Cambodia - Project HALO
Helping
Cambodian communities care for their orphans
"The most wide-spread disease on this planet today is not
cancer or AIDS... it is the feeling of being uncared for,
unwanted -- of being deserted and alone." (Mother Teresa)
In response to the growing numbers of children orphaned by
AIDS, Servants to Asia's Urban Poor launched a unique new
initiative: Project HALO (Hope, Assistance & Love for
Orphans) has helped Cambodian communities to care for
over 1000 children whose parents are dying or have died of
AIDS.
At a fraction of the cost of supporting a child in an
orphanage, Project HALO is able to support a grandmother (or
aunt or uncle for example) who would otherwise be unable to
care for their orphaned relatives. We also support
teenager-headed households and recruit Cambodian foster
parents in cases where there is no extended family.
Read about the birth of Project Halo in the new book by co-founder, Craig Greenfield: "The Urban Halo: a story of hope for orphans of the poor" available on Amazon.com and in Christian bookstores.
Each child is important
One of the critical success factors of Project HALO is the
careful monitoring, visiting and relationship building with
each and every orphan and family. Before the parents die
of AIDS, Project HALO staff get to know the family and gently
encourage the dying parents to plan for the future care of
their children. Project HALO staff provide a sense of
stability and continuity for the children through the
difficult period of their parents' death.
Practical assistance
With an emphasis on giving a hand up rather than a hand out,
Project HALO provides practical support to a number of
families such as rice, small business loans and advice,
clothing, education sponsorships and uniforms.
Youth mentors - role models and friends
Perhaps one of the most exciting components of Project HALO is
our "Big Brothers and Sisters" program. These youth mentors
are young Cambodians from local Christian churches, who
volunteer to take on one orphan each as their "little brother
or sister". They visit regularly and we all go on outings
together once a month.
It has been heart-warming to see the bonds forming between
these bereaved children and their "big brother" or "big
sister". We also feel privileged to have been able to
play a part in encouraging middle class Cambodians to reach
out to their poorer neighbours.
The memory book - healing for grief
The death of a parent can have a devastating effect on a young
life. However, given appropriate support and information,
children can be helped to understand what has happened and can
learn to live with their loss.
"My Memory Book" is a colourful activity book developed in the
Cambodian language by Project HALO which helps bereaved
children to deal with their feelings of grief and at the same
time provide a keepsake which will be an invaluable memory of
their parents in years to come.
How can you help?
Contact Servants Cambodia (cambodia@servantsasia.org) to find out how you can help.
