Charities Aid Foundation of America
The SAHAKA FOUNDATION ORGANISATION (SFO) is pleased to announce that it has been accepted by the Charities Aid Foundation America (CAF America) and has received its first payment from a grant submitted to it for this year. The funds received will help with the preschool program in Prey Veng, and will also support some of our SFO students and vulnerable families. They are a tax-deductible organization and gifts can be given through them, although we still prefer using the SAHAKA website for now.
Our move back to Wat Opot has been delayed, for a while, until the Partners in Compassion group completes their transfer to private land and a wall is built to separate the grounds. Wayne has moved back into his apartment in Phnom Penh.
In the meantime, Dara and I continue to visit with the children and families that SFO supports. Keeping the kids in school is our main priority and if necessary Dara has to find alternative solutions for those that have poor attendance or drop out.
Not all of the children have problems with school. Some will never have to worry about it.
This was the first time I tried to hold Ek. We have visited the family several times and usually, he’s lying on a bamboo bed. I didn’t think he was much aware of things but when I tried to hold him, he sure made me aware of the fact that he didn’t like me… although by the end of the visit, I did get him to smile. There is not much we can do for him… I share the picture only to let you know that in Cambodia there is little support for families with children like Ek… the community leaders do what they can but rely on Organizations like SFO to assist them… and with your support, we have been able to help the family in getting basic needs.
So things are looking up again and we can now think about taking on new families and students. We appreciate your taking the time to read this far and we are always grateful for your assistance. You can donate through the SAHAKA website or if you live in Cambodia use this QR code:
Bonnie Goodman February 4, 2025 at 9:46 pm Edit
Lots is happening, this is great!
So the goal is to move back to Wat Opot, wow, I didn’t know this!
Glad all is going well, I will donate.
Congrats on getting the grant.
Best, Bonnie
Hi Bonnie,
The community has asked us to return to Wat Opot and the Monks have offered to help us manage the land. It will require a lot of work to get the place back in shape but it will be worth it to have a lasting “home” for those who grew up there as well as the nearly 400 families of those who died from AIDS there or the 200 families of those who were cremated there during the COVID era. However, none of this can happen until the land is returned to the Temple, and that is what we are waiting for. The plan is to provide care and support during the day and have foster homes in the area where the children would go in the evenings. Thanks so much, Bonnie, for your continued support.