Breaking stigma

In rural Cambodia, individuals with intellectual disabilities often face significant discrimination and stigma. Shrey, a 17-year-old from a small village in Kampong Chhnang province, embodies the resilience of those impacted by this societal challenge.

As hard-working subsistence farmers, Shrey’s parents still struggled to make ends meet, frequently having insufficient food for her and her twin sister. While her sister flourished, Shrey faced severe developmental delays, both physically and intellectually, her struggles evident from just 15 months old.

"By age three, she couldn't roll, crawl, or walk and was often confined to bed. We didn’t know what to do,” said Shrey's mother.

Everything changed when, at five, she began receiving targeted support from our project partner Karuna Battambang Organisation (KBO).

Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, Jesuit Mission Australia has funded the ‘Enhancing the Lives of People Living with a Disability’ program since 2020.

The program operates across several provinces, providing vital services like vocational training, housing improvements, healthcare, and educational support.

With KBO’s assistance, Shrey learned to develop self-care skills and engage socially, gradually gaining the confidence to participate in her community. School, initially however, was a challenging environment where her classmates initially labelled Shrey by her disability rather than her name. Through education and awareness programs, attitudes in the classroom and community shifted, allowing Shrey to be included and respected, significantly boosting her confidence.

"Now with proper care and rehabilitation both at home and at school, Shrey is enjoying studying in Grade 10,” says her mother.

In 2024 alone, over 2,800 individuals benefited from the program, including 478 people living with disabilities. The program staff create and deliver  Individual Development Plans for each participant and their families, focusing on their unique needs, which has resulted in significant achievements.

Notably, 91 school-aged students with intellectual disabilities were mainstreamed into public schools, and 325 children received home-based care.

Thanks to the generous support of donors like you, Shrey and many others are now on paths toward fulfilling lives. With enhanced living conditions, access to healthcare, and a supportive community, individuals living with disabilities can overcome barriers and thrive. Your contributions are creating real change, ensuring that all children live in dignity and can access life’s opportunities. Together, we celebrate Shrey’s progress, thank you for being a vital part of this journey.