We spent the morning at the COLT (Cambodian Organization for Living and Training) Orphanage. It's a Dutch Orphanage that I have mentioned in previous blogs. While they only accept 30 children (their facility is small), they do treat these children very specially. These former 'street children' not only learn the usual subjects in the orphanage school, but they also learn about values and responsibility. Many of the children were abandoned and/or abused. Freida, who runs the orphanage is very much a surrogate mother, creating a sense of belonging and family in these children.
.JPG)
While traveling in Prey Veng the past couple days, we got to know three of the COLT orphanage kids. Piseth is 20 years old and one of the oldest in COLT. Pana is 12 and Dee is 13. They served as interpreters as we travelled through areas where few speak English. Piseth is very quiet but eager to help and quick to smile. He is preparing to take his college entrance exam and unsure of what he will eventually do. Dee is also quiet but acted as the interpreter for Bob Renner and I, as we examined the children prior to their treatment. Though only 13, he had the great responsibility of explaining to each child why they needed treatment. If a child strongly refuses our recommendations we can not treat them. Dee was able to convince the children about the benefits of our treatment. Pana, though, had the real people skills. He is gregarous and very out-going. He helped the children get through their procedures in the actual treatment room. Several times we saw him stroking the cheek of a younger patient reassuring them, that everything would be ok.
