At La Résidence d'Angkor we are continually striving to enhance the quality of life for the Cambodian people.
The Cambodian Orphan Fund (C.O.F.), established in 2007, is an organisation supporting the most vulnerable; the abandoned orphans and children of poor families who are no longer able to care for them.
When the director of C.O.F., Mr. Nick Griffin, moved to Cambodia, following many years in social work, housing management and community work in the UK, he had an overriding desire to introduce travellers to a better understanding of the suffering and courage of people from poor, disadvantaged communities.
The main objective of C.O.F. is to break the poverty cycle by:
Fundraising / Raising Awareness
Fundraising and creating awareness are carried out both locally from tourism and internationally through a network of friends and supporters. Arrangements by the hotel can be made for tour groups and individuals to visit C.O.F, allowing them to gain a detailed understanding of the day to day successes and challenges faced by the project. These introductions can raise awareness and generate charitable funds.
Management Mentoring & Training
Many Cambodians have not had an education and have not had either professional training or the opportunities that we have had to experience the world. Often they know what they want to achieve but they do not know how to access it.
Child Sponsorship
There are many children who come from poor backgrounds who with the help of sponsorship can be given a life changing opportunity. Some of these children will be in existing projects while others may become known to C.O.F. through their work with street children.
Volunteer Programme
This is the main vehicle through which C.O.F. carries out most of their work. They welcome both short term and long term volunteers. The core of the volunteer work is teaching English language and play development.
In November 2008 C.O.F. started a new project called Osborne House which is an orphanage and children’s centre, situated in Siem Reap. English language classes and activities are provided to about 100 children each day Monday to Friday. These children come from poor families in the area.
If you are interested in visiting C.O.F. during your stay with us the orphanage is located near the Old Market. Otherwise, we hold an information evening every Wednesday in the Martini Lounge from 6:30-8pm where Nick brings the children to speak to the guests.
If you would like more information or wish to support C.O.F. please contact the Assistant Manager of La Résidence d'Angkor, Ms. Jacqueline Leung.
The smiles of these children speak volumes.
