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Sterling Stamos Brings Solar Power to Cambodian Orphanage
 September 1, 2007 - (CAMBODIA)- In Khmer, “Sangkheum” means hope, and the Sangkheum Center for Children helps orphans and children abandoned by their families. Most recently, U.S. donor Sterling Stamos made possible the installation of solar panels to provide electricity, allowing the Center to focus on improving its educational services and vocational training to cater to more orphans and disadvantaged children.
Decades of civil war and the repercussions of the Khmer Rouge regime have left Cambodia struggling in poverty. Cambodia is one of the poorest nations in Asia, with an extremely young population; almost 40% of the population was born after 1990. Children are often forced out on the streets at an early age to support themselves and their families. In Phnom Penh, there are approximately 20,000 street children. Without a home or access to an education, these children have no hope of a future.
 Currently 48 orphans stay in the Center, which is supported by the Khmer Angkor Development Organization (KADO). The Center provides basic needs to another 58 children who live in nearby communities, and gives over 160 children schooling and vocational training. The children at the Center were abandoned by relatives after their parents died or removed from poor and dysfunctional households. Several of the children are HIV positive. The children live together as family groups in traditional wooden houses set in a garden setting.
With a solar power system in place, the Sangkheum Center is working toward environmental and financial sustainability, and can now focus on expanding its reach to more disadvantaged children in Cambodia. The children are provided with a comprehensive education, as well as healthcare, and room and board.
The education program includes both general education and vocational training such as English, Khmer culture, traditional dance and music, handicraft design, dressmaking, artistic iron welding, as well as recreational activities such as art and sports. The Sangkheum Center is also involved with the Siem Reap tourist scene, welcoming visitors to the Center and giving traditional dance performances at hotels and guesthouses.
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