AP's Community Outreach initiative is an ongoing project aimed at working with the families of our resident children by connecting them with resources and linking them with opportunities that will improve their quality of life - through opening doorways and opportunities for families to connect with resources such as health initiatives or job and income-earning opportunities. The Community Outreach team has been engaging regularly with the families of AP residents, communicating to them the services and facilitations we can provide, but the responsibility to seek our assistance lies entirely in the hands of families and conversely, to respond and to be motivated in taking up the connections opened up for them.
Program Coordinator Yi Makara has been involved in the Community Outreach Program from the outset. Though he has met with many challenges he perseveres with admirable patience, encouragement and resourcefulness in thinking about the situation for each of the AP families. He has been instrumental in building strong relationships with the families through regular visits and phone calls, and coordinating them to attend the Aziza's Place monthly family nights.
Most recently we facilitated employment for the mother of resident Sokty, along with her cousin. They have started working in cleaning and assistant chef jobs at a restaurant established by Vann Pisey, a strong supporter of AP and previous short-term employee as a temporary accountant dating back to 2007 and several years since. The jobs will provide AP family members with regular and reliable income as well as Accident and Health Insurance benefits and allowance for annual leave and sick days. These employment conditions present a considerably safer working environment compared to those of the unpredictable roles of collecting trash and recyclables around Phnom Penh. We encourage the AP families in their new endeavors and support them as they develop work experience and strive to improve their living situations.
No comments:
Post a Comment