TFISH Everyday Heroes features people in the community trying to make a difference. We showcase inspiring individuals and non-profits around the world. The following article is an update on the volunteer work of the Kam family. To say that the Kam family has been involved with TFISH this summer would be an understatement. Lauren is one of our high school interns and in the past couple months, Lauren's parents and sisters have joined her in supporting a number of different TFISH projects. In June, the Kam family put on a wonderful benefit concert for Little Red Scarf (Lauren is an excellent violinist) and last month in July, Lauren coordinated a week long music camp for Sahaya International (putting her skills to work). And if they weren't busy enough, in just a couple days, Lauren and her mother, Grace Kam, will be traveling to China to volunteer at Little Red Scarf hospital. TFISH staff visited Grace and Lauren Kam at their home last month during this "Young Musicians Workshop" music camp. When we arrived, Lauren and her friends, all older high school students, were giving music lessons to about 10 elementary school kids. These aren't typical music lessons. It wasn't located in a school or a professional studio. Music was taught in various rooms in the Kam family's home - each room named after a different musical term. Lauren was giving violin lessons in her bedroom, which she named the "Candenza Room". Piano was downstairs. Arts and crafts was located in the living room. Music theory, outside in the backyard. Brightly colored construction paper decorated the walls. Everyone running around in green shirts - custom made for the camp. At the end of the day, the young musicians brought out prepared snacks and played a couple rounds of musical chairs. We try to showcase inspiring individuals and non-profits around the world. The following article highlights the work of Priscilla Chan and her work with international human trafficking. She is currently a legal consultant for Hagar, a non-profit dedicated to restoring wholeness to the lives of women and children in Afghanistan, Cambodia and Vietnam that have been torn apart by human rights abuse. Walking the whole journey of protection, recovery, empowerment and integration with each individual is the whole reason for Hagar. "What can I do?" was the first question she asked when Priscilla Chan became aware of the problems of international trafficking. Leaving her six-figure salary, Priscilla decided to make an impact by becoming a consultant for Hagar Cambodia's Legal and Protection Unit. She is currently assisting trafficked children in testifying against criminals. "I could no longer pretend that nothing happened and continue to work, shop, and eat. That day I said to myself, I really want to do everything I can to help these individuals." According to the 2009 United Nations' “Global Report on Trafficking in Persons," every year about 800,000 to 4,000,000 people are sold in trafficking. 80% of people are forced to engage in the sex industry, and Cambodia is one of the most problematic places. Due to limited social resources, women or children refugees could only stay at Hagar and other NGOs. Priscilla’s mission is to assist the victims in the daunting task of testifying in court. She helps her victims as best she can, fight through the fears of confronting their attacker and reliving traumatic experiences. |
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