December 1st - Bring Awareness of the World to Others

Today is the first of 25 Days of Difference. Remember, it's never to late to join in on the fun of giving to others. What you give can vary from time, to goods, to knowledge, to laughter. The reward is often well worth the effort.

I chose to bring awareness of a school in Phenom Penh, Cambodia called Pour un Sourire d'Enfant. It means "for a child'smile." The school is an organization that works very hard to feed, clothe, and educated the children who live in the garbage dump of Phenom Penh. The school was opened in 1996 and since then has fed and educated thousands of children and provided them with life changing alternatives. The children's stories are heart breaking. I'm happy to know that two people with a vision, Christian and Mary France, have provided such a wonderful place for these children to grow and learn.

You can visit their website at http://www.pse.asso.fr/index.html
The website is written in French, but with a good translator you will get the idea. You can also play around and click on the pictures to get an idea of the lives these children live, both in school and on the garbage dump. I am also in possession of a very powerful DVD that illustrates the struggles and successes of these children and the school. Please contact me if you are interested in viewing the film. The cost of sponsoring one child is approximately $45.00 US a month.

My interest in this organization came about several ways. My cousin is deeply involved and has visited the school in Cambodia several times. I also have a very close friend working as a school principal in Phenom Penh who has welcomed some of these students into his school. Sometimes it's strange how small and connected the world can be.

Stay tuned for more information on this worthy cause.

I'll close with a quote from one of the students in the movie that makes me think a bit of 25 Days of Difference. "I'm sure, with our efforts, goodness is going to win."