Overview

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Background

Welcome to the Future Light Orphanage of Worldmate, the home of more than 287 orphans in Cambodia. We call ourselves the Future Light Orphanage of Worldmate because the children who live here are learning the skills necessary to lift themselves out of poverty towards a brighter future. We want to equip these children with the skills needed to become the future leaders of Cambodia. 　 It is remarkable to think about how much the Future Light Orphanage of Worldmate has progressed when gazing at the serene beauty apparent on its grounds today. Started in 1993 with personal funds and those left over from a grant given by the Figaro Foundation of France, FLOW has now grown to become a home to more than 287 children in Cambodia. Sustained completely by donations from abroad, FLOW still carries on the same mission it always did: raising its children with love, equipping them with the English and computer skills necessary to survive in a competitive world, and sending them off into it with eyes wide open. Indeed, the Future Light Orphanage of Worldmate had its roots long before its conception. 　 The founder, Ms. Phaly Nuon, was one of millions of Cambodians ousted from their homes during the Pol Pot era (between 1975 and 1979) and forced to work in agrarian concentration camps under communist control. In 1993, Ms. Phaly was repatriated back to Cambodia, supported by a grant from UNHCR for her voyage home with 91 orphans and four widows in her care. The orphanage was first located to an area behind the Chinese Embassy before finally moving to a rural location on the outskirts of Phnom Penh. Not long after, FLOW registered as a non-governmental organization. Ms. Phaly was awarded the much coveted Action Humanitarian Prize from France in 1994 as well as the Ramon Magsaysay Award (Asia's equivalent of the Nobel Prize) from the Philippines in 1998 for her efforts in helping orphans in Cambodia.

Value

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Mission

The mission of Future Light Orphanage of Worldmate is to care for its children, providing them with a warm environment, supplying food, clothes, school supplies, education and extracurricular activities until they are 18. They attend English and computer classes and have the option of taking courses in Khmer traditional arts, such as classical Cambodian ballet and classical instruments, and training in sewing or tailoring and silk weaving. After "graduating" from FLOW, the children go out and find work for themselves, work within the Future Light Orphanage's walls, or teach in the rural schools as English and computer teachers. They are given a choice to decide on what to do in their lives. The skills and countless memories that they've gathered here will serve them well in the future.

Vision

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Goal

FLOW continues to accept more children; our number has increased to 287 kids with 23 staff working for them. FLOW is a diamond in the rough. We need the kind help of others to keep polishing our beautiful gem until it can reach its full potential. We are striving to improve and expand each of our facets (such as the Handicraft Center, Traditional Dance Performance Space, and Vocational Centers) with the goal of self-sufficiency. In the meantime, we have great need. We are still a small organization, devoted to our children and helping our people. We must rely on the kind financial support of direct donations from individuals and organizations to help us grow and maintain the daily needs of FLOW. Apart from shelter, accommodation, and food, FLOW also sends children to public schools for general education. Of the above mentioned number of kids, 98 attend Primary School and 145 attend Secondary and upper schools. Within FLOW, they are offered additional instruction in computers, English language, arts, drawing and handicrafts. These skills are very important to the kids as they instill confidence and open many doors to future career opportunities. Furthermore, these activities provide them with a cultural education that bonds them to their rich Khmer heritage. Once each child has reached the age of 18, we work closely with these young adults to ensure a successful transition from the protective walls of FLOW to the outside world. It is our ultimate goal that each child will leave FLOW in good emotional health with the capacity for self-sufficiency. This allows us to take in even more children in need.

Project Summary

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