Kinship CareMenghong: Personal Dedication to Keeping Children in Families
Keeping a Girl in School and Family It was a steamy midday in the midst of Cambodian rice paddies. Menghong was sitting across from Bopha*, a widowed mother of eight, under the shade of a mango tree. He had had this conversation many times before with other families. He wanted to search for the right…
CiFChildren in Families·2018-10-25·4 min read
Kinship CareGrowing up in Community
Loneliness is a common thread for many children growing up in challenging home environments or within foster care systems. Children often feel isolated, like none of their peers understand, or like the struggles that their families face are unique to their families. Some children have missed significant amounts of school because of financial hardship. Entering…
CiFChildren in Families·2018-04-25·3 min read
Kinship CareBeauty in Muddy Waters
The mud comes up to mid-calf height. It is thick and sticky, leaving a dark brown coating on every surface it touches. We step hesitantly, searching for a firm footing, but our feet only sink further. Fortunately, the muddy path only lasts about three meters. Unfortunately, it is the only way in and out of…
CiFChildren in Families·2017-12-03·5 min read
Kinship CareSom At Video: Kinship
Soon after her husband died of AIDS and their possessions were sold off, a desperate Som At felt there was no choice but to take her young children to an orphanage. It ripped her heart out to “trade” her children for $30 and a bag of rice. Thankfully at the last minute she changed her…
CiFChildren in Families·2016-06-21·1 min read
Kinship CareKinship for Samnant
*Follow our CIF staff narrative on a field visit to check-in on a Kinship Care Family outside of bustling Phnom Penh. Names have been changed to protect identities.* “Do you want to go with me on a family visit?” My coworker, our Kinship Care Program Manager, peered at me from behind his computer. “Yes,…
CiFChildren in Families·2016-04-01·7 min read
Kinship CareMeet Chantrea our New Kinship Care Manager
Meet Chantrea! New to CIF, he serves in our Kinship Program, striving to strengthen family foundations and resources so children can remain with their biological families. After seeing social issues and injustices while growing-up in Kampong Speu, he pursued social work in university. Chantrea wanted to give back by finding a way to improve Cambodia’s…
CiFChildren in Families·2016-02-22·1 min read
