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Meet the Children
How are children for the orphanage chosen?
Many of the children who begged for food at the restaurant were legally
adopted by NCCLA . Some of these
children have parents who can not afford to feed their children -- others
are completely orphaned and some have no known relatives. A child joins
NCCLA only if there is total
agreement to do so by the child and by parents or family (if they still
exist). The children feel that the other children at
NCCLA are their brothers and sisters. If they still
have family they are free to visit and family members are free to visit
them.
Other children were found by Neth in Phnom Penh's garbage dump. Kids
here find food and make enough money to exist. The often find other avenues
of income including theft and drugs. Neth knows about this life because as
a young child he too was forced to make money by collecting cans and plastic
from this place. This picture shows these kid's environment while looking
for food and sellable items -- Neth knows all about it -- he was there too!
The remaining kids at NCCLA
come from country villages. Several staff members are from small
villages. Neth asked them to go back to their villages to see if there were
any homeless children or children without adequate food and care. Kids from
these villages were adopted by NCCLA
with the agreement of family, the child, and the village chief.
Enjoy the kids and their stories:
(Note: we are using nicknames to preserve the children's privacy and
security. This page may take a minute or two to download but it's well worth
the wait.)
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Allan--
Allan has no known relatives and does not know the name of either of his
parents. He is eleven years old. About a year ago, Allan stowed away
in the luggage compartment of a bus to get away from his village and to
reach Phnom Penh. Here he spent a year living by looking through the
garbage at the dump. He ate food that he found there and made a small
amount of money from selling cans and plastic. It is here that he was
recently found by Neth who invited him to the orphanage.
Of course, Allan had never been to school, now his favorite school
subjects are math and language, and he loves to be a comedian and make
people laugh. His goal is to become a veterinarian. He says, "I love
all animals, but not mosquitoes." As can be seen, Allan loves the two
dogs and two cats that keep the kids company at the orphanage. He
expresses this about NCCLA ,
"I am very happy here. I have clean clothes, food and a place to
sleep. I like that there are big girls to help teach me. I have a new
family." |
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Beckham--
Beckham comes from the country and is eight years old. Both of his
parents died from AIDS but he and all the other children are negative.
He has one brother and one cousin at NCCLA.
Beckham loves reading, playing soccer and badminton and Khmer New Year
festivities. At school his favorite subjects are Khmer language,
geography, and Cambodian culture.
Beckham wants to become a pilot and likes making airplanes. He says
this about NCCLA, "I like
living here because I get good food. Neth and Thawee take us to other
provinces so we can learn about our country." |
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Christina--
Christina is ten years old and comes from the country. Her father died
and her mother struggles to make a living by collecting wood for about
$15 US per month. She has three brothers and two sisters. Christina's
interests include reading, drawing, doing school work and helping with
chores in the center. She also likes trying to read English. Her
favorite subjects at school are math and social studies.
Christina wants to become an English translator. About
NCCLA she says, "When I was in
the countryside it was very quiet. I sometimes only heard the birds. I
miss this sometimes but I like living here because I learn English and I
like to learn Traditional Khmer Dance. I get to eat good food." |
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Jennie-- Jennie
is about eight years old (her birth date is unknown which is the case of
most of the children) and her family lives in the countryside. Her
father died of an unknown cause and her mother works on a farm for $13
US per month. She has four brothers still living with her mother.
Jennie likes drawing, listening to music, reading, and watching cartoons
on rare occasions (the orphanage does not have TV). At school she likes
studying the Khmer language and math.
Jennie wants to become a dentist. She says this about
NCCLA , "When I lived in my
homeland, no one took me to the doctor. Here they take good care of me
and help me. I like learning at school and learning English." |
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Widooka--
Widooka is about five years old and the youngest member of
NCCLA. He was found abandoned
in a rice paddy in Takeo Province. His father died of AIDS and his
mother was unable to care for him. He has no know relatives except for
his mother who has been lost. Widooka likes drawing, playing "rock,
paper, scissors," and says he likes sleeping too. In school is
favorites are the Khmer language and singing songs.
Widooka is too young to make a career choice but says that he wants
to be a singer. He says, "At NCCLA
I am happy because I get a lot of food. We go to places, and I like
going on a bus. I like going to school. This place makes me feel
happy." |
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John-- John's
birth date is unknown but he's about nine years old. His parents both
work in agriculture and each earn only about $8 US per month (yes, per
month!). He has two brothers and three sisters still in the country.
He is especially talented at performing Khmer Dance. John loves
drawing, reading, writing the Khmer Language, and playing outside in
Riverside Park. At school he likes math, Khmer language, and learning
traditional Khmer songs.
When grown up, John wants to be a professional singer. He says this
about NCCLA , "I like that I
can go to school and eat good food. I like living here because we go
places together and we see and learn about new things." |
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Rebecca--
Rebecca is eight years old. Her father was killed by a landmine (more
than 40,000 have been killed or wounded by the approximate five million
landmines that still survive from Cambodia's war years). Her mother
earns less than $15 US per month selling vegetables. She has one
brother and one sister still living in the country. Rebecca likes
drawing and reading Khmer stories about the White Elephant and the Good
Bear Doctor. At school her favorites are math and Khmer language.
