How it start?
Back in 2014, Cambodian Children's Fund website came into my sight. I never been to Cambodia, and I'd no idea how is the children living condition in this country. But a photo of a white man surrounded by a group of little children, full of smile and happiness on their face attracted my attention. These fairy expressions of appreciation had driven me to discover more what had this guy did to this community.
From Hollywood to Garbage Dump
When Hollywood marketing executive Scott Neeson embarked on a sabbatical between jobs in 2003, he couldn’t have imagined how it would change his life. Scott had left his role as President of 20th Century Fox International to head Sony Pictures International’s marketing operations. In Phnom Penh, Scott saw hundreds of children and their families living and working on the Steung Meanchey garbage dump, one of the most toxic environments imaginable. Scott faced a dilemma – could he go back to his Hollywood lifestyle and forget what he saw, or would he be able give it all up to try and make a difference to the children of Cambodia?
Scott had a 26-year career in the film business, including tenure as President of 20th Century Fox International. Scott thought he had it all – a powerful role in the film industry, celebrity friends, a big house, fancy cars and a boat.
But in 2003, Scott’s view on life changed completely when he found himself looking out across the Steung Meanchey garbage dump at hundreds of children scavenging through garbage.
Soon after, Scott made the decision to resign from his job, sell all of his possessions and focus his energy and passion into Cambodian Children’s Fund. Twelve years later and Scott’s journey still captivates, inspires and bewilders people from all over the world.
The moment I stepped there it was the single most impactful moment in my life. I was standing there facing into the abyss.
How CCF changed lives?
Since 2004, CCF’ve been working with some of the most impoverished communities in Cambodia, centered around the former garbage dump at Steung Meanchey. Back then, our world revolved around the health and well-being of 45 children living on the garbage dump. Today there are more than 2,200 students working towards a better future for themselves and their families through CCF’s award winning education program.
The garbage dump was closed in 2009, however the need for CCF’s services continues as Steung Meanchey remains an entry-point into Phnom Penh for destitute families with no option but to try and make a living through scavenging or begging on the city streets.
Through a range of programs that focus on 6 core areas – Education, Leadership, Community Outreach, Healthcare, Childcare and Vocational Training – we take a holistic, on-the-ground approach to developing integrated solutions to the complex issues of poverty.
CCF Model
The two guiding pillars of CCF are Education and Leadership. The Education Program is the driving force behind CCF’s operations, providing a pathway out of poverty for students and their families. The leadership program ensures that students graduate with a strong sense of social justice and a commitment to making a better future not just for themselves, but for their community and their country.
We learnt early on that transforming the lives of impoverished children through education isn’t as simple as opening free schools. We needed to do more – we needed to address the issues and dysfunction that kept the children away from the classroom. It’s only by addressing these barriers to education that we could achieve our goals of taking impoverished children and giving them a better, dignified life.
Through interconnected programs, CCF works with families to build plans for escaping debt, educating their children and developing job skills for parents and older children. CCF works at the grassroots, community level to develop integrated yet simple solutions to the complex issues of poverty.
How we can help
There are several ways we can involve in this charity work.
1) Partner of CCF
CCF works with a range of partner organisations, from global corporations like Credit Suisse and Velcro Companies, through to small businesses, universities, schools and community organisations. If you think your organisation can work with CCF – whether it be through fundraising, skill sharing, gift-matching or workplace giving, please contact:
Australia – nicky@cambodianchildrensfund.org
United States – andrea@cambodianchildrensfund.org
Hong Kong – joleen.soo@cambodianchildrensfund.org
Cambodia and other territories – cath@cambodianchildrensfund.org
2) Volunteer - Sharing your skill
The CCF Volunteer Program focuses on recruiting skilled volunteers with professional experience to assist in building capacity for ongoing development within the organisation. Successful volunteers at CCF are enthusiastic individuals with specific skills and expertise willing to work directly with our staff to share, collaborate and empower.
3) Fundraising
CCF fundraisers are the lifeblood of CCF. There are so many different ways to raise money for CCF. Many people ask for donations for their birthday, or ask their friends and family to sponsor them to take part in a challenge. Giving a helping hand is easier than you think.
Appreciation letter from CCF after my donation.
How Steemit helps CCF?
As a blogging and social networking platform, Steemit should not only be a platform of information and generate revenue, but it should be a power to the world. Thus, I wish to take initial step to raise fund for CCF by raising Steem Dollars or Upvote here. 100% of fund collected by this post will goes to CCF. More news of fundraising will be updated in following post.
Lastly, CCF just the first step of our journey of charity in Steemit. Please contact me if you found an organisation need help from us in Steemit.