Just thought I would post some info on a couple of special places we visited in Phnom Penh that make you feel as though you have done something very worthwhile.

Friends recommended we visit Tabitha Cambodia which is a NGO retail shop in Phnom Penh. They thought I might see something nice to buy there, which of course I did, but not what you may be thinking!

Through this organization disadvantaged women undertake paid training for 6 weeks learning how to make handicrafts such as clothes, toys, shawls, bedding etc. At the end of this course they have usually made enough money to buy their own sewing machine for home and then Tabitha Cambodia places orders with the women providing regular income and employment.

Rather than buy handicrafts we chose to buy 2 piglets at a cost of US$35, these are then donated to a disadvantaged family. These piglets are raised by the family and when fully grown they are sold providing enough money for the family to build a house or start a business.

This is a very meaningful gift as it allows the family to develop a secure source of food, income and self reliance.

Tabitha Cambodia is on the corner of Streets 360 & 51 Phnom Penh

Tabitha Foundation Australia

Tabitha: News from the Field


The second place which has been a favorite of ours on each visit to Phnom Penh is Friends (The Restaurant)

This restaurant is run by Mith Samlanh a charitable organization that helps with Phnom Penh’s street children and their families. About 1500 kids are helped with various training and programs. They receive basic education then are trained in various occupations such as mechanics, hairdressers, restaurant work, cooks etc.

Friends Restaurant opened in 2001 and is famous for its Asian and Western tapas ($1 each) and snacks as well as its atmosphere and excellent prices.

All the staff are former street kids who have been gaining first-hand experience in the hospitality business, serving customers, taking orders, cooking and learning about hygiene in the workplace.

The students with support from their teachers are actively involved in all areas of the restaurants operation, including designing the menu and creating new dishes.

Its fun atmosphere, great food and fantastic prices have made this restaurant very popular among expatriates and tourists visiting Phnom Penh.

Since opening, The Restaurant has succeeded in becoming wholly self-sufficient and all profits are reinvested into the Training Centre activities.

We were lucky enough to be invited on a private tour of the Mith Samlanth Friends organization.
What an eye opener it was.

Hundreds of beautiful children swamped us. They were so excited we had come to see their class rooms. We saw young boys practicing their technical skills on old TV sets, girls learning how to cut hair, students having English lessons.

There’s not enough space on this forum to go into detail what our experience there was like. It was fantastic but also so very sad.

It was also very special to see our names on the huge wall at Friends restaurant in recognition of a donation we made last year.

So Friends is a wonderful restaurant with great food and a nice story behind it.
House 215 Street 13, Phnom Penh
Cathy

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http://www.cathyandgarystravelpages.com

Thanks Cathy for this informatiom. The lovel people of this poor country need all the help we can give them.

Mahalo Cathy for these informative organizations. Hopefully I will be able to visit and participate with both. Aloha

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Be a traveler, not a tourist.