Dear Friends,
While here in Cambodia we often visit a K.I.D.S. project that we believe is truly changing the future of young people in a positive and practical way. Along the banks of a small river to the Tonle Sap Lake is a district called Kompong Kleang, here families eke out a living either fishing or working in the brick factories. Often their houses are crammed together and the conditions are very difficult with little access to clean water or sanitary facilities.
Many children are forced to work in the brick factories from a young age, continuing the cycle of illiteracy and poverty. Some families live in the brick factories and have little chance of ever getting out.
A few years ago, K.I.D.S. implemented the Smart Kids program to assist students with their education so they could eventually get out of working many hours at the brick factories. We started out with eight young people who were attending school part-time and mostly working full-time. We now have 33 young people who are attending both Khmer and English school, learning computers and going to high school. K.I.D.S. provides them with their tuition, bicycles, school supplies, uniforms, computers, English lessons and English tutoring.
Although some of the student still work part-time to help their families, they are excited, happy, encouraged and grateful to have this opportunity. The parents are also happy that there is a chance for a better future for their children.
Thanks to all of you for supporting these hardworking, enthusiastic young people to live better lives and to change the future of their families and their communities.
Also, included in the post is a short (7 min) video of the life of one of the boys in the program, filmed a couple of years ago. Some of you may have seen it. Since making the video, this boy is now attending school full-time and is only working at the brick factory a few hours a week. He heads into grade 12 next year.
A Day in The Life of Pisu
All the best to you and yours,
Rick and Adrianne
