The day began not like any other at the Somaly House center. The children woke up earlier than usual—some dashed to the bathrooms to wash up, leaving the older children to sweep the yard while staff busied themselves decorating and setting up, preparing to receive students and teachers from the nearby schools. The grounds were abuzz in anticipation of the day’s events.

To welcome the guests, dancers from the Somaly House center perform a “Wishing Dance.”

It was 1 June 2012, International Children’s Day in Cambodia. The holiday was first adopted by the United Nations in 1954 to promote the wellbeing of children worldwide and draw attention to their issues. Children’s Day is observed on various dates, but the promotion of children’s protection and access to education remain central themes in every country. In that same vein, Somaly House, formerly known as Kampong Cham Rehabilitation and Basic Vocational Skills Training Center, is a fitting location to recognize and celebrate Cambodia’s youth. Somaly House is a long-term rehabilitation center that houses about sixty to seventy girls age 16 and under. Established in 1998, many of the center’s residents are severely at-risk for exploitation or are survivors of trafficking or other abuses. Here the children are provided a safe space to heal from their traumatic experiences and receive an education.

As guests began to arrive, the excitement at the center grew more palpable. Special guests included provincial officials, monks from Angkor Ban pagoda, ministerial officials, District Deputy Governor Ms. Chhim Khema, pop singer Oak Sokun Kanha, and AFESIP Founder and President Somaly Mam.

Ms. Kheng Sochenda, event organizer and guest speaker, addressed the young participants and discussed their rights as children. The children at Somaly House attend the neighborhood public school and Khchao Secondary School Director, Mr. Tep Kossal, stated that the residents are considered family and are afforded equal access to education without discrimination. Ms. Chhim Khema, the District Deputy Governor emphasized that the event is not only dedicated to the children in the center, but to all primary and secondary school students around the country.

Past and former residents were also included in the speaker line up. Ms. Ling Ya, a 19-year-old resident at the center, spoke to the audience about her experiences attending the United Nation’s UNiTE Global Youth Forum. Ms. Chan Sokhom, a former resident of Somaly House, was also invited to partake in the festivities. Ms. Chan is currently a law student at Royal University of Law and Economy. She came to Somaly House in 2003 and had always expressed that her dream was to become a lawyer and assist vulnerable women and children. She shared her personal experiences with the audience and thanked the center’s staff and residents for their love and support while at the center.

To close the ceremony, staff announced that a large private donation had been made to Somaly House. Similarly, AFESIP donated computer equipment to Angkor Ban pagoda.

     Ms. Kheng Sochenda, Somaly House Manager                        Mr. Tep Kossal, Secondary School Director

“…Sooner or later, your parents…will understand more and more about your rights and will respect your rights as a citizen in the society.”— Ms. Chhim Khema, District deputy governor

“This event also raises awareness among parents about the rights of the child;
the right to Life Development, Participation and Protection…”—President Somaly Mam

“While at the center, I tried my best to work very hard at school and to take care of myself and other sisters living with me…Now I am a student at the Royal University of Law and Economy…no one is successful in life without hope, patience, and determination.”— Ms. Chan Sokhom, former Somaly House resident