Building Hope: The Church of Jesus Christ and Children’s Future International Collaborate to Provide Shelter to Vulnerable Cambodian Families (ការស្ថាបនា​ក្តីសង្ឃឹម ៖ សាសនាចក្រ និង​អនាគត​កុមារ​អន្តរជាតិ ( Children’s Future International ) សហប្រតិបត្តិការណ៍​ធ្វើ​ផ្ទះ​ជូន​ក្រុមគ្រួសារ​ដែល​ងាយ​រងគ្រោះ​នៅ​កម្ពុជា)

ដើម្បីអានជាភាសាខ្មែរ សូមចុច នៅទីនេះ

In a significant step towards improving the lives of vulnerable families in Battambang Province, Cambodia, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in collaboration with Children’s Future International (CFI), has provided durable shelters for families with inadequate housing. This initiative aligns with the Church's global mission to support the self-reliance of individuals and families.

The Church has funded the construction of shelters for 33 families. As of January 15, 2024, 19 shelters have begun construction and 16 have been finished. One recipient teared up in gratitude during a recent visit by CFI and Church representatives. “I am so grateful for our new living space. Now I can take care of the children in our family,” she said.

Children’s Future International, located in Battambang Province, has a clear vision: “CFI envisions a future where every child in Cambodia is safe, healthy, educated, thriving and happy” (childrensfuture.org, About Us) Through social work, health care, education, and leadership training, CFI’s mission is to help “improve the lives of vulnerable, marginalized, and at-risk children in Battambang Province” (childrensfuture.org, About Us). CFI came to the attention of church humanitarian missionaries Elder Kenneth Schmidt and Sister Kathryn Schmidt while they were serving in the Battambang area.

Children’s Future International strives to serve the whole child, and in some extreme cases, the whole family. Some parents experiencing desperate poverty feel compelled to emigrate to other countries for work and give their children up to orphanages. “It is best to keep the family together,” said CFI Director Patrice Davison. “We are so thankful to the Church for helping us build new durable shelters for these families. It allows them to stay together, which is so much better for everyone.” She explained how CFI works closely with the government to find suitable land for a new home and broker a lease. Some families build their own shelter using materials provided by the Church and others hire helpers to assist with construction.

The Church's involvement in this project reflects its commitment to humanitarian efforts worldwide, particularly in supporting families and communities in need. CFI plans to continue to support these families until they achieve self-reliance, ensuring a sustainable impact on the community.