Manuela – our late friend Italo’s wife – recently visited the Ban Khennoi School. We toured the multi-purpose hall we are building (together with Gruppo Sostegno Sergio Castro) to honor Italo’s memory.

It was an emotional day for all of us, especially during the brief, but touching, ceremony which not only celebrated Italo’s life but also our past, present and future.  There were tears, but there was laughter as well because we really wanted to celebrate Italo’s life instead of mourn him.  We didn’t want to succumb to the pain of his death and cry for something that is, unfortunately, unavoidable.

What better way to celebrate the life of a man who made solidarity one of his main goals?  I really think that for all of us involved in this project, there could not be a better thought than Italo looking after Ban Khennoi’s kids for whom we built this multi-purpose hall.  It is comforting to imagine Italo smiling at them and certainly, knowing him, he’d be smiling at their young and beautiful teacher as well!

I really wish to thank Manuela for coming and visiting us.  I know she had to overcome a lot of emotions and pain to do so.  We had a wonderful time with her, reminiscing about when Italo was with us.  I would also like to thank Matteo and all members of Gruppo Sostegno a Sergio Castro for helping us realize a project which has been a dream for many years in Ban Khennoi.

The people’s happiness and gratitude tells us that this project is bound to be extremely successful...it couldn’t be otherwise!

The ITALO HONG PRACHUM also marks the “official” beginning of the partnership between GRUPPO SOSTEGNO SERGIO CASTRO/PROGETTO ST. LUCIA and SAINAM.  It is a partnership based on mutual respect and great mutual esteem.  The small Swiss NGO will be representing Sainam, and will be our reference on Swiss soil.  We are extremely grateful to them from the bottom of our heart.

The video of this day is available at the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgESqXPFHZE