Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia. One third of the population struggles to survive on less than a dollar a day. The children (42% of the population) are the main victims of this poverty: lack of hygiene, malnutrition (55% of under 5 year olds suffer from dietary deficiencies) and limited access to both basic healthcare and education.

Doctor Jocelyn Dordé has been doing humanitarian work for 20 years. His country of choice is Cambodia. In 2006 he came with his sister , Doctor Fabienne Deranlot and some friends to help underprivileged children in the Phnohm Penh district of Boeng Salang, one of the poorest in the capital.

Initially, the idea was to give sanitary aid and support the education of two orphans (Séthara, called “Tara” and Maryna, nicknamed “Mana”, hence the associations name “Taramana”). Today, even more ambitiously, the association fosters around 160 children. This individual support allows the children to be fed better, it enables them to go to school everyday and also to take additional courses such as English or French. In addition they have access to free healthcare (for the whole family), a full course of vaccinations including a quarterly treatment of vitamins, calcium, iron and an anti-parasite treatment. Their support also provides dental care, toothbrushes, toothpaste and long term aid for the foster family allowing for an improved standard of living.

The association opened a new “medico-social” education centre called “Taramana” in November 2008, in the neighbourhood of Boeng Salang. It has a new infirmary, administrative offices, two classrooms and in the future hopes to offer all of the local children a sports field, as well as a playground and a games room.

Please do not hesitate to help this cause. For just 20 euros per month you can come to the aid of one of these children.

Thank you in advance

Taramana Official Website

Photographic Reportage realized in December, 2008

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