Run Bech: "...a boy with a deep level of compassion and a great sense of responsibility..."

Thirteen year old Phia Run Bech lives with his brother in the house of his elder sister and her husband.  After losing both parents at a young age, his family has struggled to overcome strenuous financial difficulties. His sister works in a clothing factory earning roughly one dollar a day, while his brother-in-law drives a rented moto-taxi to earn about the same.  Their combined income is enough to provide food and shelter for the family, but education for the children is well out of reach. It is an unfortunate situation for Phia as he has artistic aspirations that will go unrealized without a venue for expression.

Phia and his brother were both offered the opportunity to attend our Academic Bridge Program.  Here they will receive the necessary attention, tutoring, and guidance that they need to catch up on their years of missed schooling.  Not long after joining in the program, Phia’s artistic potential and aspirations came shining through.  He told us of his dream to becoming a professional dancer, but doubts that it will ever be possible.  His days are filled with household chores, and he has little time for artistic expression. 

We have found a deep level of compassion in Phia, as well as a great sense of responsibility. It is truly a pleasure to have Phia in our program as he constantly reminds us of the simple pleasures in life.