Music therapy is used at the Kampot Traditional Music School to open up education and learning opportunities to orphans and the disabled children of southern Cambodia.
Here, hundreds of children find a respite of poverty stricken Cambodia, and also learn skills that can earn them an income in their adulthood.
Indeed, many graduates of Kampot Traditional Music School have gone on to successful careers back in the capital, Phnom Penh and in other parts of Cambodia as well as other Southeast Asian countries as skilled players of traditional regional instruments. There is a widening set of opportunities for musicians in Cambodia and work in a tourist resort or hotel, which is a substantial improvement from the mundane and menial street jobs, and even begging.
An awarded and well-supported education center, donations and establishment grants from Australia, Britain, Japan and Canada helped build the school and establish a core staff group. Ongoing public donations as well as financial support from the government of The Netherlands help keep the school running smoothly.
The school is locate along the more southerly of the two roads leading away from the river on either side of the old market; one block west of Acleda Bank.
Getting There
140 km from Phnom Penh by bus, as well as plenty of tour group cars and takes around 3 hours.
Need to Know
- What is it: A music school for orphans and disabled children in southern Cambodia.
- Opening hours: 07:30 to 15:30, Monday to Friday (performances at 6:30 on most nights)
- Entrance fees: donations to the school are welcomed.
- Where: Kampot Province in southern Cambodia.