Today was the big Deaf Week celebration for all the deaf community in Phnom Penh. It was held at another Maryknoll project, the Seedling of Hope grounds. Seedling has been very generous in allowing DDP to use their facilities for special events like the celebration today.
| This was an all-day celebration, with a simple box lunch at noon time. Much of the day is given to group games like this one where the deaf people try to kick a ball, soccer-style, into a "goal." Those who succeed get a small prize like a handtowel or toothpaste and toothbrush or a bar of soap. | |
| Another game involved carrying sponges soaked with water to fill water bottles at the other end of a game area. The games are simple but the deaf teams have a lot of fun with them. |  |
| For other deaf people, participating in the games is less attractive than just having a chance to sit and talk. The Seedling grounds are good for this with various places where people can be near the action but enough out of the mainstream to have a quiet conversation. |  |
 |
Deaf people really enjoy being together because their lives are often very lonely. Their families do not know sign language so the only opportunities they have to communicate with anyone are at school or activities like those of this Deaf Week. |