The Sunshine Centre (Kids that changed my life)

The reason that I'm in this space (getting on my soapbox, blogging about social justice, doing a Masters of International and Community Development and spending my holidays in developing countries....) is because of my first trip to Cambodia on a church mission trip where we spent much of our time helping out at the Sunshine Centre, a day centre for street kids. At the centre they provided food, healthcare and basic schooling. It was those kids that melted my heart and helped me to see the world in such a different light.

I was fortunate enough to be able to return to the centre while I was in Cambodia with Teachers Across Borders. There have been a lot of changes but also a lot of growth. The centre has moved locations and is a little further out of the city. It still caters for street children but also children that come from extremely low income households. They work closely with vulnerable families and they have a really clear vision for what they want to achieve. They are networked with the local school and other organisations and they are in the process of handing over the directorship of the centre to a Cambodian. I was so impressed.

There were a couple of staff members that had been at the centre during my last visit and I was thrilled to be able to catch up with them. I was also so fortunate to be able to make contact with the lovely Sreytouch, who used to be at the centre. I met her husband (Sophani) and baby (Naomi) and shared a great meal with them.

The Sunshine Centre continues to make an impact in the lives of children and their families. I will be forever grateful for the way the Sunshine Centre changed my life as well.
For more information about the Sunshine Centre Phnom Penh visit here
To read the lastest (February 2010) newsletter for the centre click here.


Update 16/4/2010
This post has been selected as a Just Post for March. Thank you!
Click here to view the other March Just Posts