Vietnamese Children in Cambodia

Cambodia is believed to be home to about 1 million Vietnamese people, many of which were born with no citizenship. No citizenship means no ability to find work or attend school beyond grade 5, and no human rights to protect them. Many Vietnamese people are forced to scavenge for recyclable material in order to make enough money to pay for rent and electricity (about $40 per month). Most of the children are malnourished and uneducated because they are required to scavenge to help pay the bills, but still cannot earn enough money to buy quality food. The most devastating thing is that some children are sold into prostitution at as young as 12 years old in order to earn money for their families.

Praise God that there are some who have given themselves to helping these people. In the heart of Siem Reap, there is a new ministry dedicated to showing the Vietnamese children a hope for the future. They attend weekly Sunday School services where they hear the gospel, and the teenagers have opportunities to make money by creating greeting cards and bracelets.

When we return to Canada, we will be bringing with us nearly 400 greeting cards that some of the youth made during our time in Siem Reap. We are hoping that we can sell these cards quickly so that we can create more work for the youth in Cambodia. Let me know if you are interested in buying some cards, or if you would like to get involved in the card making program. Above all, pray for these children, and for those who are working with them.