Our older Cambodian partners recall a painful past, including the Vietnam War (which spilled over into Cambodia), the 1975-78 Khmer Rouge genocide (when almost one-quarter of the country’s population was lost), and the Vietnamese occupation (1978-92). Since the early 90s, Cambodia has received infusions of Asian aid and investment, but the Khmer people still struggle with an unevenness of opportunity, education, and economic growth.  

The current COVID-19 pandemic has battered the national economy. The country’s most crucial business sectors, including tourism and garment manufacturing, have ground to a virtual halt.  These pandemic times have been especially harsh on the poor.  While strict quarantine measures have resulted in few coronavirus-related infections and deaths, impoverished people face threats related to malnutrition and untreated illnesses.  

During these uncertain times, we at With God’s Little Ones have found it necessary to direct our limited resources toward the pressing needs of people struggling in three remote Kratie Province villages: Ajen, Spean Da, and Okabol.  All three villages lie near the Mekong River.  All three have struggling elementary schools. All three are experiencing acute needs.  

Funds needed to help:

• install water-sealed latrines at Spean Da school

• provide regular clean water supply at Okhabol school

• provide school supplies for teachers and sudents at all three schools

• provide monthly stipend for Leang Pot, Kratie Province field agent  

• stipends for two teachers in Ajen and Spean Da, who provide local coordination.

• Food and school funds for orphaned kids in Spean Da and Phnom Penh

Recent Projects in Cambodia

Youth Development Put on Hold

For the past two years, WGLO worked at developing a comprehensive, sustainable youth development program.  With limited resources our staff focused on soccer training camps, exercise and diet, drug awareness, and building teamwork. The Broyouk school grounds were transformed into a development training site and soccer field.

The pandemic crisis has resulted in financial uncertainty, causing us to take measures which ensure our ability to meet emergency needs and security concerns.   Funding for the youth development program ended June 30, 2020.

Bidding Farewell to Kandas

Kandas represents one of the earliest (2007) WGLO efforts in Cambodia.  In the beginning, the place seemed more of a settlement than a village, more a stopping-off place than a staying place. Parents left their children with grandparents, while they went elsewhere for work.   There was no school.  People came and went.

In 2008, WGLO built a simple but substantial one-room school, later an outdoor shelter for all-weather activities.  A fresh-water pond was excavated.  Thanks to regular visits from Harvest Ministries, Pastor San’s medical skills, Broyouk teachers’ introducing sports and hygiene activities, and outreach to the elderly, a sense of community evolved.   

The regional government has begun to notice Kandas. With Japanese funding, a new two-classroom school building has been constructed and borehole wells drilled.  There seemed to be an atmosphere of health and vitality. Perhaps the right time for us to move on.  Effective July 1, 2020, WGLO expressed deep appreciation to local people and precious partners and bade farewell.   

Kandas is a place found by WGLO and we first start to build… from one small class and our local team... now they become a sustain living with developing of houses, road, school and other facilities. We thank God for almost 10 years gone with the outcome as nowaday.

Sochenda Shrey, WGLO Cambodian Partner