From Cambodia to Milan

Sok Lima, Lon Phanna, Net Sotheara, Peng Vibol are just some of the Cambodian boys selected but mostly welcomed by Il Nodo Onlus International Cooperation to become part of the free education project promoted by La Bottega dell'Arte di Milano. Their first 'works', brooches in silver or gold, are exhibited in Milan at the Natsukotoyofuku Gallery in Corso Como until November 15th. Title of the event, Full Metal Brooches. A unique opportunity for those who want to know closely both the work of this non-profit organization, and for those, like Sok and other boys, sometimes little more than teenagers, has no education and has a socio-economic situation often catastrophic behind, and instead finds himself enrolled in a two-year course to learn a job that can change his future prospects. In fact, since 2009, this Bottega di Milano has been offering two years of Design Silverware where students learn how to work with metals and enhance their natural talent with their design. At the end of the two-year period, the boys are able to masterly create jewels and silver objects. The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training in Cambodia recognizes the degree awarded by the school since October 2015, a recognition that guarantees excellent job opportunities. In 2018, a shorter course was started only for girls, the most vulnerable part of the Khmer population.In Cambodia, the sustenance of the family is the task of the daughters. Therefore, girls need a prompt economic return. The program includes sewing by hand and machine, knit, crochet, gluing, soutaches, stringing pearls. At the end of the course the girls are able to make bijoux and design objects in fabrics, ropes, nets, Cernit.