Rebecca says, "I want to be a Khmer language teacher. I want to
teach the poor children in the countryside." Asked about
NCCLA she expresses, "I like
living here because I get good food and I go to public school. I also
get to learn English and Traditional Khmer Dance. It's fun when we go
on field trips together -- we have a lot of fun." |
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Anna-- Anna's
birthday is unknown but she is about fourteen years old. Both of her
parents have died from AIDS. She has one brother and two sisters. Her
interests include reading about history and short stories. She loves to
read and draw cartoons. At school, her favorites are history, math, and
writing about any subject.
Anna wants to become a guide because she likes to tell people facts
and information about places, people, and things. About
NCCLA she says, "I like learning
Traditional Khmer Dance and English. Also, the food is very good." |
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Scole-- Scole's
father is a landmine victim and and can no longer work. His mother is a
land guard and earns about $15 US per month. He has one sister and two
brothers still living in the country. Scole likes reading English books
and drawing, he also enjoys playing marbles and soccer in Riverside
Park. At school he likes math and writing about life in his village.
Scole wants to become a doctor. He says, "I want to help poor
people. If they cannot pay, they can come see me free of charge." His
comments about NCCLA include,
"I have enough food to eat here. I like to learn English and Khmer, I
like to do Traditional Khmer Dance too." |
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Kelly-- Kelly
does not know her birthdate, but she is about twelve years old. Her
mother is a rice farmer earning about $15 US per month and her father
died of an unknown disease. She has five brothers and one sister.
Kelly likes reading, crafts ,and she wants to learn how to knit. In
school her favorites are math, social studies, Khmer language, and
science.
Kelly wants to be an English teacher. If possible, she would like to
go to another country to learn English. About
NCCLA she says, "I am happy here because I have
clothes and good food. On special holiday occasions we do fun things
together. We learn English and Khmer Language. I like to go shopping.
This is very different from my homeland." |
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Jasmine--
Jasmine is about twelve years old. Both of her parents were lost to
AIDS. She has one brother at NCCLA
and three sisters. Jasmine likes to read about Cambodian history and
also likes helping around the center. Khmer language and math are her
favorites at school.
Jasmine would like to become a nurse. She says, "I would like to go
back to my province to help poor people like me. This will be a bright
future for me." She says this about NCCLA
, "It is very different from home. I get to study dancing, Khmer, and
English. Also, I like to go on field trips with everyone. I learn
about my country when we go places. I am safe here." |
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Andrew-- Andrew
is about twelve years old. He went through the tragedy of loosing both
parents to AIDS. His only family is his two cousins also at
NCCLA. Further, he lost his
twin brother at birth. Andrew loves to play soccer and enjoys reading
stories about Cambodian culture. At school he especially likes learning
about the history of Cambodia and the Khmer language.
Andrew wants to become a pilot. He says, "As a pilot I can travel
anywhere in the world." Asked about NCCLA
, "It's nice that we sometimes have field trips. Mostly I like that I
can go to public school. Living with all of the children is really good
because we are happy." |
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Michael--
Michael is about ten years old. His father died from an unknown disease
and his mother earns abut $15 US working on a farm. Michael has one
sister at NCCLA and three
brothers. In his free time he likes to read and write English and
Khmer, and play soccer and hacky sack with his new brothers.
Michael's career goal is to become a veterinarian. He says, "I
really love all animals and I want to help them. I tried to help a bird
once and when I saved it, a dog came along and ate it. I was very
sad." About NCCLA he says,
"Since living here, I get some money when we dance and I save it in my
piggy bank. I can use it to help my family. Also, I have good food to
eat and I go to school." |
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Julia-- Julia's
father is dead and her mother earns about $15 US per month. Her
birthdate is unknown but she is about ten years old. She has two
brothers still in the country. Julia loves drawing and reading and
likes to study the Khmer language and social studies in school.
Julia's goal is to become a doctor. She says, "I want to help poor
people with any type of disability. Her comments about
NCCLA include, "I like the place
where I sleep. It's bigger than my home. I enjoy learning English and
Khmer. They take us on field trips and I learn about my country. It's
nice to live so near to a market. My mother is too poor to feed my
family, so I came here to live." |
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Balak-- Balak
went through the terrible experience of loosing both parents to AIDS.
He is about ten years old and has three sisters, one of whom lives at
NCCLA . His favorite things are
drawing, reading English books, and playing marbles and soccer in
Riverside Park.
In school Balak likes math, Khmer language, and social studies. He
would like to become a guide and introduce foreigners to Angkor Wat.
About NCCLA he says, "I am
happy because everyone takes good care of me. I see the doctor if I am
sick. I can have a clean body and eat good food. We go to special
places on holidays. I like going to school." |
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Wara-- Wara is
about ten years old. His father stepped on a landmine and is now
disabled and his mother earns about $15 US per month selling
vegetables. He has one sister and two brothers. Wara likes reading and
playing outdoor games like marbles, soccer and hacky sack. At school
his favorites are math, Khmer language and question and answer time.
