CAMBODIAN ORPHAN SAVE ORGANIZATION

"The Cambodian Orphan Save Organization is a home for poor, homeless and orphaned children located 7 kms from Siem Reap. It is currently home to 70 children, offering them a home, food, protection and education, but without sponsorship, providing these things has been difficult. It is our hope that passing visitors to Siem Reap will visit COSO and witness first hand both the good work that is being done here, and also the dire need for assistance, and offer some help in whatever way they can, be it volunteering, or financial or item donations."

The first thing that struck me as I entered the orphanage was the smiles on the faces of the children as they ran to our tuk tuk, excited they had guests! And likely very excited one of the guests was their friend Tracey Bell. I hadn't expected to see and feel sheer joy! Perhaps I thought I'd find sad looking children, malnourished, with no energy due to heat and lack of love and attention. But COSO is a family, they support each other, and there is tremendous, authentic love in this community. The children are polite beyond reproach,  undeniably happy, warm, friendly people. They are very safe, they are learning great life skills, and although they've each suffered their own losses and struggles, they are content.

THE GOALS OF COSO
"To provide shelter, nutritious food, protection, adequate healthcare and education for orphaned children and those living in extreme poverty. To reduce poverty and enable individuals and communities to become self sufficient, breaking the cycle of poverty. To carry out our work without discrimination and offer equal opportunities ..." To move from rented land onto COSO owned property and build a 'children's village' including a free school for local children in poverty as well as COSO's children; To encourage our children to embrace the knowledge of local Khmer customs, including dance and music, so that this knowledge is not lost in future generations; and to provide information for visitors so that we, and others like us, may receive help in our endeavours".