We are proud to announce that the 14th graduation ceremony of CSPO took place on 10th September. The event was attended by many guests including His Excellency Ith Sam Heng, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, and Carson Harte, Executive Director of the Cambodia Trust.
His Excellency Ith Sam Heng, Minister of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY) greeting the 2009 graduates
This year's ceremony had a double purpose: to mark the graduation of ten students from CSPO, bringing the number of CSPO graduates since 1994 to 143; and the graduation of nine students from La Trobe University, bringing the total to eighteen since 1997.
In her speech, CSPO Director Cathy McConnell said:
"This ceremony was a result of the dedication of many people whom I wish to acknowledge. Without the support of our donors and student sponsors, there would be no CSPO and no graduates gaining qualifications, so I would like to thank the following organizations: DFID, AusAid, ICRC, The Nippon Foundation, USAid, ISPO, UI Zensen, Terra Renaissance, Beatrice Laing Trust, and the Yokohama YMCA for all their support of CSPO’s Category II program this year.
"The Nippon Foundation, while a sponsor for CSPO students, is also the sole donor for the upgrade program, which today is graduating its second class of Bachelors of Prosthetics and Orthotics.
I would like to thank the staff at La Trobe University for creating a long distance education program enabling the capacity building of 18 Prosthetist Orthotists in Cambodia and developing nations, and for helping to ensure the sustainability of CSPO and other schools through its graduates. What the students and CSPO have achieved will have long-lasting and far-reaching implications.
"Next I would like to acknowledge the work that all CSPO and CT staff do day after day to teach our students, to keep them safe, to encourage them - all for the students’ development as people and as professionals, and so they may one day be proud holders of a CSPO National Diploma and ISPO Category II Prosthetist Orthotist certificates.
"To all who graduate today, I want to convey my heartfelt congratulations. You have all worked very hard. CSPO students have spent three years working in the workshop, studying for tests and exams in the evenings, and living together in the dormitory. La Trobe students have had an intense two years at their computer screens as they have studied largely via the internet and have passed difficult courses. I, the CSPO and Cambodia Trust staff are very proud of each one of you for the accomplishment you have achieved.
"To the CSPO graduates: Abdullah, Borany, Kanha, Elias, Deby, Levuana, Kunthea, Rina, Saros, and Sophano: congratulations on your achievement! To Chanpov, Saroth, Chathuranga, Sinoun, Vannara, Thyda, (along with Sajjad, Kumara, and Nizar who could not be here to join in their convocation ceremony), you have achieved what relatively few in your countries have achieved; an internationally-recognized Bachelor degree, and ISPO Category I qualification. Congratulations!
"To both classes, the temptation for you now will be to put studying behind you and not look back. I encourage you to stop there but to determine today to be the best Prosthetist Orthotist that you can be. Why? - because your clients deserve the best service you can give them. This will involve a lifetime of learning. May you enjoy a fulfilling career in prosthetics and orthotics, giving back to your communities by serving people with disabilities wherever life may take you. Again, congratulations."
You can see all the photos from the graduation ceremony on our Flickr photostream