It's also clear that he likes Lucky, one of the mascots at the center.
Wara would like to be an anthropologist and research historical
places in the world. He says about NCCLA
, "I am happy to live here because I have lots of food. I go to school
and learn Traditional Khmer Dance. I like to play the drums. My family
takes us to special places. I really like going to the cinema." |
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Nye-- Nye came
to NCCLA in April 2006. She
has no knowledge of her parents (even their names) and has no known
relatives. She is about eight years old and has been living on her own
wit. About her free time she says, "I like learning. I am dancing now,
I know the Minority dance because the children taught me." About school
she says, "I have never been to school, but I am very happy that I will
go to school. I want to learn how to read and write."
Nye would like to learn English very well and then become an English
teacher. What about her new experience at
NCCLA ? She says, "It is very different here. Before
coming here I had to work hard cleaning dishes for a man in a Karaoke
Bar. The people here speak nice words to me and encourage me to learn.
Everyone takes good care of me and the older girls help me to learn to
read and write Khmer." |
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Zoe-- Zoe's
parents died from AIDS. She is about thirteen years old and has two
brothers and two sisters. Her favorite pastimes are reading and
learning about Cambodia and the rest of the world, and she also likes to
help with chores in the center. In school she likes math and social
studies of Cambodia.
Zoe is not yet sure of her career goals. About
NCCLA she says, "I like living
here because I have a big family. I really like having my own quiet
time and even though there are many children in the center, they let me
be. Everyone respects each other. I have good food to eat here and
people take good care of me." |
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Jessica--
Jessica is about eight years old. Her father was killed when he stepped
on a landmine. Her mother struggles selling vegetables for about $10 US
per month! She has one brother. At the center she likes reading,
dancing and singing. At school her favorites are writing and Khmer
language.
It's early for Jessica to make career plans but she is interested in
becoming a postal worker. She says this about
NCCLA , "I like having a nice place to live. I get
money to save and to spend. I get to eat good food. I enjoy learning
English too. I like going to the supermarket because we do not have
these in my homeland. The field trips are a lot of fun." |
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Figo-- Figo is
thirteen years old. Both of his parents were lost to AIDS. He has one
brother and one cousin living at NCCLA
. His older sister is very ill. In his free time he likes doing
puzzles, playing soccer, and reading. At school he enjoys Cambodian
history, math, Khmer and English conversation, and physical education.
Asked about his career goals, Figo says, "I want to be a lawyer
because I want to help poor people who have been wrongly accused of
crimes and who can't afford a good lawyer. This is very common in the
countryside." His comments about NCCLA
include, "I was not able to go to school in my homeland. I like
studying at public school. I have food to eat here and I didn't before
I came here. I am happy to be in a new family. They take us places
like Sihanoukville and Angkor Wat." |
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Seedan-- Seedan
is about six years old. He lost both of his parents to AIDS. His
grandparents are still alive but they can not provide for his care.
Seedan loves drawing, soccer and badminton. About school he says, "I am
learning math and Khmer language now. I like Khmer language but I
really want to learn about science and technology."
Seedan is young for career choices but is interested in driving a
truck or car. He wants to help poor people in the countryside. He says
this about NCCLA : "I like
to live here because I get money everyday and I always have a full
stomach. Neth and Thawee take us to special places like the park and
the water park. We went fishing together once. I liked that." |
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David-- David is
about nine years old. His father died and his mother struggles to make
a living on about $15 US per month as a farm hand. He has three
brothers and one sister still living in the country. David likes
drawing, reading, doing his homework, and, of course, playing soccer and
hacky sack. In school his favorites are Khmer language and math.
As to David's career ambitions, they are: "I want to be a
politician. I think I want to be Prime Minister. I will help poor and
disabled people. I want to change things." He has our vote! About
NCCLA our young politician says,
"I like living here because everyone takes good care of me. Dun, Ea,
Dee, Thawee . . . everyone helps me. I am happy to go to school, learn
dance, and I like to go to the cinema and places like Kampong Suong."
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Amy-- Amy is
about eleven years old. Both of her parents died from AIDS. She has
one living brother and a sister who was killed by a landmine. Amy likes
drawing, reading English books and practicing Traditional Khmer Dances.
In school she likes math, Khmer language, and science.
Amy dreams of one day owning her own restaurant even if it means
first becoming a waitress. About living at
NCCLA she says, "In my homeland no one took care of me
except for my grandmother. Here there are many people who care for me.
I get to go to school, learn English and eat good food." |
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Hinry-- Hinry is
about thirteen years old. His father was disabled due to a landmine and
his mother struggles to earn money for food. He has one sister. Hinry
enjoys reading, doing homework and practicing written English
vocabulary. In school his favorites are Cambodian history, math, and
Khmer language.
Hinry wants to become a pilot. He wants to fly around the world.
About NCCLA he says, "I like
having an education. The people look after me very well. They give me
food. I like living in the center with everyone." |
We hope that you have enjoyed the stories of the
NCCLA kids. The next logical step
of your journey through this site would be to visit the "meet the staff"
page noted below. Happy voyag
Please enjoy
the following pages:
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