My Nonprofit Reviews
amarsh01
Review for Sao Sary Foundation, Chba Morn, , Cambodia
My experience with the Sao Sary Foundation was life changing. I lived at the SSF compound for about two weeks, experiencing life with the SSF community and documenting the work of the organization in order to compile the 2009 Annual Report, which highlights the good work they are doing. SSF is unique in the fact that it takes a preventive approach to preventing human trafficking and exploitation in Kampong Speu Province of Cambodia - trying to protect the lives of the poor and vulnerable before it becomes too late. Another thing that makes this organization stand out is the opportunities it offers for volunteers. Vichetr Uon, the founder and executive director is a forward thinking man, who is always looking for new ways to improve his organization. The ideas of those who choose to volunteer are carefully considered, and often implemented. SSF is still a small NGO seeking to expand, but without the continued support of both donors and volunteers, it becomes nearly impossible to make an impact in such an impoverished place. However, it doesn't take a lot of money to offer a fresh start to some of the worlds most vulnerable people. Overall, the experience was amazing. If you're ever in Cambodia, get in touch with Vichetr - it will be worth your while!
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
by seeing the improvements made in each community I visited, from their new houses, to wells, to the small businesses that are helping, one step at a time, to help these families become self sufficient.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
hire more staff - At the moment this is impossible due to lack of funding, but it would improve the ability of the organization to deal with more problems simultaneously.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the community atmosphere based on sharing and collective effort. Everyone works to tend the garden, cook the food, and run the banana cake selling operation, while offering support to one another.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
absolutely dedicated to their work. The SSF Executive director ran the organization in his time off from work until recently. Now the Sao Sary Foundation is his one and only focus.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
eradicate extreme poverty in the district of Cambodia where it works. Far fewer children would be trafficked and the educational opportunities available to them would skyrocket. College degrees would actually become attainable.
Ways to make it better...
I had been able to stay longer. I would have been able to develop closer relationships with the children and arrive at an even greater understanding of the difficulties faced by them and their families.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the difficulty in raising enough money to fully achieve its goals. Every dollar makes so much difference but the capacity of SSF to impact more lives is directly linked to its bank account.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
