There are many young people in Cambodia working on the beach and begging on the streets. If you want to help, here are a few suggestions:
Giving money and gifts to young people on the streets and beach is not the best way to help them. Money and gifts encourage children to stay on the street or beach, putting them at risk for many forms of abuse. Also, giving money makes it harder for social workers to encourage young people to attend school and find safe sources of income for their families. If you want to help a young person, approach a local charity that provides care and education to young people in need, or that provides training and safe employments opportunities to young people who attend school.
Selling on the beach is not a sustainable for young people in the long term. Many young people selling on the beach stop attending Khmer school and only attend private English classes that are often paid for by a tourist who wanted to provide assistance. The reality is that and finding a good job when the young person is older will be very difficult if he/she does not complete Khmer studies. If you do buy from young people, make sure that it is from sellers that attends full-time Khmer School. Young people wearing the blue “Youth Protecting Youth” t-shirts attends full-time school.
The beach is not a safe place for young people at night time. Don’t encourage young people to be on the beach at night time by buying food or drinks for them after dark.
If you see a child in danger or if a child approaches you with a problem, do not take on the issue yourself. It is more effective to go through experienced social workers who can assess the situation and offer longer term solutions to the young people and their families. Call the 24-hour ChildSafe Hotline if you are concerned about a young person 012 478 100.
Be aware of the dangers of orphanage tourism. Please understand that these centers are homes for young people and not tourist attractions. Centers that allow strangers to have direct contact with children without proper screening are putting the children at risk for abuse and are disrespecting their privacy.
