The Phnom Penh Metta Karuna team works in villages in Ponher Leu that were formerly occupied by the Khmer Rouge. In line with the 12 Point Plan, our focus is directed at families so they can help their own children in the best way possible. Our many services in these villages and around Phnom Penh include education, community infrastructure, outreach to vulnerable families, health, financial assistance and hospitality.
Our philosophy, wherever possible, is to help the mother and family care for the child. Some of our strategies include:
Education of both the village children and their parents is also of key importance to our work. Sometimes village children are unable to go to school due to poverty, school distance or difficult family circumstances. To help alleviate this problem, we developed "Out of school classes" for these children. Since the introduction of this program, there has been a dramatic increase in the literacy of the 6-15 year group. Almost 100% of these students continue in grade 3 or 4 at a distant school.
Village discussion with adults also helps to reinforce the curriculum, as children and parents learn together about environment, nutrition, sanitation and other important subjects. This adult education also helps villages assume responsibility for village problems and promotes values of compassion, honesty, and justice.
Another important children's project is the Light of Mercy (Punleu ne Metta). Established as a home for handicapped children who may be deaf, blind, mine or polio affected, Light of Mercy provides the children with access to physiotherapy, prosthesis, health care and schooling - all while living in a happy temporary family close enough to facilities. The aim of Centre is to provide a loving and caring environment during the school terms.
In addition,
our work extends to locating and monitoring foster accommodation for other disabled
children.
