Caring & Respecting the life of Elders
In Khmer the word for grandmother is "Yiey". Elders are highly respected in Cambodian culture and it is common for them to live with their adult children. Grandmothers play a particularly pivotal role in the family, acting as nannies and house keepers, providing a cornerstone of support to their children. In addition, they teach the younger generations about cultural traditions and pass down knowledge and experience about the "old ways".
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| Princess Ermine with one Yiey |
There are no elders pensions or formal retirement schemes in Cambodia, leaving adult children to inherit the care of these elders, often placing extra burden on finances. The scars of surviving the genocide taking their toll on their mental and physical health later in life.
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| This grandmother is blind and spends all her time in a tiny shack caring for her many grandchildren. |
The families that Shanty Town Spirit helps, often have "Yieys" who are suffering from illness which is antagonized by the unhealthy surrounds of the slum. Our program chooses to support these women who have endured so much, given so much and deserve to receive care and consideration.
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| This elder has full-time care of her two grandchildren while her daughter and son-in-law are abroad working in factories. |
Shanty Town Spirit where possible, pays for medical care including operations and treatment, as well as providing a modest pension to help increase their quality of life. For example, last year we covered the costs for surgery for one of the elders to have a gangrene toe removed due to
diabetes and all post-surgery medicine, along with cataract surgery for another elder. With the generous support of our magnificent donors we have repaired, furnished and purchased household goods for some their homes. Shanty Town Spirit will continue to care for elders in the communities we work with. Words by Jessica Sander
Caring for our seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy.
John Hoeven- Senior US Senator
One Spirit, One Heart, One Community.
You can help these elders
by sponsoring the Shanty Town Spirit program
Click on Make a difference
OR contact
Ermine Norodom: +855 (0) 17 49 27 19 (French and English)
Phirun Prak (Arun): +855 (0) 96 663 6666 (English and Khmer)
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Association, Cambodge, Cambodia, caretakers, elder care, elders, Ermine Norodom, grandmother, Shanty Town Spirit
Location:
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
