Phnom THOM

The Phnom Thom home is located in Northwestern Cambodia in Banteay Mean Chey Province. Banteay Mean Chey is on the Thai border.The major orphan producing factors for the home are land mines, war and disease. The area of Banteay Mean Chey north of the home was a major crossroad between Battambang, Siem Reap, and the route to Thailand. It was at the heart of the Khmer Rouge fighting before peace came in 1998. Both Khmer Rouge and Cambodian forces heavily mined the area during the past 27 years. Malaria, Dengue Fever, and other tropical diseases are common in the area with mosquito borne diseases the most prevalent.

A typical day begins as the children awake. Before eating breakfast, the orphans participate in devotions. The school age children either attend classes in the morning or in the late afternoon. After lunch, most of the orphans take naps, play, study, and take classes in the home. Later, they eat dinner, take care of the homes’ garden and plants, and attend an English class in the home. The orphans finish each day gathering for church devotions, before setting up their mosquito nets and going to sleep.