SSF

Sao Sary Foundation (SSF) is a Cambodian organization that was started by a philanthropic Cambodian named Vichetr Uon (pronounced V-chet). He is a very caring man who has given his life to help out neglected and abused kids in his neighborhood.

SSF currently has 46 kids, about half of which come from a background of abuse. The story of the 2-year old boy that was sold at the market by his parents for $300 comes from this orphanage. Vichetr scraped up the money and bought the boy. He has sacrificed time and time again in order to help as many kids as he possibly can.

 One amazing thing about SSF is that it is almost self-sustaining. Vichetr invented a natural way to purify water. The purifier looks like a normal water fountain. Pour the water in the top and it filters through different types of rocks and sediments on its way to the bottom of the purifier. At the bottom, it goes into a small copper tube that pushes the water back to the top to a spout where it dispenses clean water. Josh drank some- he did not die. The water they poured in for him was disgusting. They made sure to get the worst water they could find for him- he was special. SSF also has pigs (which they raise to sell to others or eat), chickens, and a place for kids to learn agriculture and how to sew.

SSF does several things in order to make money. Raising the hogs is one way, but they also put their sewing skills to the test. They make reusable bags from different materials that are readily available for them such as concrete bags. They are always looking for new ways to make money, and teach the kids a trade to prepare them for real life. If you have any ideas on ways SSF can create things to make money, let us know and we will pass them on!

But, just for a little while we got to play and have fun with the kids! Face painting, nail polish, balloons, jumping rope! I hope they had as much fun as we did!