THE VILLAGE D'ENFANTS DE SIHANOUKVILLE

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The Children of Asia-ASPECA works with disadvantaged children found living in the streets of Cambodia. They offer education and a safe place to live and, ultimately, strive to redirect the children towards a more normal and productive life. Its concept is to provide a village-type environment for the children to grow up in, where there are multiple activities available in which to take part.

THE ESSENTIALS
For more than 10 years ASPECA has worked to ensure the essential needs of orphans and the most underprivileged children in Cambodia. They provide food, housing, schooling, medical follow-up and emotional support.

EDUCATION
The primary school of Chey Chum Neas, in Phnom Penh, was rebuilt by ASPECA. With forty new classes, a library and a large general-purpose room, it accommodates more than 3000 children each day. The children in primary education go to class only part-time due to the lack of teachers and schools.

At the School of the Arts, children are taught traditional Khmer folk dancing - the most refined expression of Khmer culture. These dances illustrate everyday life of the people of the countryside.

At the age of 15 or 16 the Children of Asia-ASPECA are supported to reintegrate successfully into active life. The lure of fast profit, corruption, prostitution, or the small trades of the street are a constant temptation. Continuing vocational training is emphasized as the country is in need of technicians, skilled workers and well-trained craftsmen.

The areas in need of development and support are: