Auckland Cambodian Youth and Recreation Trust is a registered Charitable Trust (953880) as of March 1999. The aim of the Trust is to service the Cambodian community by providing various social support services, educational support for youth and recreational activities. The mission of the Auckland Cambodian Youth and Recreation Trust is to provide: “To contribute to the social, recreational and educational well-being of the Cambodian community”
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Trustees
Chakara Lim, QSM - Chairperson
Chakara is the founder of the Cambodian radio program in Auckland after completion of his study in broadcasting media at new Zealand broadcasting school. He has been working as a producer, presenter for “Khmer Voice Samleng Khmer” since 1997, which required lots of in dedication and hard work.
He initiated in forming the Auckland Cambodian soccer team, and upon seeing the need to have a proper organisation, he gathered soccer team to create the Auckland Cambodian Youth and Recreation Trust to help not just the youngsters but the Cambodian community in Auckland. Chakara has been serving as its chairperson on and off since 1998. He is a mover and shaker in the trust, and his enthusiastic in putting Khmer Culture present in the NZ landscape don’t go unnoticed.
Chakara was associate producer for the film Brother Number One, directed by Annie Goldson (2012) - film highlights human rights issues, the search for justice and the trial of Khmer Rouge perpetrators through the story of New Zealander Kerry Hamill. he made many short TV stories on Asian community for Asian Down Under and Asian Dynamic (TVNZ). Through radio, Chakara have become the voice of Cambodian community.
Chakara is always keen to help others and the force to bring people together. His involvement in the Cambodian community is dated back since the day he arrived in Christchurch in the 80s. Currently he works for SKYTV and develope his ununpished work into screen play and hope to make it into a film in Cambodia.
Paul Protheroe - Trustee - Co Secretary
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Paul Protheroe - Trustee - Co Secretary Been involved in the Cambodian community in Auckland over 20 years through a personal relationship and an interest in Cambodian culture. Now retired. Was a former union official and NZ Post employee. Stood twice for Parliament for the Alliance party. Has published three books of poems, with some poems successfully accepted in international magazines. Also wrote the English version of NZ Book in Khmer with Chakara Lim. Paul is a qualified ESOL tutor and former teacher at the Mt Eden Remand Prison. He has been a CAB volunteer for over 10 years specializing in employment advocacy. He is Divorced, has three children, two grand children. Believes the Cambodian Community needs to participate in the wider New Zealand society without "losing its unique and ancient culture''. Regards the Trust as "catalyst" for stimulating Cambodians, through its radio broadcasts, sporting outlets and a place to get a “ hand up” in difficult personal times irrespective of the cause.
Lisa Ho - Trustee Monitor and Researcher (On leave)
Lisa Ho - Trustee Monitor and Researcher She has worked in the fields of social entrepreneurship, human rights and the arts for the past four and half years.
In 2008, Lisa backpacked through Asia and fell in love with Cambodia, her mother’s homeland. She then spontaneously committed a year to working as the Administrative Director in 2009 at Tiny Toones in Cambodia (www.tinytoones.org) - an NGO using hip hop arts to serve underprivileged youth. Upon her return to NZ, Lisa founded Zyon Studio (www.zyonstudio.co.nz) to help raise funds for Tiny Toones. The studio offers hip hop dance classes in West Auckland.
In 2012, Lisa organised a ten day tour for 12 Tiny Toones members including dancers, musicians, and its founder to Auckland.
She has spoken at various events including the Christ College Emerging Leaders' Conference, University of Auckland Spark Roadshow Series and Future Dragon's ichange. Lisa has also been a member of the Asia NZ Young Leaders Network since 2010.
Amara Kevern - Treasurer
Amara Kevern - Co-Treasurer She is married and a mother of a three-year-old girl and a little boy. She teaches languages at high school She is experienced in working with students with a non-English speaking background, through her work as a teacher with international and new immigrant students.
Amara worked as a volunteer in the Christchurch Cambodian community in such activities as the Language Nest Programme during the 80’s , Khmer cultural performances, translating and liaising with government departments and directing and presenting ”Khmer Voice”, a radio programme for the Cambodian community in Christchurch in the early ‘90s. She was also the secretary of the Christchurch Ethnic Federation in 1990 – 1992.
Marann Keo - Trustee - Co Secretary
Marann Keo - Trustee Maran is a proud mother of three grown children who still retain much of their Khmer culture.
Maran says she enjoys assisting people with interpreting, advising as well as giving time and support and useful information on the radio. She is a big fan of pre-war era- classic Khmer music.
We can hear Mrs Marann Keo on radio on Tuesdays.
Bin Song -Trustee
Bin Song is a master of Khmer Kickboxing. He has been a strong member of Cambodian community for many years serving at Takanini temple.
His passion lies in combining self-motivation and defensive skills training both for adults and the youth of the next generation.
Dany Kim - Trustee - Deputy Chairperson
Trained as a lawyer, now a full time mother of 2 young children. Dany is very keen to assist the community in every way she can, from helping people with transportation to advising people on various matter.
As a Trustee, she services the Trust as a Trust secretary.
Rasy Soth - Trustee
Rasy Soth is a tutor of Khmer kickboxing and he has been in many competition and won a lot of trophies for the matches. He is now an assistant of Khmer Kickboxing training adults and the youths about Kickboxing skill at Takanini temple. Rasy also works at New World supermarket as store services.
Rotha Touch - Co Treausry
Rotha Touch was a journalist and researcher for a English Newspaper “Cambodia Daily” in Cambodia. His knowledge in (IT) information technology, Business Admin and Computing is greatly appreciated by the Trust.
Rotha is also involved in the entertainment industry as a freelance actor and entertainer. Rotha has had parts in movies, theatre and has been instrumental in promoting interpreting duties as well as helping families and individuals on urgent human problems . He makes assessments on whether people need- taking to a lawyer, work and income, the family doctor, or need assistance at a shop in buying computers, iPhones, electronic gear ..etc He teaches people on how to use computers, use the internet and helped people into small business.
He also speaks on Khmer radio, often talking about social issues and gathering opinions.
Sokunlita Yi -Trustree
Sokunlita is an active mother of two boys. Balancing her busy life with her passion for music. Currently she is a lead vocalist for the group "Reach Sey band" based in Auckland, New Zealand.On top of this active schedule she finds time helping the Cambodian community in Papatoetoe for which she thoroughly enjoys.
Sotha Sok- Trustee
Sotha Sok, is a mother of one boy. Sotha is also interested in cultural dance and she is always available to help the trust. Beside helping the community she works as catering at Middlemore Hospital.