My magical moment happened on March 8, 2024, when I traveled to join the Community of Practice (CoP) of indigenous groups composed of OPKC and Phum Asia on the joint idea of amplifying the indigenous identity (language) through theatrical performance called Yike.

For 68 days, OPKC and Phum Asia, together with the youth, put every effort into these activities with intensive training on weekends and rehearsals from day to night, with support from members of the Linking and Learning Facilitation Team of Voice Cambodia. The day finally came to perform Yike in the Kuy language for the first time. Moreover, they were also holding this big event to honor the International Women’s Day!

The performance had a focus on storytelling and the significance of reflecting on one’s identity, belief, lifestyle, and traditions. These points of reflection were brought to the stage in front of a crowd of 1,000 people from over 11 villages from Presh Vihea and Kompong Thom province, as well as village chiefs, villagers, local leaders, guardsmen and even villagers from the border between Presh Vihea and Kompong Thom. The performance brought education, jobs, pride and unity. A big shout out to the CoP group’s effort in such a powerful event! It was such a good initiative to pass to the next generation. Everyone felt joy and pride for their first-ever actvocacy and inclusivity initiative!

I felt truly inspired, encouraged, and proud of the CoP group’s efforts.

Watch the performance of Yike here:  

episode 1 https://www.facebook.com/kuipedia/videos/1140355293965691

episode 2 https://www.facebook.com/kuipedia/videos/417439991073524