Guest house Borderless-tokyo Foster child program

Guest house Borderless-tokyo has joined the foster parent program from April 2004.
We are supporting Reen, an 12yrs old boy from Cambodia.

Introducing Reen：

First of all, let us talk about Reen.He is an intelligent boy whose favourite games include football, reading and playing with marbles.His mother tells me that Reen always says that when he is older he would like to be a government worker. In this part of the world, childeren grow up fast and all must play a part in family's progress and survival. Although they still have time to play they must also help with the daily chores.Reen helps to take care of younger siblings to fetch firewood for the house and to fetch water for the house.

Reen is now in the second grade of the primary school.His mother says that his performance in schood is good. He is a bright child and studies hard. The day starts early for Reen as he heads for school. He travels by foot and it takes him approximately 45minutes. Everyday Reen meets with his friend Khchei Teep and Ueut Kheang and like childern everywhere they chatter about all kind of different things so the time passes quickly. Reen is glad to reach school and start the day with his friends. He always look forward to the local language, reading and drawing lessons that are his favorite subjects.

Reen is not able to write to you himself yet , however, his uncle Phat is eager to write to you on his behalf. Although children in this community are bery shy about writing to someone in a different country we will encourage them to communicate with you in there own personal way , perhaps through a small drawing. It is also very exciting for them to recieve a letter or a photograph from a friend abroad and so I hope you will be able to find the time and send Reen and his family a message occasionally.I have seen the wide smiles which this can bring to a child's face!

Introducing Reen's family：

There are 6 members living together with Reen.
I would like to introduce them to you.

At home the family speaks their local language, Khmer.

Reen and his family's health：

Hom told me that Reen has been in good health during the past six months.This means that he was one of the fortunate ones as still , many children suffer from diseases that could be prevented. If Reen or any of his family is sick, they can go to the traditional healer, a journey of about 45minutes. If there were an emergency case, the family would have to travel about 2 hours to get to the nearest hospital.

Where Reen and his family live：

Reen's family lives in a small house made of plam leaves with a corrugated metal roof. The house is owned in partnership with relatives. Whilst showing me their home, Hom told me that the house is in poor condition.This means that living conditions are not very healthy. Reen's family does not have their own latrine and have to use a hole in the ground for their needs. This creates a lower level of hygine and increases the incidence of disease, particularly amongst the children.

In many areas of Plan's work a lack of access to clean safe drinking water all year round is a real problem and can cause an increase in common water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera. Throughout the year, Reen's family get their water from an open community well that is in the house backyard. There is sufficient water during bothe rainy and dry seasons. Due to a lack of appropriate treatment, the water is not safe for the family to drink.

Reen's family uses an open fire to cook their daily meals and their main fuel is wood. Collecting firewood is usually the work of women and children and a very time consuming task. For lighting the house the family uses kerosene lamps. Hom says this ends the day early as the lack of light makes it difficult to work or do household chores in the evening. Reen's family, like other friends and neighbours have a very small income and it is a struggle to be able to meet their basic needs. However, the families in the Khnar Sanday community have a rich social life. Durring their spare time, Reen's family loves talking with friends, reading books, and magazines and drawing pictures of local scenes.

writings by Phany Svath
Plan staff member