Grady Academy teaching systems, as well as English through music, art and drama for a few weeks.
The fundraiser was held in aid of their first project where a group of drama teachers and carers are planning to spend a few weeks in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in August.
Due to a violent past and years of devastation, much of Cambodia’s population hasn’t had the opportunity to receive a formal education. This has created a vicious circle that has had a devastating effect on the more vulnerable portion of the population of this East Asian country, namely the children.
The good news is that since peace has been restored many Cambodians have access to basic schooling, but not yet enough – and this is where the DO group hopes to make a sustainable difference.
The event included a buffet and entertainment and it lasted until the early hours of the morning to music by DJ Malcolm Galea.
The highlight of the evening was an auction of prestigious works donated to the cause by some established Maltese and foreign artists, together with furnishings and household items. A touch of comedy was added by the auctioneer for the evening – one of actor Alan Montanaro’s many alter egos.
DO is made up of founders Montanaro and Chiara Hyzler, and members Paula Fleri-Soler, Matthew Gatt, Anika Gatt Seretny and Gaby Montanaro. They will be joined on their first venture by drama teacher Katherine Brown.
Once in Cambodia, the group will be sharing their experiences via DO’s dynamic Facebook page and they will also be publishing daily updates via a pictorial blog on www.timesofmalta.com.
In this way, readers will get to know the children involved in the project, the work being carried out, as well as the beauty of the country.
For more information, visit the DO Cambodia Facebook page or e-mail dramaoutreachproject@gmail.com.
Should readers wish to make a donation, this may be done electronically at HSBC 006214779001.