Hope for Children at the Landfill: Annalise

This week, we are raising funds to provide hope and education to 78 impoverished children living at a rural landfill site in Cambodia.

During the COVID pandemic in Cambodia, Annalise’s family lost employment and had no income at all. They made the move to the local dump site to try to earn enough money to survive by digging for recyclables and even food. Even with the entire family working under these hazardous conditions, they only earned about $45 each week. Can you even imagine living under these conditions?

Annalise dreamed of going to school, but she says that she never expected to have an education. She thought that no school would accept a girl from the local dump site.

Thankfully, Annalise was wrong about this and is now a student in LWB’s Believe In Me school in the rural village of Rangsei. She has access to a free education, hot meals, books and uniforms, and safe transportation to and from school by tuk-tuk bus.

Initially, Annalise was placed in a Catch Up class to bring her up to the same level of education as her peers. She took classes in computer studies, music, and art, along with courses from the traditional Khmer curriculum. She proved to be a wonderful student, and it wasn’t long before she was able to graduate to Grade 2 at our Believe In Me Rangsei School.

Annalise truly loves school and recently scored the 4th highest grade in her class. She enjoys the company of both her teachers and fellow classmates and has made many friends. She is an absolutely lovely girl, both inside and out, and we are proud of the progress she has made!

Education is the key to helping these children earn a living wage as adults and escape the extreme poverty prevalent in this part of rural Cambodia. Our Believe in Me education program serves children like Annalise who had previously spent their entire days scavenging through garbage, exposed to toxic fumes, rusty metals, and medical waste at the landfill. Thanks to this life-changing program, these kids can now escape that dangerous environment during weekdays and have a chance for a healthier and brighter future.

Will you please consider a one-time or ongoing monthly education sponsorship of $25 to help Annalise continue to be a part of our Believe in Me program?

We’re dreaming big, and our ambitious goal is to raise $62,000 to continue this vital program for children at the landfill for the remainder of the year. Please join us in our efforts to change the lives of 78 vulnerable children like Annalise.

Together, we can make a tangible and meaningful difference in their lives and provide real HOPE for the future!

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