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.
That's awful - it's like it's some kind of industry.
ReplyDeleteNice Blog. You know sad but true. Over here people often ask about the 'orphanges' as they get alot of press....Unfortunately they don't understand the real story!
ReplyDeleteAnyway Hey I hear JOYCE is coming to town.... Are you excited or what???
JOE- Yep. The only thing that keeps me from becoming really cynical and giving up is that there are some grassroots projects that do actually make a huge difference in kids' lives.... and I know that I still have much to learn in how to use power in a positive way to serve and empower people rather than exploit them.
ReplyDeleteOMI- Yep, Joyce & Delirious & a bunch of people from Hillsong are due to come in August for a big event... haven't heard much on it lately. How did you hear about it?