There are 10,000 to 20,000 children living or working on the streets in Phnom Penh. Children can be found in all areas of the city selling goods or asking for money. We have been advised not to give money or food to the children. I feel heartless and selfish walking by the children begging for money knowing I have a full wallet and a satisfied stomach. But, I know that giving money or even food to the children keeps them on the streets.
Today Emilie, Morgan, and I went to check out a program called Child Safe to see if they could use some volunteers. We learned that the program works to provide a safe place of children at risk, especially street children. They have a really neat network of taxi drivers, hotels, internet cafes, and restaurants that have been trained to recognize dangerous situations and to take appropriate actions to prevent children from being harmed. Once children are identified they have the option to enter into a program that will provide education, vocational training, medical care, and shelter. Child Safe runs stores in Phnom Penh were they sell creative purses, wallets, and bags.
The products are made by parents so their children can go back to school or they are made by former street youth in training so they can find employment. The products are mainly made out of recycled goods like newspapers, food wrappers, and rice bags. Unfortunately Child Safe was not interested in having us volunteer. I wanted to write about the program, so anyone that is interested can look into purchasing products or can support the program financially. Check out: www.childsafe-cambodia.org or www.friends-international.org
Also please consider adding the street children of Cambodia to your prayer list.
