Kinderland International Preschool @ Cambodia Celebrate Khmer New Year 2022

With the reopening of preschool, Kinderland International Preschool @ Cambodia may now once again celebrate the most important festivals – Khmer New Year. After two years of waiting, we finally welcome the return of our lovely children.

With the help of all teachers and staff, we put together traditional decorations with pots, hats, fruits and other traditional items. Children were dressed in the Khmer traditional costume and had a great photo session with their friends. Sharing traditional food and snacks among friends is important during the celebrations. Parents also prepared many different traditional food for their children to bring to school for sharing. Our children learn more about the festival and the Khmer culture through collaborative efforts from school and parents.

Adhering to the standard procedures and guidelines, celebrations were contained within respective classes. Teachers demonstrated the Khmer greetings, and children learned the ways of Khmer greetings. Teachers also shared with the children the traditional male and female costumes. Nonetheless, children also sampled the traditional food together with friends and teachers.

We also provided the opportunity for our children to enjoy the Cambodians’ traditional games widely played during this festive occasion. Games included Tug of War, Passing the Cambodia Scarf, and more. We also play the traditional game ‘LEAK KANSENG’, which requires the children to sit in a circle. Someone holding a “kanseng” (Cambodian scarf) twisted into a round shape will walk around the circle while singing a song. The person will then secretly try to place the “kanseng” behind one of the children. If that chosen child realizes what is happening, he or she must pick up the “kanseng” and tap the person sitting next to them. The children had such fun playing these traditional games.

Every class ended the celebration happily with traditional songs and dance. We hope our children can learn more about the traditional culture and build fond preschool memory through this Khmer New Year celebration.