At the People Improvement Organization (PIO) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, there are approximately 45 boys and girls whose parents are too impoverished to provide them with food, shelter, clothing or education. These children are given full board and accommodation at PIO’s Shelter and excellent education at PIO’s school.
Generous donations to Dharma Care’s Srey Lak Program for Girls (SPG) make it possible for PIO to continue to look after these otherwise destitute girls. Some of our donors are paired with specific girls while others prefer to give to PIO’s general support. Some donate a small amount every month while others might make a one-off donation of varying amounts. We receive donations from individuals, couples and groups. All donations are very much appreciated and go toward transforming the lives of these girls.
If you wish to make a donation, please visit our donation page.
This is another story of how your donations can help these girls.
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When I lived in Phnom Penh, I had a very reliable tuk tuk driver named Chan. Whenever I return to Phnom Penh, Chan drives me around the congested streets of Phnom Penh and beyond.
During the Covid pandemic, tourist numbers in Cambodia dwindled to almost nothing and Chan found himself without much work. Being very resourceful, however, Chan and his wife started a small garment factory in their home. In one room, he installed a row of sewing machines, and in another he made a little crèche. Chan and his wife hire women from the neighbourhood to help in the workshop. In this way, the women are able to work and at the same time keep an eye on their little kids.
One day I learned that Chan was selling trousers for women in small, medium and large sizes at $5.00 a pair. I immediately contacted Malyda (PIO’s Deputy CEO) and asked her if the Shelter girls were in need of trousers. Malyda explained that she usually provides the girls with donated clothing. Dharma Care bought 50 pairs of trousers from Chan to donate to PIO’s Shelter girls.
I organised a time for Chan to deliver his trousers to the girls. As soon as he arrived at the Shelter, there was a mad scramble for his trousers. Each girl managed to grab and hang onto two pairs of trousers. Later Chan reported to me: “They like the trousers so much.” I suggested to him that he and his wife make shirts for the Shelter girls next time.
Thanks to our supporters, Dharma Care has once again succeeded in putting a big smile on these beautiful girls at PIO.
Miyako Armytage