BCI
BCI
(BRIDGES CAMBODIA INTERNATIONAL)
This is a small orphanage that cares for 25 children and has become part of our outreach program here in Cambodia . Seldom have we ever seen a group of happier , active children who are so well cared for given their circumstances. Several different groups of team members have visited the facility which is locate just outside of Siem Riep and every report is the same – the children had a great time and so did the visiting team members who worked on English language skills ( 1 or 2 to one), art skills combined with language , play skills and music . Most impressive was the skills of Laurenne who had them all soloing, bopping together and laughing and loving it. The 2 operators of the home are totally unpaid and supporting the program on a shoestring budget . Here is where Rotary steps up to the plate to provide some immediate and interim assistance for this wonderful little community of children . The owner and sole supporter of the home reside in the USA but is getting elderly and has failing health. The future of the contributions to BCI is very insecure . Through several discussions with Ronnie Yimsuit, and our team leaders we have put a short term assistance plan into effect.
WE have agreed to support the orphanage with funding for food for the short term and have set up a mentoring program to create programs that will lead to the long term sustainability of the orphanage. This will provide the 25 children with some security for their immediate future and hopefully a longer term outlook.
Of the children at the home there are 13 girls and 12 boys – of whom 10 are effective orphans and 15 are from families that cannot support them with adequate food and education. Rotary can and does help. A system for tax deductable donations is to be established and if anyone is interested in supporting these wonderful children please notify us at the email listed in the website
Tom