At-risk youth should still have their basic needs met during Covid-19. As Cambodia faces a major outbreak, poor families are struggling to make ends meet. In April, a nighttime curfew began in Phnom Penh, and other restrictions make it harder for the poor to earn income as food vendors and day laborers. Mission Dove Cambodia will provide food and hygiene supplies to vulnerable families and at-risk youth of its learning programs and target areas in Phnom Penh city and in six other provinces.
Cambodia is at a critical point in controlling a major Covid-19 outbreak. All schools were shut. A nighttime curfew and lockdown in Phnom Penh began in April. At-risk youth in Dove's classes and support groups come from poorer neighborhoods. Their families are unable to earn an income as food vendors or day laborers. Poor communities in provinces that rely on Tourism unable to earn to survive. These care packages can help them get through this tough time up to three months (two distributions).
Dove will distribute food and hygiene supplies to families of at-risk youth identified as most in need. 60% of the care packages will be distributed in Phnom Penh, the most affected area. 40% will be distributed at Dove's project areas in P.Penh and six provinces. We will give a stipend to our 5 English teachers to continue online teacher training, so they are prepared when classes resume. Two staff can upgrade their home internet to host support groups meeting youths' emotional needs.
This project will meet the essential needs of 500 Cambodian at-risk youth and the most vulnerable families during this difficult time. These families will have food and hygiene supplies to protect themselves from Covid-19. They can save their money to pay for lodging, and they can avoid taking out loans to pay for basic needs. Youth will have their emotional needs met through support groups. Give at-risk youth and their families hope for the future!
