Shelter for street children

Bopha* is thin and frail but possesses a commanding presence and her words carry the intensity of a young woman overcoming past trauma with an unwavering determination to succeed. She was rescued from homelessness, abuse, and street scavenging when she was merely 8 years old.

Separated from her mother after her father’s passing, she was placed with her aunt and uncle with her other siblings. She and her sisters suffered from repeated sexual abuse from her uncle and other males in her family and neighbourhood. She and her sisters escaped their home and decided to fend for themselves, scavenging on the streets.

When Damnok Toek encountered Bopha and her sisters, there were suffering from malnutrition. They were brought into the care of the Reception center and were given the right care to help them overcome their past.

Bopha decided early on to use her life experience to help children who are suffering the same fate she once did. She hopes to one day start a Peer educator program to share with others the knowledge and skills she has learned through the Peer Educator program to manage her trauma.

 * : the name has been changed to protect the child’s identity.