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gathered after dinner for a thought- exchange program with the school's

provoking lecture by Chea Nol, a students provided ASEP 2019 participants

representative of the Joint Support Team with a profound opportunity to connect

for Angkor Community Development. The with the local community. Despite language

participants were deeply moved by Mr. barriers, the universal language of play and

Nol's deeply personal account of shared experiences facilitated meaningful

Cambodia's tumultuous history under the interactions, fostering empathy, and

Pol Pot regime shed light on the country's understanding. Through traditional games

harrowing past and the resilience of its and collaborative activities, participants

people in the face of adversity. His story and students alike bridged cultural divides,

underscored the transformative power of laying the foundation for enduring

community-driven initiatives in rebuilding friendships and mutual respect. Moreover,

societies and fostering sustainable peace. the event also brought up the discussions

As participants reflected on the day's on the issue of brain drain and shed light

experiences over dinner, the events of Day on the challenges facing Cambodia's socio-

4 reinforced the overarching theme of economic landscape, underscoring the

ASEP 2019 and gave them renewed importance of investing in education and

enthusiasm for the following day’s events. talent retention to drive long-term

prosperity. Returning to the Pacific Hotel,

participants were treated to an inspiring

lecture by Mr. Takuya Yamase,

Representative Director of the Kumae

Group. Mr. Yamase's remarkable journey

from adversity to entrepreneurship served

as a testament to the transformative

power of education and innovation. His

initiatives, including educational programs

On the penultimate day (August 5th) of and the production of eco-friendly banana

ASEP 2019, the participants had visited the paper, exemplify the convergence of

AEON Mango School nestled within the sustainable development and social

heart of Cambodia's rural landscape. The impact. By creating opportunities for

school, a collaborative effort between children to pursue their aspirations and

AEON, World Assistance for Cambodia, and fostering environmental stewardship, Mr.

Japan Relief for Cambodia, stands as a Yamase's effort embodied the ethos of

beacon of hope for underprivileged sustainable peacebuilding at the

children in the region. Upon arrival, the grassroots level. As participants engaged in

participants were greeted by the vibrant group work sessions, the day's events

energy of primary school children. The underscored the interconnectedness of

ASEP 2019 participants learned that the education, entrepreneurship, and

AEON Mango School provided various community development.

educational activities, ranging from

computer training to nurturing vegetable

gardens. These initiatives not only provide

essential skills but also instil a sense of

empowerment and resilience in the young

minds, crucial for sustainable

peacebuilding in the community. The

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