Projects
Building a new home for 27 children in Cambodia.
On a trip to Cambodia in September of 2009, I not only discovered the beauty of Cambodia’s rich culture and mysterious temples, I discovered its true treasure: its people.
Cambodia is a country that has lived through remarkable times, with a history that is both inspiring and disheartening. With its powerful past featuring great Angkor kings and queens and living amidst the imposing beauty of temples such as Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm (made famous in the movie Tomb Raider), the Cambodian people have much to be proud of. But sadly, it also has modern day history filled with genocide, civil war and atrocious torture and killing. By 1979 Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge were responsible for nearly 3 million deaths in this tiny country.
Despite its tumultuous history, Cambodia’s richest asset is its people. While struggling to survive each day through famine, poverty and political upheaval, they continue to persevere and do so with kind hearts, warm smiles and an extraordinary strength that is truly inspiring.
The population in Cambodia has now grown to 15 million and over 50% of the inhabitants are under the age of 18. It can truly be said that the future of Cambodia lies in the hands of its children. Survival depends on their ability to become healthy adults and receive the education they need to take control of their own lives.
I recently had the pleasure of taking a three day tour of Cambodia’s temples and landmarks. I was ushered into a private van with a personal tour guide and I visited some amazing sites including my favorite temple, the Tomb Raider Temple, and an entire city built on water.
Every time I stopped at a tourist attraction, I was bombarded by several people trying to sell memorabilia to me for a single US dollar in the parking lot. Rather than accept the goods, I offered them a dollar if they would let me photograph them. It became a frenzy. I was surrounded by countless children waiting their turn. I sincerely wanted to help but I felt overwhelmed and soon ignored all of their pleas. A dollar for most of us means nothing; a dollar for them could mean food for the entire day. I couldn’t help but feel selfish and yet helpless as to what approach I should take if I wanted to help.
As I visited another temple, I noticed a little girl sitting on the side of the road with her backed turned to me. She wasn’t really begging…she was just sitting there. As I walked by I looked over my shoulder and looked back at her. Her entire face was severely disfigured and her visible skin was scarred from some kind of burn. It looked as if someone had poured acid over her. I have been told that she may have been burned on purpose by her family to be a more effective beggar. I have seen helpless people on the side of the road in various parts of the world before, even in first world countries. Something here was different. My senses were heightened as I was already contemplating how I could help. This wasn’t a frenzy. This was one girl, sitting there helplessly as if to accept her fate. I wept uncontrollably. I composed myself and walked up to the little girl and gave her $20. She slowly took the money from my hands in disbelief. Her disfigured face wouldn’t even let her smile. I walked away quickly so I would not start crying in front of her. Before walking away, I turned around to look at her once more. She held her heart and lifted up the twenty dollar bill. It was her way of thanking me. I wept some more. I looked back again but she was gone.
I learnt a valuable life lesson. I couldn’t make a difference to all those children in the parking lot but I did make a difference to that one little girl. We all know we can make a difference but I personally had to experience it for myself. I spent the rest of the day proud of myself for having helped a stranger. My pride soon turned into sorrow. I couldn’t help but think that I should have given her more.
Inspired, I asked my tour guide, Bun Chay, to me to a local orphanage. We passed by a market and bought 2 bags of rice, oil, toothpaste, shampoo, crisps, notebooks, pens and various other items. Little did I know the impact this would have on me. I was greeted by 23 of the most beautiful children I have ever met. Their ages averaged from 4 – 16 years of age. They were either poor, homeless or orphaned children and they are all cared for by 2 brothers, Samnang and Samnong Sean and their team. The orphanage is called the Cambodia Development Organization or CDO. Although having no children of my own, I felt a certain kinship with these kids as if I had known them all of their lives. They were so well behaved and so respectful. They couldn’t stop smiling and holding my hand as I toured their home. Thirteen boys sleep in an average size bedroom with one bed while 10 girls sleep in another. I’m sure that there are people living in far worse conditions but after experiencing firsthand how these children live, I felt responsible.
How poor are we who don’t appreciate what we have. How rich are they who count every moment a blessing.
With no assistance from the government, the CDO relies on the generosity of tourists to simply survive. After providing consistent funds for food and utilities, the first priority of the Soul Society is to purchase a truck that will transport the children to schools, hospitals, excursions, etc.
The Soul Society team and I are also proud to announce that this maiden project will include purchasing a block of land for the orphanage and building the children and staff a brand new home with proper facilities. Bunk beds for each child, hot water, computers with internet access and other items are among the list of amenities we wish to provide these children. The orphanage now hosts 27 children and also provides for 7 staff members. We have the power to make a difference. YOU have the power to make a difference.
You will have the unique opportunity to stay up to date with this project right here on our website, monitor the progress we make every step of the way and see firsthand how your donation has affected the lives of these children. You will get to know each child and share their dreams for the future. Thank you so much for your kind donations.
by Jerry Ghionis
