Primary project is to support the children of the Widows and Orphans Development (WODO) is Non Profit Local Organization registered with Cambodian Ministry of Interior in 2006. We pride ourselves on:
Zero cost model – we are run by volunteers and administration costs are funded separately (ie: not out of donor money). So, 100% of funds raised for the children will go directly to the orphanage. Pe
rsonal dedication – the committees responsible for making funding decisions comprise individuals who have spent time at WODO and have a personal vested interest in helping these children in the most sustainable methods possible. Transparency – regular communication with donors and accounts that will prove that all the money goes directly to the source. Donors are also encouraged to visit the orphanage or get involved in projects on-site so that they can see the results for themselves.
‘’Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has’’
- Margaret Mead
Windows and Orphans Development (WODO) based Charitable Organization that was founded in 2006 by Cambodian Teams who dedicate to Cambodian Orphanages. We aim to provide a better future for the children of the Windows and Orphans Development (WODO) to improve healthcare, child protection and education for the children of the orphanage. We work in partnership with a number of international NGOs who support volunteering activities and fund day to day food and schooling needs. While these organizations assist with immediate needs, Windows and Orphans Development (WODO) focuses on longer term housing, healthcare, child Protection and education. The main objective of Windows and Orphans Development (WODO) is to value and build a better future for underprivileged and uneducated children and rural community development by fundraising to support the following activities:
Creating opportunities for education;
Safeguarding the interests of and improving housing and living standards;
Relieving poverty by providing basic healthcare;
Promoting the accountability of governments, companies and those in power;
Encouraging self-sufficiency and reducing dependency;
Training of local staff in order that they may utilise the facilities to the optimum benefit of the beneficiaries of this Trust;
Working in partnership with other bodies or organisations in Cambodia or overseas to advance the primary objects above;
Working with other development and human rights organisations who share the above primary objects and, where appropriate, develop joint campaigns;
“The future depends on what we do in the present’’
- Mahatma Gandhi
The impoverished history and industrialist culture has created a generation of over half a million orphans in Cambodia. Initially, orphans were a result of the Khmer Rouge atrocities however, with the fall of the Pol Pot regime in 1979, these original orphans are now adults. Given the substantial aid received from outside of Cambodia and the enterprising nature of Cambodian people, the country has now created an industry of orphanages, many of which house children who are not true orphans but are born into poverty or dysfunctional families. Please note that many orphanages are run as businesses that capitalise on tourism so if you are visiting Cambodia, please be aware that handing over cash or simply visiting an orphanage as an attraction, may not be the best means of supporting the children. WODO stands for Windows and Orphans Development Organization and is an orphanage that was set up by local Cambodian teams who devoted for underprivileged and orphaned children. It is located in Phnom Penh Side which is about 40 mins from the center of town by tuk tuk. The community was evicted from the riverside in Phnom Penh in 2006 over land-rights issues and is extremely poor. The village has no running water or sanitation although this is slowly improving. WODO is home to around 20 children from the ages of 3 to 18, most of whom have at least one parent still alive but due to extreme poverty, HIV and/or drug use, the children are cared for by Windows and Orphans Development (WODO). Despite their poverty, they are very happy and generous children, who love to learn, dance and play new games.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”
- Mahatma Gandhi
here are many ways in which you can become involved with us
1. Sponsor a project
2. Make or gift a donation
3. Independent fundraising
4. Attend an event
1. Sponsor a project:
You can sponsor or part-sponsor a project securely online via our contact. If you would prefer to make alternative payment arrangements, please contact us. Nutrition & Healthcare: For approximately US$15 per child per month, you can provide
Regular health checks: In 2010, we took all the children for doctor and dentist check-ups. Malnutrition has caused a number of health concerns and a lack of hygiene meant that many of the children required significant dental work. In 2011, we aim to provide more education on healthcare, regular doctor visits including necessary vaccinations and dental and hygiene care. Access to fresh fruit & vegetables: WODO currently receives donations of rice and food on a monthly basis from other international NGOs. Given recent health concerns, we aim to supplement these meals with fresh fruit and vegetables, delivered to the children 5 days a week. Education: School fees are currently sponsored by INGO for children over the age of 6 yrs, however WODO takes pride in tracking grades and attendance and has built relationships with the local schools as we believe that education is the key to eradicating poverty for these children…
Volunteering program: Children between the ages of 6 yrs & 8 yrs can be taught by self-funded volunteers. For approximately US$10 per month, WODO provides training plans and exercise books from which volunteers can teach. If you are interested in volunteering opportunities or know someone who may be, please contact us – we would be happy to assist those that are willing to make a commitment for at least a month. English lessons: In the past 10 years, visitor numbers to Cambodia have increased by nearly 500% and the tourism industry has benefited from increased income of over 700%*. Given this, English is fast becoming a ‘must have’ for children and adults to conduct business and make a living. In 2011 we aim to provide children over the age of 8 yrs, a more structured program in a private English school to give them a competitive advantage over other children their age. For approximately US$15 per child per month, you can provide private English lessons tailored to individual grades 5 days a week, safe transport to and from the school and the necessary exercise books. Preparatory exam lessons: All over Cambodia, children in their final years of high-school are required to study one-on-one with tutors to ensure that they are best prepared for their end of year exams. We have a few children of this age requiring additional funding for schooling that can be provided at a cost of US$10 per month per child. Longer-term education fund: We have a number of teenagers in the orphanage that we need to plan ahead for. We are currently completing training and career plans for them with the goal of identifying schools and costs of higher-school education in advance. These plans will give the children something to work towards and us some more fundraising targets. Improved housing and care: Over the longer-term, we aim to fund the development or relocation of the orphanage to a more secure environment and would appreciate the assistance to start up a housing fund.
2. Make or Gift a Donation:
If you would prefer to make alternative payment arrangements, please contact us
3. Independent Fundraising:
If you would like to hold your own fundraising event or would like for Windows and Orphans Development (WODO) to be a beneficiary of school or community initiatives, please contact us - we’d love to hear from you. We’d be happy to speak at events about issues affecting Cambodian children and how children of similar ages can get involved or provide you with the necessary details if you are arranging your own fundraising activity on behalf of Windows and Orphans Development (WODO).
4. Attend a WODO Events:
Please visit: http://orphansdevelopmentorg.wordpress.com/
