In line with TRIC’s principle of always contributing to local orphanages and childcare facilities during overseas projects—no matter how modest the donation—the team carried out charitable work once again during the on-site restoration of the Afrasiab Palace murals from June 16 to 22.
This time, support was extended to Orphanage No. 9 in Samarkand, a historic institution established in the 1920s and itself part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. At the orphanage’s request, TRIC provided a large-scale sound system to enhance arts education programs in music and dance for the children.
In return, the team was treated to a heartfelt performance the children had carefully prepared, followed by the joyous experience of dancing together to songs led by an alumna of the orphanage who is now a professional singer.
The donation was made possible thanks to the generosity of Researcher Park Jin-ho, who personally contributed a significant amount without hesitation, and Professor Joo Jin-oh of Sangmyung University, who joined the project during his teaching trip to Uzbekistan.
The bright smiles of the children gave the team the most memorable gift of all, bringing the first phase of the Uzbekistan fieldwork to a heartwarming close.
