Housing Update

Dear Friends,

We hope this finds you well. In a previous post, we shared the work we are all doing to bring decent housing to those that endure very difficult living situations. Many families of the students in our Smart Kids Education Program work tirelessly to make a living; however, many will never be able to afford to build a good house for their families. Thanks to K.I.D.S. donors, the school principal, and the education manager of our Smart Kids program, each year we identify families that are in the most need; and we build as many houses as we can for them.

This past year, thanks to our great team of builders, we were able to complete five new houses and a big renovation of an existing home. During our time here, we travel to this poor area regularly to see how the houses are progressing and meet with the builders and families.

These These families have lived and are raising their chidlren in small shelters with dirt floors, no real windows, walls made out of plastic, palm leaves, tin or rotting wood and roofs that leak. During the rainy season one can only imagine how they endure the hardships...but they do!

One of the greatest joys we have is meeting with the families and seeing the houses when they are finished. These simple houses with tile floors, windows, good roofs and bathrooms greatly impact these famiies health, security, well being and daily lives. They are incredibly grateful.

We also meet with the building manager and all the builders to thank them for their excellent work and tell them how your generosity keeps them working and making a fair wage, which they truly appreciate. We also give everyone a much-appreciated bonus.

Even though our trip to Cambodia is coming to an end KIDS work continues. Thanks for your generosity, support and changing lives for the better.

Take care and all the very best to you and yours.

Until Next Time,

Adrianne and Rick

Riding Into a Better Future

 Dear Friends,

We hope this finds you well. We are still working away here, spreading your goodwill and generosity. In rural Cambodia, it can be difficult for children and youth to get to school. Many high schools are in the nearest town and can be anywhere from 5 to 10 kilometres away or, in some cases, further. Often the roads are dirt and walking this far can be challenging. Sadly, many kids end up dropping out of school and working just because they do not have a simple bicycle.

Over the years, K.I.D.S. has worked with countryside schools to identify students that need bikes. Each year we purchase reconditioned bicycles and we make sure the bikes are in good condition and do some repairs if necessary. When we take a truck to deliver the bikes to the schools, both the children and the parents come to pick them up.

Each child is given a piece of paper with a random number and they find the bike that has the same number written on the bike seat. The families are very happy as they can also use the bikes on the weekends and evenings to go to the market to pick up food. The children and families are extremely grateful for this simple but incredibly important bicycle.

We recently went out to deliver some of the bikes, and everyone was so appreciative. We are pleased to say that thanks to your donations, we have been able to provide 250 more bicycles to students and families this year.

Thanks for helping
thousands of students over
the years to ride into a
better future.

Sending you and yours all
the very best,

Until Next time,
Adrianne and Rick