ORPHAN CRISIS IN CAMBODIA
Cambodia is located in Southeast Asia and is known for its beautiful beaches and historical landscapes. However, decades of political and economic unrest still affect its citizens today.
Over 30 years of war and political and civil friction have left Cambodia as one of the top countries ravished by poverty. This makes Cambodian children, especially those who have been orphaned or abandoned, some of the most vulnerable.
Virtually 600,000 children have been orphaned due to malnutrition, poverty, HIV/AIDS, and land mine explosives. Today, Cambodia still faces the ongoing effects of COVID-19. For weeks Cambodians were under strict policies preventing them from leaving home. Many went without food or supplies for long periods of time. Most families were already facing hunger and poverty. As a result, they became even more desperate for basic necessities. Due to low levels of education, drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment, socioeconomic marginalization, violence, and crime are prevalent.
Cambodian children face numerous challenges, such as child trafficking, child labor, and malnutrition, which are at the top of the list. As many as 40% of the children in Cambodia under the age of 5 are malnourished.
ABOUT APPLE OF GOD’S EYES
Apple of God’s Eyes was founded in Nepal in 2000 to rescue children sent to India for prostitution. It then grew to Siem Reap, Cambodia, in 2007 through two NGOs – World Mobilization in Brazil and Refuge of Joy in Cambodia. Its purpose was to help keep minors from going into prostitution and to prevent parents from selling their children.
Apple of God’s Eyes provides a safe place for children who have been victims of human trafficking and child exploitation. The children are received affectionately and placed in a home with a family environment. Not only does this home take in victims of sex trafficking, but it also receives girls and boys at risk of being trafficked, those living on the streets and in extreme poverty. Here, they strive to give these children who have been rescued hope, compassion, dignity, and joy. Apple of God’s Eyes has cared for victims for over 15 years. They strive to prevent human trafficking through assistance, awareness, and education.
Serving Orphans Worldwide travels to every orphanage we partner with to ensure needs are legitimate and 100% of funds distributed goes to the livelihood of the children.
PROMINENT ISSUES
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Children are often sold by their parents in Cambodia or even sent to neighboring countries for prostitution and sex trafficking. Some are lured into thinking they have a job offer but are then captured, starved, beaten, and forced into prostitution.
HIV/AIDS
Because the prostitution and sex trafficking rate is so high in Cambodia, HIV/AIDS has taken over. UNAIDS estimates that 75,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS, with 5,200 being children under the age of 14.
DESTITUTION
Poverty is one of the main reasons parents abandon their children in Cambodia. UNICEF reports that over one-third of the Cambodian population lives in poverty. Many are struggling day to day to survive.
WE BELIEVE
HOME
Apple of God’s Eyes consists of three group homes with plenty of space for the children. The homes house around 50 children and young adults. Each home operates like an ordinary family with leaders who function as parents.
HEALTH
The children at Apple of God’s Eyes eat healthy and nutritious meals daily, consisting of snacks and milk, and fruit before bed. Medical care is provided by the home when needed. Apple of God’s Eyes is a loving and nurturing environment where children can find safety and restoration from the difficulties they’ve faced in their lives.
FAITH
Each home provides daily meetings with all staff and children to pray and study the word of God. They attend local churches in the area. Their prayer is that these children can know and experience the love of Jesus, knowing that He is the one who brings true healing.