Rice for a Year

In January 2017, I embarked on the most amazing journey to Siem Reap, Cambodia to volunteer for six weeks with ABCs and Rice. I was so very touched by the work that ABCs is doing to educate the poorest of the poor, that I returned in 2018 and again in 2019 to continue supporting this wonderful organization. Once again, the experience was overwhelming, heartbreaking, joyful and so fulfilling all at the same time. In Cambodia many children live in poverty and never get the opportunity to attend school. The cost of tuition and supplies, although small by Canadian standards, can be prohibitive and many parents need to send their young children to work just to ensure the family's basic needs can be met. While children working creates a short-term solution to the problem, this lack of education contributes to the continued cycle of poverty.

ABC's and Rice understands the difficult choices these families face and aims to tackle the issue with a two-fold approach. Not only does ABC's provide children with a free education, in both English and Khmer, but also makes up for the child's financial contribution by providing each child with two nourishing meals everyday and rice to take home every month. By taking away the worry of having to provide for their families, and filling their little bellies every day, they are free to learn and to just be kids....because being a kid IS their job!

Wow, fast forward to March 2020, when the world changed due to Covid 19! All schools in Cambodia closed, so the children were no longer able to attend class and receive their 2 meals a day and monthly rice ration. The families in this area are highly dependent on tourism so with tourism coming to a complete halt their already meager income stopped.  Knowing that these children and their families had very little food security, the school went from being a school to being a food bank.  ABCs and Rice now provides food rations several times a week and a once a month staples top up to over 200 families in the school area. Now, more than ever the school is dependent on donations from those of us that don't know what it is like to be truly hungry. 

A note from Tammy Durand, the Founder of ABCs and Rice: 

Greetings and thank you from ABCs. Things sure have been hectic, so I wanted to update as well as thank you for your kind support.  

As we all struggle both economically and emotionally, those reliant on charity for even the most basic of human rights are even more dependent and less secure than ever! Thanks to you and other supporters, ABCs has held strong and continued to support these families.  

Our day to day does not look the same by any means! And that's hard. The playground is empty, my daily dance and cuddle parties are done and I am no longer swarmed by children in the library over an impromptu story time or dress-up contest.  

Still what we are doing now, is more important than all our amazing, usual programs. Families with no income, no savings and no access to ANYTHING, are guaranteed a food subsidy three times per week and an additional large food donation once a month. Our tank and filtration system is rolling out approximately 15,000 gallons of clean drinking water each week and just this week the library is open (take out only). October will see phase one of a re-open. I'm fully dreading the logistical nightmare of policing masks, hand washing, distancing, and a very tight schedule, especially with the wee ones, but MAN I MISS THOSE LITTLE PEOPLE!!!!  

Our food line will continue, and kitchen will remain closed, classes will be broken into small groups and rotate in and out leaving students with only a couple hours of class time per week but it's a start.  

Long story short, thank you, we're still here, and so very grateful that you are too.

Much love and virtual hugs, Tam.

Any support that you are able to offer at this time is greatly appreciated.  A tax receipt will be provided.

Arkun Tom Tom (thank you big, big)

Sincerely,

Iris Paruch

Rice for a Year Project

Rice for a Year Project.