Our program to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in Cambodia is crucial and life-changing.
It is our deep belief that quality of life should be something every person can have. But sadly, many people in Cambodia, especially in rural areas, are facing serious discrimination due to a disability they have no choice but to live with every day. Jesuit Mission provides funding support to our local partner organisation, Karuna Battambang Organisation (KBO), for their ‘Enhancing the Life of People with Intellectual Disabilities’ program. This program ensures people and their families affected by disabilities—mostly intellectual—can access the help they desperately need to overcome barriers and live a full life. The generosity of supporters like you means we can provide vocational training for practical livelihood skills as a crucial step towards living independently, improvements to housing for better living conditions, and access to the vital health care people need to survive. You are also helping to raise community awareness in Cambodia about important matters in relation to disability, such as the rights of people living with a disability, the prevention of disabilities, and empowering families to help their loved one gain support from authorities.
“Our project targets mostly rural areas to benefit the most marginalised people with disabilities and help stop the discrimination they face at all levels of life. We aim to provide people with disabilities with the means to become productive members of their families and help reduce poverty.”
Your support means people with disabilities can be free from living in fear and isolation from their community. Instead, they can receive the opportunities they need to overcome their challenges and live an independent, fulfilling life.
Sinoun's Story
As a young girl, Sinoun had trouble speaking clearly, walking without help and managing everyday tasks. With her parents busy working on their farm to make enough money to feed the family, Sinoun’s grandmother became her devoted caregiver.
KBO first met Sinoun when she was five years old. After assessing her physical and intellectual disabilities, the team began providing her with tailored health treatments and learning support. KBO specialists also started physical therapy with Sinoun and taught her grandmother how to continue the exercises that would help the young girl develop her independence.
Thanks to the generosity of Jesuit Mission supporters like you, KBO was also able to provide practical support for the family including rice to relieve food shortage, better access to clean water, a toilet for improved hygiene and chickens for an additional source of income.
Now 12 years old, Sinoun is attending school, and her teacher reports she is growing in confidence every day.
“My favourite subject is English. I want to become an English teacher.”
Keeping pace with her developing skills, Sinoun’s family continues to receive guidance on how to best support her at home and they share this knowledge with others in their community. Your generosity has changed Sinoun’s life, and in 2023 alone helped 500 other Cambodian people living with an intellectual disability and autism, and over 2,500 of their family members and community leaders.
“Thank you for your support, I can now go to school like other students.”
Sinoun with a KBO teacher providing lessons in her home.
Sinoun outside at her home.
