D for Disability

Let me tell you about Nhim Lann (pictured below) who is about to join the Village Entrepreneur Program with a plan to raise pigs. Nhim was accepted into the program after Queenslanders Credit Union staff went MAD to raise funds to become her community investor.

Nhim has four children, including two who are "disabled" (her word), so did not have the opportunity to go to school. I can't tell you how sad hearing this made me feel.

The "disabilities" she described are not things that would ever hold children born in Australia back from leading rich, fulfilling lives or achieving extraordinary things. I am mad that her kids were robbed of an education because there was "no point" and that she had prayed for employers to "take pity on them".

CUFA employs a Gender and Disability Inclusion Specialist in Cambodia, whose job is to advocate and facilitate the inclusion of women and persons with a disability into society. It is clear to me from hearing Nhim's story that there is a lot to be done in this area and it is great to see CUFA working to be part of a positive change here.

I wish Nhim and her family all the very best for a bright and happy future.

PS  - On this note, if you are interested in sponsoring a Village Entrepreneur, may I suggest that you consider Ngoak Um.