MATTER OF HEART
Our close bond with Cambodia began when Stefano, our youngest brother, adopted Chamroen and Sokchea, two beautiful Cambodian children.
After becoming aware of the pitiful state of Cambodian orphanages and the challenges they face, we decided to build a nursery school within the Battambang orphanage.
THE SCHOOL WITH SPORT PROJECT
As a follow up, and with a view to expanding the scope of our involvement in the country, we decided to take action to address the high dropout rate from Cambodian schools by replicating and expanding the “School with Sport” project.
Lastly, we donated 400 bicycles to Pailin to help children and teachers reach rural schools while avoiding areas where landmines are still present.
MENS SANA IN CORPORE SANO
Additionally, in order to promote health and education in Kampong Thom, we provided children there with sports clothing and equipment and were involved in the renovation of specific sports facilities, including a soccer field and a basketball court.
An indoor sports facility was also built for St. Paul’s Institute in Takeo so that students could enjoy regular sports practice, regardless of adverse weather conditions. These initiatives seek to keep children off the streets and away from delinquent gangs.
THE CHILDREN OF THE ORPHANAGE
We have also provided food, clothing and school supplies to the children at the SFODA orphanage in Phnom Penh, and donated sportswear to students at the School of Peace in Boeung Tumpun.
CLEAN WATER AND SCHOOL
For the second year running, the Podini Foundation is supporting the “CLEAN WATER AND SCHOOL” project in the village of Krang Doung, located in the province of Kompong Chhnang.
The project aims to bring clean water and education to the most remote villages in Cambodia that are not connected to an aqueduct and where there is low school attendance and early school leaving. After careful selection of the neediest families by local health workers, children from the same household undergo a medical check-up at the end of the year to assess the impact of drinking water consumption on their general health.
The programme includes a course in Hygiene and Use of the Filter for adults and children of the beneficiary families, and the delivery of the drinking water filter at the end of the course. It also includes the delivery of food and hygiene products every three months, linked to the children’s school attendance, to help improve general living conditions. Beneficiary families receive: 13 kg of rice, dried fish, oil, soya sauce, soya milk, as well as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush and laundry detergent.
