Banteay Prieb: A Bittersweet Graduation Ceremony

“Now we are going to say goodbye. Our school is closed.” said Yun Pheary, standing outside before the graduation ceremony at Banteay Prieb. Being a graduate of Banteay Prieb himself, he has been teaching and taking care of students at this vocational school for more than ten years.

Few months before the graduation ceremony of 2019, students and staff were told Banteay Prieb is closing due to a new land development plan of the government. A new Banteay Prieb will be started at a new location, and this will be a goodbye to the current location of the school. The graduation day would be a bittersweet ending for the semester, for the school, for the staff and the students.

Since 1991, Banteay Prieb has been a home and a companion to the people with disabilities in Cambodia for almost 30 years. Fr. Jub, one of the founders of Banteay Prieb, says that the spirit of Banteay Prieb is a “Reconciliation” itself. “In the early days, most of the students who lived in Banteay Prieb were either former soldiers or victims of landmines. Here they lived together. When one of the students told us how he lost his leg by a landmine, another student who had also lost one leg added that he used to stay in that village as a soldier so he might be the one who had installed that landmine. They talked, cried, and laughed together. This reflects the image of Banteay Prieb.”

Students who were wounded by violence and hatred eventually reconciled with their memories of war and with their own disabilities and weaknesses. After one year of vocational training and community life in Banteay Prieb, they returned home. Many of them lived a new life with confidence, while some of them still faced challenges in the society. “Banteay Prieb is like a hospital which heals people, and the friends who also has disabilities, living together here, are the medicines to heal their wounds.” says Men Yuth, Manager of Outreach Team. “When I lost my leg, at first I thought there was no hope in my life anymore. However, as I met and lived with friends who were in a similar situation like mine, I gained strength again. I dreamt to become a person who helps others, like the priests and volunteers who have been taking care of us with love. Every year at the graduation ceremony, we tell the students; the society might be the same as before, but trust yourself. You are a different person now.”

On 17th December 2019, Banteay Prieb welcomed numbers of guests for its graduation ceremony. There were nearly 70 visitors, including the founders of Banteay Prieb, many Jesuits, former volunteers and graduates. It became a special day that many current and former staff, teachers, and students gathered altogether to celebrate and commemorate the history and the journey of Banteay Prieb.

The ceremony started with greetings from Mr. Sithy(Banteay Prieb center director), Fr. Rudy(Banteay Prieb coordinator), and Mr. Kim Rithy(Vice governor of Kandal province). They wished for students’ success and health. Fr. Rudy encouraged them not to fear of anything, continue to study, and keep asking questions. After the speech, seventy-one students received the graduation certificates stamped by the  government and JSC. At the back of the certificate, students could see how much hours they’ve trained for each skill. It will be an important proof for them to get a new job or to show to their customers in the future. For a while, students were looking at their certificates again and again.

After the students got the certificates and took group photos, they enjoyed playing games and enjoyed the banquet together. During dinner, some of the founders of Banteay Prieb: Fr. Jub, Br. Noel, Mgr. Kike and Sr. Denise gave students short blessings. Fr. Job invited us to think about people who devoted their life here including Richie Fernando. And Br. Noel said, “Thank you everyone that you made Banteay Prieb special!”

At the end, about 20 students sang beautiful songs for all Banteay Prieb members. The song was about farewell and giving appreciation to friends and teachers. The fantastic performers got a big round of applause. Students received gifts, too. The dancing party continued until late at night and participants had lots of fun. Students would go back home tomorrow and start a new stage of their lives. Everyone shared their memories, felt sorry but wished for a bright future. Tears and laughter were everywhere.

Congratulations to all the graduates, and Banteay Prieb will always pray for their health, success, and happiness.