AAD Angkor Association for the Disabled

Victim of a revolution

The man (Teng Dara) shown in the photo above and left; had both his legs blown off in the war while escaping from battle. He has to resort to begging around the Killing Fields Museum near Phnom Penh to provide for his family.

His story is far too common here; as over a quarter of the population were killed during the Civil War and the Khmer Rouge regime. Almost every family has stories of immense hardship and grief during this era. 

There is no social welfare in Cambodia though ex soldiers receive a small disability allowance. The vast majority of disabled have to fend for themselves. This results in a lot of limbless beggars on the streets. Their stories are quite appalling.  .  As there are as many as 60-90 mine related injuries per month in the northern provinces alone; the toll of horror and disablement is still continuing. 

Dara is now living in Siem Reap  and is supporting his family be selling books and crafts

Sales Cart                                                                                        Musicians near Old Market

The AAD was set up in 2003 by Mr. Sovantha an Ex Soldier and Amputee. The aim of the organization is to give training and support to the many disabled in the area. It gives disabled Cambodians and their families opportunities to improve their skills and quality of life . 

 More info on Sovantha and ADD on Lonely Planet

Sovantha; selling books in Siem Reap Town

Musicians Playing at our villaè

The AAD helps disabled Cambodians to start small businesses and sell crafts and souvenirs round the old market area in Siem Reap. Music training is given to adults and children of these families to give entertainment to tourists. many of  the children of these disabled adults live by begging; so the AAD  helps with their education and gets them out of the cycle of despair.

• A number of families use hand propelled bicycle carts to sell guide books and souvenirs around the Psar Chas market in Siem Reap 

• A literacy program is available every morning for those who need or want to learn to read and write Cambodian language.

• One teacher has been employed to teach traditional dance to the children.

• One music teacher is employed to teach the music and the playing of musical instruments.

AAD has now become a local Khmer Association with a Khmer project director. All funding so far has come from donations within the community and donations from tourists. 

The goal of the AAD is to help disabled Cambodians to start small businesses and sell crafts and souvenirs round the old market area in Siem Reap. Music training is given to adults and children of these families to give entertainment to tourists. many of  the children of these disabled adults live by begging; so the AAD  helps with their education and gets them out of the cycle of despair.

Peace of Angkor Villa is actively supporting this organisation and encourages donations from guests.

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