Many of our projects involve providing infrastructure such as water systems and construction of schools as well as implementing education programs for larger numbers of students. During the course of our work, we cannot help but feel sadness and dismay at times about the extremely difficult situations that individuals face. On the other hand, we are inspired by the resilience and determination of so many who rise up to face their challenges, persevere and triumph.
Every year K.I.D.S. helps many individuals that we do not write about who personally need a bit of help to carry on. It could be that we support a small motorcycle taxi repair or a sewing machine to keep a family earning an income.
We have also assisted some landmine victims, of which sadly there are tens of thousands in Cambodia. One such individual is Vanna. As a young government soldier Vanna was training recruits and going to get some food and had to pass through some thick foliage. He bent down to move an object and it exploded. When Vanna woke up both of his hands were gone. He spent 9 months in the hospital and when he left he was embarrassed and did not want to be a burden to his family so he ended up begging on the streets of the capitol city. After many ups and downs and great difficulties Vanna opened his own business selling books about Cambodian history from a donated book cart.
We have known Vanna since 2002 when we stayed in a guesthouse next to where his book cart was stationed. We have always had great appreciation and respect for Vanna and his ability to stay positive and greet everyone with a smile. His ability to make change, bag books and even operate his smart phone with no hands is amazing.
Vanna and his wife have two daughters and K.I.D.S. has assisted them to periodically pay for the school tuition of the girls when they have faced difficult periods financially. We have to ask Vanna if they need support as they are very humble and do not come forward to ask for assistance when times are challenging.
His daughters, now in their mid-teens, are thriving and doing really well in English and Khmer school.
Thank you to everyone who supports K.I.D.S. and in turn the many inspiring individuals we meet along the way.
Till Next Time,
Adrianne and Rick