CCT now cares for 18 children. Daily life for the children at CCT is basic but ensures they are healthy, happy and getting a good education. The children are cared for by Tara and a great team of local staff. Jedtha is the local director and responsible for ensuring life at CCT continues to run smoothly as well as working closely with government authorities and other NGOs. Savenh is CCT’s social worker and works closely with the kids, monitoring their progress at CCT, offering basic counselling and providing emotional support. She is also working with the local school and authorities to ensure reintegration of any child back into the community is successful. Savay is CCT’s nurse who cares for all the children’s basic health and hygiene requirements as well all requirements of HIV and Hepatitis B positive children. Haing is CCT’s cook providing the kids and staff on duty with three nutritious meals every day, incorporating rice, vegetables, meat, fish and fruit. She also caters for any holidays where a special dish is required. SuCheat is the CCT house leader responsible for ensuring the children complete their daily chores and acts as a big brother to the boys. He also is able to help the children with their homework from the International English School they attend six days a week. Soppoan is the CCT security guard who also doubles as a male role model for the kids and helps them with their home work. John and Soteary are qualified, experienced teachers who tutor the kids in Khmer literature and mathematics six evenings a week.

The children’s schedule is demanding. They have a six day school week in which a lot of their spare time is taken up with homework and extracurricular studies such as music and circus classes. On Sundays, once they’ve washed their clothes and sheets and prepared for the next school week, they get to relax and watch some TV.

This may seem gruelling but the kids still find time to play marbles and hopscotch, shoot hoops and ride bikes. Life for these kids is not like that of kids living in western countries. They have to work much harder to get ahead in life and avoid the hardships that blighted the lives of their parents. The kids have earned great admiration from staff with their determination to leave behind their often tragic pasts and focus instead on their dreams for the future.