Cambodia: A childhood for children with HIV
In one of the most deprived slum areas of the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, a man is guarding the gates of a school, behind which echoes the sound of music and laughter. This is no ordinary school.
Beyond these gates is another world for 59 children, aged three to 15, who attend the Happy Happy Club. Run by our partner Salvation Centre Cambodia (SCC), it is a place that is giving children back their childhoods.
Cambodia is one of the countries in Asia most severely affected by the HIV epidemic. There are an estimated 160,000 people living with HIV in the country and about one in every twelve children has lost at least one parent to HIV-related illness.
Through local Buddhist networks, SCC raises awareness about HIV and provides care and support for adults and children. The Happy Happy Club provides an education for children whose lives have been affected by HIV who would normally not be able to go to school. The children benefit from the advice and support of the monks and teachers – as well as having fun.
One former student is Bourn Phanna. He and his brother were taken in by their aunt when Phanna was about nine following the death of their parents who both died of HIV-related illnesses.
Phanna learnt to play the organ with support from SCC. He is now very much a role model for the young children at the Happy Happy Club. Each week Phanna and his cousin sing and play for the children who dance to their favourite tunes.
Phanna wants to be a performer and a DJ, and to teach other children about music. As Cambodian culture is full of worship, celebration and festivities there is a real potential for Phanna and his cousin to realise their dream.
And while monks and dancing may seem unusual partners, they are both essential components of this regular activity for some of Phnom Penh’s most vulnerable.
There is no doubt that the Happy Happy Club provides much needed respite for these children.
Without SCC, Phanna and his cousin would still be scavenging on the streets of Phnom Penh. They have not been plucked from obscurity to fame, but do now have the skills and confidence to earn a living as musicians at parties and celebrations.
And, according to their adoring legion of fans at the Happy Happy Club, they certainly have the X-factor!
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