The Kingdom of Cambodia is working on gainging stability. Though there are more jobs now than ever, it still is not enough. As a result labor trafficking and sex trafficking are major concerns throughout the country. For many families they cannot afford to send their children to school to allow them a chance at a better life. In addition, the massive amounts of rain and fooding are making it even harder on families this year to provide any source of money for their families.
The organization we are working with, Kone Kmeng, rents a house for youth to ive in. The house is close to the school and allows the children to get an education. Unfortunately, all the organization ia able to pay for is their rent. The children (more like their families) are responsible for the school bill and their food. Currently, there are about 20 youth (high school aged) living at the house. One of the girls was telling us that because of all the flooding her family isn’t able to sell their rice. Which means they aren’t getting enough money, which means that she isn’t getting money, which means she desn’t get to eat 3 meals a day. Sadly, this is common for these youth- when money doesn’t come in they either cut back on school or food. What amazes me, though, are the attitudes of these youth. Here are these high school youth, living with the bare minimum (especially by our standards) who daily feel blessed, who are genuinely joyful and are always grateful for what they have.
Even though they may only have 2 outfits and eat only rice, they know this sacrifice will allow them a better future. They know that they are the future of this country and many of them have big dreams that they desire to pursue. It’s amazing to watch them work so hard, and so joyfully inorder to try and get ahead. They appreciate the baby steps that are being taken to help them and they know the importance of each step. It’s simply amazing!
Even though they may only have 2 outfits and eat only rice, they know this sacrifice will allow them a better future. They know that they are the future of this country and many of them have big dreams that they desire to pursue. It’s amazing to watch them work so hard, and so joyfully inorder to try and get ahead. They appreciate the baby steps that are being taken to help them and they know the importance of each step. It’s simply amazing!
For more information about the trafficking in Cambodia, here’s some websites:
http://www.humantrafficking.org/countries/cambodia
http://gvnet.com/humantrafficking/Cambodia.htm
