Kenro Izu

As a founder of Friends Without A Border, it is my honor and pleasure to announce the opening of the Angkor Hospital For Children. Since I started dreaming of a childrens' hospital in Siem Reap, over four years time, I have had meetings with hundreds of generous people, and support from more than 3000 people around the world. For a little photographer, it was indeed a big dream. I thank our board of directors, architects, advisors, donors and dedicated staff in New York, Japan and Siem Reap. With their help, I am happy to see my dream came true.

It is as if we have given birth to a new baby with 3000 fathers, mothers, and Friends around the world, without borders. I can see that she is a symbol of love and friendship. From now, we will have to raise this child with love and care till she will mature by the year 2007, when we can proudly hand over to the community of Siem Reap.

It is my hope that the Angkor Hospital For Children fits well into the National Health Plan of Cambodia, and serves as a referral hospital in tandem with the Siem Reap Provincial Hospital, as well as a teaching hospital to the community to help raise the standard of health by our medical personnel exchange program with the Department of Health of Siem Reap.

This hospital's future relies on all of you. I would like to ask you for continuous love and support to our baby, the Angkor Hospital For Children. I would like to close my speech with a wish for a peaceful world and a brighter future for the children of the world. And, thanks to the great temples of Angkor, which taught me love and giving. Thank you.