In Pictures & Community: Back-to-Work Forum at the IFC draws successful crowd

Between 150 and 200 people, according to the organisers, turned up at the Institut Français du Cambodge (IFC) on Saturday for the Back-to-Work Forum for the French and Francophone community organised by “Français au Cambodge - Plus forts ensemble” in collaboration with the IFC.

A wide variety of health, education, cultural and leisure services were on offer during the morning, which was designed to familiarise new arrivals with the French community, but also to provide a chance for those already established to meet up and exchange ideas. Among the attractions and leisure activities on offer, the climbing wall at PHOM CLIMB and archery at the Cambodian Country Club were particularly popular with the children.

The stands also featured Alice Varini, an artisan jeweller, offering her creations, as well as a Quiz giving lucky visitors access to a free introduction to gemmology. This was very useful, because Cambodia is a land of precious stones, but it's not always easy to find out about the quality and even the authenticity of the stones.

The must-sees were there too, including the ever-popular Jean-Pierre Fréneau, who was extolling the virtues of the Phnom Penh Heritage City Tour, the ideal way to discover the Cambodian capital. Equally indefatigable was teacher Emmanuelle Tamet, who was on hand to offer her services as a French language tutor, close to the Phnom Penh insolite stand offering another original way of discovering the Cambodian capital.

Jean-Pierre Fréneau (right) for Phnom penh Heritage City Tour

Last but not least, there was the presence of another not-to-be-missed association, Phnom Penh Accueil, which, as its name suggests, provides practical information for new arrivals and regularly organises events and parties.

Discover cultural moments with Phnom Pen insolite

Forian Bohême, who organised the event in partnership with the IFC, said:

“I think we'll get between 150 and 200 people for the morning. And it's true that some of the activities are going very well, the theatre, the improvisation workshop and the climbing wall have all done very well. And what's interesting is that each stand tries to offer a small activity, so that's what contributes to the success of this event.”

On the subject of new arrivals, he emphasised:

“So there are a few newcomers. I can mention a couple who have just arrived, who were previously in Qatar, and the gentleman has started up in asset management while the lady offers coaching, so they've come to this forum. And then I saw a few new faces, including staff from the Lycée Descartes, the embassy and so on.”

Many doctors, all French medical practices were represented

Despite the many events taking place that weekend and the threatening weather, the forum was a great success:

“This is already the third edition, so I think that the more we go on with future editions, the more people there will be. The idea is for it to be a very simple event, accessible to everyone at the start of the new school year”, concluded Mr Bohême.