CRC’s first youth camp focuses on sustainability
OVER 200 individuals including officials, volunteers, executives and youth from the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) branches in seven provinces united for an inaugural camping experience coordinated by the CRC.
Held from February 2-4 in Preah Sihanouk province, the event focused on the theme “Youth as Agents in Reducing the Impact of Climate
Change and Promoting a Green Environment”, according to the CRC.
Participants came from Preah Sihanouk, Stung Treng, Kampot, Kep, Kampong Speu, Koh Kong and Siem Reap provinces.
Men Neary Sopheak, first deputy secretary-general of the CRC, said the event demonstrated the strong and self-reliant capacity of the CRC branch in Preah Sihanouk province, in line with the organisation’s strategy laid out in 2010.
“The camp aligns with the government’s Pentagonal Strategy, aiming to enhance youth volunteerism and human resource development, focusing on the cultivation of healthy and capable individuals,” she said.
“This camp provided a platform for young people to share experiences, express solidarity and foster mutual focus while staying together. Participants learned from current challenges in humanitarian activity, recognising the CRC youth’s duty to contribute to addressing these issues,” she said.
She believes the programme will continue strengthening and expanding CRC youth networks in their respective provinces under the slogan “Young Volunteers are the Backbone of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement”.
Preah Sihanouk provincial governor Kuoch Chamroeun said the camp provided youth with an opportunity to meet, fostering connections, cultivating positive mindsets, spirits and sharing new knowledge and experiences to positively shape attitudes for them to become exemplary young citizens.
He underscored that engaging in group activities, humanitarian, social and environmental work contributes to building and developing the national society, propelling it further on both the national and international stages.
The CRC participated in the 9th International Youth Camp hosted by Indonesia in July 2023, focusing on providing young volunteers with an opportunity to collaborate as a team, share work experiences and exchange knowledge and positive mindsets through joint community development efforts.