Cambodia - Samai and Phirun recover their childhood at "Don Bosco Kep"

11 January 2019

(ANS - Kep) - In Cambodia, one of the world's poorest countries, the most vulnerable population is exposed to the risks deriving from exploitation, the depredation of natural resources and climate change. Samai and Phirun are two boys aged 11 and 13. "Both were exploited in the brick factory where they worked to earn some money and help their families," says Fr Albeiro Rodas, Salesian missionary at Kep.

Together with Samai and Phirun lives Danith, aged 16; at 11 he lost his sight and his family, as they abandoned him in the streets. And also Meng, Dara, Pinch ... and so on until one arrives at the total of 50 children who are part of the "Brother Sun" program that welcomes and hosts vulnerable children. "It's amazing how in a few weeks these children, who lived without a childhood, recover their smiles, their games ... They return definitively to what a natural childhood should be," explains Fr Albeiro.

To the "children of the sun", as they are called, there are another 300 children and young people between the ages of 3 and 22, who receive education and vocational training in the Salesian Don Bosco Kep. "Every child, every young person, also represents a family, almost always of peasants and of low income, which includes indigenous families, children and young people with physical disabilities, girls and young women at risk of exploitation, children and young people who may end up in networks of trafficking and illegal emigration," says the missionary, explaining the situation in which the children cared for are initially found.

At the technical school of Don Bosco Kep the young people, about 200 per course, receive vocational training in electro-technical skills, media, secretarial work, hotel management and programming. "This is a great opportunity for these young people, who see a previously unimaginable future open up," the people at Kep explain.

"We are very happy this year because we have been able to complete some buildings for the development of our programs, such as a new electrical department and a kiosk by the sea, where students can carry out their internship", adds Fr Rodas. "And we have also launched a project to sell our products, so as to increase our sustainability as a center." This new 2019 year shall hence continue to be a year of challenges in Kep.

InfoANS

ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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