Cambodian Orphans Save Association (C.O.S.A.)

At La Residence d'Angkor we are continually striving to enhance the quality of life for Cambodian people.  We recently discovered an organisation called Cambodian Orphans Save Association (C.O.S.A.).

C.O.S.A. is a newly established organisation supporting the most vulnerable; the abandoned orphans and children of poor families who are no longer able to care for them.

• A classroom during the day
• A room to sleep in overnight
• A play room at the weekend
• A practice room for Khmer dance classes.       

Education

A number of Cambodian volunteers take care of the children and give them Khmer lessons every morning after breakfast.

In the afternoon and if they are available, foreign volunteers come and teach the English language.

The children love Khmer music, and practice Khmer traditional dances on a daily basis in hope that one day they will be able to perform what they have learnt in front of an audience.

Over the next few months and years, C.O.S.A. wishes to:

• Keep these children safe in Cambodia, regardless of their race or colour
• Provide training and knowledge that will improve their lives
• To defend the children’s right to freedom and against all violations of those rights
• Educate these children intellectually in a way that will help them earn a living
• Provide these children vocational training to prepare them for their lives.
  

The organisation receives no funding from the government and rely on donations and support from the local community and tourists.

La Résidence d’Angkor is committed to work with C.O.S.A. to allow these children to grow up with dignity, to educate them for a better future which will in turn prepare them for a better life within the Khmer society. We will not provide cash to the organisation, but rather we are committed to help them fulfill their ambitious projects by material and other donations. 

What is needed? 

• Rice and food
• Clothing
• Basic interior for the dormitories
• Basic kitchen equipment for the kitchen under construction
• Toys     

The following projects are planned:

1. Build a new school
   
   C.O.S.A is currently paying rent on the hut they inhabit.  This is not a stable situation, and they could at any time be asked to move out by the landlord. C.O.S.A would like to buy a piece of land to build a proper school and housing for the children.  The organisation has identified a piece of land in the nearby area which would be suitable. La Résidence d’Angkor is committed to help funding the purchase. Around US$ 40.000.00 are required for the land purchase.
   
   
2. Purchase of traditional costumes and musical instruments
   
   The children dream of performing traditional dances they have been taught in front of an audience. C.O.S.A. wishes to buy costumes and Khmer traditional musical instruments for the children to fulfil their dream.
   
   
3. Education and training
   
   C.O.S.A need to collect funds for being able to provide the children with a continuous basic education followed by vocational training.
   
   
4. Agriculture
   
   The organisation wishes to be able to expand agricultural options as well as maintaining cultivation of rice growing in the rural areas of Siem Reap province and all over Cambodia.
   

If you would like more information or wish to support C.O.S.A. please contact the General Manager of La Residence d'Angkor, Mr. Manfred Ilg.

The smiles of these children speak more than a thousand words.