Drawing by : Seang Meng Leang

 

On the 18th of May 2006, Mr. Priep Nura, started the orphanage World Hope Cambodia. He thought he needed to contribute to the resurrection of his country, torn by the terrible civil war. He saw many foreign aid agencies and, as a Cambodian, wanted to help his fellow compatriots who needed it the most; orphans, streetchildren and children from the poorest families. With some financial resources of himself and of his friends and family he accepted this challenge.

Within a considerably short time period, the maximum capacity of 19 children was reached. Not only did he take in orphans, also children with parents who can hardly take care of them because of extreme poverty were welcome. Now, 19 children who needed help urgently live at WHC.

The aim of Priep Nura was and is to offer shelter, food and education to these children. But shortly after WHC’s start, it was already impossible to get the needed financial resources. Fixed costs could not be paid and in these months, Priep Nura and his staff worked voluntarily, hoping to quickly find new sponsors.

In September 2006 Patrick Gillemans came into contact with WHC. He works as a tour guide in Cambodia for 10 months and does some volunteer work. From his home country, The Netherlands, he tries to raise money for his projects. When he saw the situation at WHC, he was convinced that a lot needed to be done here and that WHC was a project that needed the money the most. After getting acquainted with Priep Nura and his organisation, he came back that week and bought school uniforms from the donated money. In order for the children to succeed in life, education is vital. The children now could go to school for the first time. Also the still due rent, other fixed costs and the salaries of the 4 staff members could now be paid. Since then, a lot has happened and WHC still makes progress. A financial adoption programme has been set up, as to cover many of the fixed recurring costs. Patrick also started the Foundation WHC The Netherlands, of which he is chairman of the board. By setting up all these activities, WHC can look up to a brighter future now.