AZIZAS PLACE CAMBODIA
Aziza's
Place
A living and learning center for children from Steung Menchey. Opening doors for Cambodian children and their families since 2007.
Not an orphanage. A living and learning center, like a boarding school, for children who come from Steung Menchey, essentially a dumpsite outside the capital. The children have families. The work is about integrating them back into their communities.
azizasplace.org ↗I recently got back from my favourite of all places, Cambodia, where I had the opportunity to spend time with Aziza's Place staff and kids and got to participate in their amazing community outreach initiative. Just to be clear with everyone: Aziza's Place is not an orphanage. It is a living and learning center, like a boarding school, for kids who come from an area outside the capital called Steung Menchey, which is essentially a dumpsite. The kids have families, but they are being integrated back into their communities by the support from the staff, who make sure they are eating properly, getting proper health and dental care, and focusing on their education and personal wellbeing.
I have recently read several articles against "voluntourism" and although some of the points made are valid, I have to disagree on many levels, only because there are certain factors one should consider. A volunteer should make a decision to choose an NGO whose core values, vision and mission are in line with their beliefs. If I had not had the opportunity to volunteer and meet the staff and kids at AP, I would never know the ins and outs of what makes this organisation different, and why years later I still continue to support it by raising awareness of their work, outreach projects, and new initiatives to help not only the children but their families as well. One needs to spend time and develop a relationship not only with the kids but the staff as well.
"To see all the AP kids come together and give back to their communities, teach hygiene to their relatives, friends and neighbours, was beyond a doubt very special."
Leila Antakly · Phnom PenhThis community outreach was an incredible experience. The AP kids coming together to give back, to teach hygiene to their relatives, friends and neighbours: it is the proof that the model works. I really want to thank Socheat, the AP director, for being my hero and inspiration. Thank you for all the hard work, care and special attention you give to these children and their communities.
Programs ranging from education to nutrition that provide children with opportunities for intellectual, emotional and physical development. 100% of donations fund Aziza's Place operations directly.
A social worker monitors and supports the families served in their communities to ensure a safe and stable environment exists for the children. The family is always part of the work.
A wide range of programmes within the neighbourhoods and communities where the children and their families reside. The outreach initiative is proof that the model extends beyond the center itself.
You can make a valuable difference in transforming the lives of beneficiary children and their families. Whether your donation is financial, in-kind or through fundraising, all contributions matter. 100% of donations fund Aziza's Place operations.
azizasplace.org/donate ↗Volunteering is an enriching experience and a unique means of appreciating the work first hand. Volunteers have always been an integral part of the AP family environment and represent an invaluable capital.
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More personal essays and cultural commentary from Leila Antakly on Substack.
Read on Substack ↗
