The document details a 2010 trip to Cambodia by Margaret Allison and Viv Read, highlighting the impact of donations on local projects like vocational training for orphans and community development through the Buddhist and Social Development Association (BSDA) and Mekong Kids (MKK). It showcases contributions made, such as bedding and school supplies, and describes the operations of the Smile Restaurant and Sunflower Orphanage, emphasizing the need for ongoing support. The report includes links to websites for further information on the organizations involved.

1. Cambodia report 2010
Your Donations DO make a difference

2. About this book
This book is about the
Cambodian trip undertaken by
Margaret Allison and Viv Read
in December 2010. It provides
feedback to those who donated,
and shows how the money was
spent.
Both organisations we support
are special, and we hope that you
will be able to continue to help

3. BSDA
Based in Kampon Cham, about 3 hours drive from Phnom Penh. BSDA (Buddhist and Social
Development Association) was established by Venerable Vandong Thorn in 2005. From small
beginnings, the purpose which is 'helping the poorest of the poor' has manifested in a number of
projects. MKK (Mekong Kids) is the heart and soul of BSDA and the program we support.
The new vocational training centre has been built to assist orphans who are above school age, and 25
young people will be provided skills in sewing, weaving or cooking. A proposed micro finance
scheme will provide each graduate with materials and equipment to commence their small business.
For the original MKK kids program, there is traditional dance ( and hip hop practice after the
performance), and vocational skill development. For the community, there are English lessons that
some 550 attend each day. And Smile restaurant - where graduates from the MKK programs cook
and serve excellent food...
We have visited 3 times - and each time the promises of 'whats next' have been realised.
For more information, their website is
http://www.bsda-cambodia.org/
Smile, Vandong and BSDA are all on Facebook
and I have copies of financials, budgets, and projects.
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4. Shopping and delivering... through the capable Mr Vanthea our excellent guide, driver,
bargainer, negotiator and organiser! Always in search of the 'best pri (ce), we would be lost
without him.
2

5. The Vocational Training
Centre...built in 2010.
The two story buildings
are the accommodation
blocks, the single story is
the training centre
This facilit
y
skill develo extends the range
p
All 25 are ment to older child of
orphans. ren.
3

6. The Centre is on the way
to self sufficiency..solar
power and hot water,
fish in the dam, vegetables
and a substantial chicken
coop ( running chickens
are most sought after -
our equivalent of free
range!!)
Top right:
t
The studen he chicken shed
looking af ts are responsible fo
ter the fo
od sources r
!
4

7. Our main contributions were bedding... 25 each of mattresses and covers, pillows, blankets,
and mosquito nets. Other contributions were ceiling fans, 100 kilos rice, 60 kilos weaving
thread, thongs and toiletries.
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8. 6

9. 7

10. The School Children....For them, soccer balls, badminton sets, pens, pencils, notebooks, 100 metres
fabric for new curtains ( the stage carpet was last year) and a promise for money for some new costumes.
8

11. The dancing is always a
highlight...most of the
costumes that they wear
are also made by sewing
students.
Seeing some of the same
kids and hearing of their
progress is also special.
The dance
s
and exotic are a mixture of 'f
.... olk'
9

12. The tradition of
acknowledging those who
have contributed...
The donat
io
on a table ns are always plac
f e
thanks to or all to see and fo d
b expresse r
d...
10

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14. Learning about the organisation....
12

15. 13

16. Smile restaurant is in Kampon Cham on the Mekong River. It is staffed by graduates of MKK
and serves wonderful food!
14

17. Sunflower Orphanage... Phnom Penh
17 children, all orphaned by and living with HIV Aids are cared for by the extraordinary Mr Suri and
volunteer staff.(None of whom take any pay).
The children would not get their medication if they were not in the orphanage. Many have been
abandoned, others have had to leave family to get the support they need. All are in school. A recent
volunteer from Australia has left his mark, as we listened to a wonderful rendition of 'Kookaburra
sits on the Old Gum Tree'!!
This group is in urgent need of funds as their main source to date has not renewed. Sponsorship of
individual children is being sought... and we have the information on each of these children, costs
etc.
One of our mob, Tom is a primary school teacher and is establishing a connection between the
children and his class.
Our donations included rice, toiletries ( the skin cream was a HUGE hit), pens, pencils, paper... a
laptop for staff and a desktop for the children.
You can also visit their website..
www.sunflowerorphanage.org/
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19. 17

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23. 2010
Donations DO make a different