Orphanages in Cambodia

Last night I read an article in the current Phnom Penh Post about orphanages in Cambodia. It reported on:

• Tourists visiting orphanages without proper supervision, thus leaving children at risk of abuse.
• Children regularly missing school to perform for tourists.
• Children being forced to practice singing and dancing routines for 2 hours per day in order to be ready to perform for tourists.
• Lack of accountability (especially financial accountability) in orphanages.

The article quoted a 2005 UNESCO report which found that:

• Over half of children in orphanages in Cambodia have one living parent.
• 20% of children in orphanages have both a mother and father.

It reminded me again that community-based care is often a far more effective way of supporting children. At least it:

• Keeps kids who have parents with their families.
• Keeps children within their local communities.

Besides this, it may protect some children from the very institutions that claim to be helping them.