16 Apr Covid-19 Response at the CSW-MERCY Orphanage

The Cambodian Social Welfare Orphanage, in partnership and under the oversight of Mercy International, has become this sterling model of what love-in-action means.  When noble intentions are effectively channeled into smart, project-based initiatives, important reforms can happen.  In this case, that translates into the creation of a safe, secure and nurturing space and a haven of love and extended family for, at present, 56 orphans, where no such safety net had existed before.

It personifies what we look for in the initiatives we support, namely helping the least privileged in our worldwide family, children in dire conditions, directly and in practical ways.

And it’s why we at the Wong Foundation support Mercy International programs as much as we can.  Because of the important work they do in making children’s lives better in tangible ways.

Which is why last year, we sponsored multiple projects with them to improve the lives of the children that comprise the CSW-Mercy Worldwide Cambodian family and that are under their expert and compassionate care.

We successfully completed construction for an auditorium, new boys restrooms, and two all purpose playing fields. They have been amazing partners, and we look forward to working with them on more projects to come!

However, if you have been following our work with Mercy Worldwide, you may be wondering how they are doing during the current circumstances.

Nick Bordieri, Mercy Worldwide’s Director at CSW Orphanage, was quick to act at the start of the COVID-19 crisis. While Cambodia was not in immediate danger, several precautionary measures were taken to protect the children.

Hand washing stations were set up throughout the orphanage to make sure all the children were clean and practicing good hygiene. “Big Brother” Hang, a local staff member and former Alumn, taught the children how to make their own soap out of natural ingredients, which was a great hands-on way for the children to learn a life skill while also reinforcing healthy cleaning habits.

Social distancing measures were also enforced as recommended by health officials. As Mercy Worldwide’s Intern Ashley Nicole left to spend time with her family, the orphanage bid her a farewell from a distance and wished her well on her journey.

There are other initiatives underway – both in Cambodia and in other areas of need throughout the Mercy worldwide network, some that the children themselves have initiated, as they continue to teach us – from the Philippines to the Dominican Republic to Haiti to New York to our own back yard here in Los Angeles.

Practical initiatives with high impact in real time in this time of crisis, which we will chronicle here in the days and weeks ahead.

We hope they inspire and motivate us all to purposeful action and to give what we can.

Be safe.

Our Project Partner: