Cambodia

Cambodia, a predominantly Buddhist country, is home to the magnificent Angkor Wat however the real treasure of Cambodia is the Khmer people. Cambodians suffered enormously under the brutal regime of the Khmer Rouge during the seventies. Despite the atrocities of its recent history and its ongoing impact, the Khmer people have a remarkably positive and peaceful spirit.

Life in Cambodia is tough for most Khmer people. The major social problems include corruption, poverty and gender inequality. Young people experience the harshest consequences surrounding these issues, which often seriously impact upon their health and ability to access basic education. Cambodia is an area of priority for the Cagliero Project as its many Salesian programs and schools remain severely understaffed.

The Salesians of Don Bosco in Cambodia work under the NGO: Don Bosco Foundation of Cambodia (DBFC). DBFC started working in Khmer refugee camps in Thailand during the 1980’s. In 1990, DBFC was invited by the Royal Government to open technical schools in Cambodia. One year later, it opened Don Bosco Technical School, Phnom Penh. In 1991, the Don Bosco Children’s Fund was created by DBFC to support children from vulnerable communities to be able to attend schools and assist with their basic needs. The Don Bosco Hotel school was opened in 2007 to train young people in the ever expanding hospitality and tourism industries.

The Cagliero Project seeks volunteers to work for Don Bosco Technical School, Don Bosco Hotel School and Don Bosco Children’s Fund.