Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kompong Cham (Fides Service) - For the Catholic diocese of Kompong Cham in Cambodia Human Formation for children young people and adults is a priority. Since 2002 the diocese has undertaken education to conscious and happy relationships with the help of the Karol and Setha organisation. The initiators of this programme are convinced Christians. It is clear to many observers of the Cambodian scenario that society today is violent and frustrating for its members. Domestic violence has reached record levels. Social morals are scant and cases of corruption and breaking the law very frequent. The majority of adult men have extra-marital relations with prostitutes, and this is considered normal. Pornography contaminates even children and not even the most remote villages are safe. Many NGOs operate in the field of sexual protection but unfortunately very often with approaches which are merely “technical” (the only alternative is the condom) or negative which render sexual relationships the place of all the curses and evils (violence, AIDS, oppression of women, etc.). Recently these agencies produced a film with the title “The Punishments of Love” (Toudakam Snéha). There exists therefore a real deficit of holistic education which opens to a relationship of joy and happiness.
This situation is what prompted Karol and Setha Organisation to promote seminars on the subject. In Kompong Cham seminars for children, adolescents and adults, lasting from one to five days have been attended by 180 young people and about 100 adults. A similar initiative has been arranged for couples. The first experience with five couples consisted of 25 half-day monthly sessions. The main encounters are held once every two months, followed by booster meetings once a month. The subjects for reflection include the following: self awareness; role of father and mother; anatomy and sexuality, choice of partner; managing instincts; the burden of the past; expression of sentiments; listening and communicating; the necessities of the couple; affectivity, solution of conflicts; adolescents; work. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 8/1/2007; righe 25, parole 362)
