No. 16 E3 - Street 144 - Phnom Penh - Cambodia
What's the New Cambodian Children's Life Association?
As the owner of the Veiyo Tonle Restaurant along Phnom Penh's river front,
Neth Lay experienced first-hand the poverty that is the destiny of most
Cambodians. Children routinely stopped by the restaurant begging for food.
Many were orphans, others were from families unable to care for their
children.
Please enjoy the
following pages:
Neth and his wife, Thawee, (above) had an idea. They rented part of a
building behind their restaurant. In November 2004, they began an orphanage
in the rented space that they named The New
Cambodian Children's Life Association (NCCLA). Their
dream had become a reality. Soon, many of the children begging for food
wanted to become part of the orphanage. These children were saved from
becoming beggars, or prostitutes, or criminals . . . or just ending-up
constantly fighting for food and survival.
The orphanage grew quickly and it became obvious that the rented space was
inadequate and not very pleasant for the kids. Recently, Neth and Thawee
purchased and refurbished (with personal funds) the top two floors of a
multistory building next to the restaurant. Pictures of the new building can
be seen by clicking
button here or below.
There are now 24 boys and girls of various ages, each relying on the Lay's
for food, clothes, medicine, education, and a pleasant place to live in
security . . . and to be loved. Neth and Thawee are interested in more than
providing for the present, they are deeply concerned that the children are
prepared for the future. They have made education the dominate goal of
NCCLA. All the kids attend public
school every morning. In Cambodia, school is not free -- this and other costs
are considerable and can be seen by clicking the
button. However, their education does not end here. They also receive
one-hour of private English lessons in the afternoon. But the highpoint of
the day for most of the children are private traditional Khmer dance lessons
they receive before tackling their English studies. Recently, four computers
have been donated to the orphanage by generous donors. Computer studies (and
a few games) also take place every afternoon. Follow the kid's through their
typical day of study and fun by clicking
. Also included here are pictures of their Khmer dance performances. Twice
each week the children perform their dances in Neth's restaurant. If possible
this is a must-see for anyone visiting Phnom Penh. The performances are
limited to twice a week because Neth believes that although the kids love
performing, they should not feel that dancing is a requirement at the
orphanage.
Neth and Thawee are providing more than necessities. The bedrock at
NCCLA is education. The children have
progressed from street kids without long-term goals (they were only interested
in the next meal) to children with challenging career desires. The kids know
that their studies are the key to their future and they are all enthusiastic
students. Please visit
next not only to see the children, but also to read a short biography of their
goals and interests. We think that you will be impressed with the hard work
of the children. Also click
to appreciate the work required and to read a short biography of Neth's close
call with death as a young boy living under the brutality of the Khmer Rouge.
If in Phnom Penh, you are invited and encouraged to visit the orphanage.
From the grim past histories of these kids has emerged a true sense of
happiness and well-being. If you visit, you will experience plenty of smiles,
laughter and hugs. You are urged not just to visit, but to say for a few
hours, days or months -- try teaching English, music, crafts or computer
skills -- the kids will love it and so will you! If you feel that you want to
contribute to the future of these children please click
. Also, please feel free to contact NCCLA
via email, telephone or fax to ask questions or obtain information. Click
for contact help.
The children at public school.
Boys just having fun!
Some of the girls are enjoying their weekend trip to the Angkor temples.
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