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Disclaimer: The appearance of external hyperlinks on this website does neither constitute endorsement, nor warranty or guarantee by BSDA, Cambodia, of the products, services or information contained in and/or offered at these linked web sites.
BSDA - Buddhism and Society Development Association, Kampong Cham, Cambodia, is focusing its efforts on reaching the truly impoverished, orphans and street children and educating them on life issues: HIV/AIDS, drug abuse/addiction awareness and prevention, violence prevention and social and Buddhist morality in Cambodia, which is also
stretching into the educational programs made available for teenagers and adults. BSDA offers language training, computer training and other educational opportunities, as well as support for personality development and is involved in various social- and community projects. BSDA has been founded as a Non-Government and non-profit Organization by
Buddhist monks and is also managed by them. Staff and volunteer members complement the team. BSDA is located at the historical temple site of Wat Nokor, close to Kampong Cham, approx. 120 Kilometers North-East of Pnom Penh. Click here: To read a full story written by Hannah Snowden, former VSO Volunteer and Member, BSDA Advisory Council, on
Kampuchea's Kids. BSDA has been permitted and acknowledged by the government of the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia in order to tackle urgent social tasks, by supporting the poor amongst the poorest, saving Street Children, orphans and vagabonds, getting involved in HIV/AIDS issues and engaging in the reduction of drug abuse, drug-trafficking and use by
humans, especially children and women. Further goals are glorifying health, educating moral in the society and Buddhism, vocational training -such as computer training and languages - and rehabilitation as well as reinforcing democracy and human rights. Cambodia has one of the lowest human development performances in the region, due to it's legacy
of human suffering and devastation by the Khmer Rouge. Over one third the population lives below the basic needs national poverty line, with rural households accounting for almost 90% of the poor. Communicable diseases dominate all age groups accounting for 83% of all disease burden. Over 10% of the population is below the minimum level of dietary
energy consumption. Nearly half of all Cambodian children are malnourished, and one in eight dies before their fifth birthday, largely due to preventable causes. The exceptional situation of children in Cambodia due to a long period of war and genocide, isolation and chaos has made life difficult for those most vulnerable. The population of
homeless people, especially children, is -also for this region- exceptionally high. This is due to problems within or the breakdown of a family, poverty and becoming orphaned caused by numerous diseases. Furthermore, the return of Cambodian refugees is increasing this particular problem. Street children and their families are vulnerable in any
country. In Cambodia, they are the tragic evidence of the countrys recent dramatic history and the uneven development of the economy, political system and capacities to respond to basic human needs.The mostly unaffordable cost of a public education hinders many families to send their children to school. Those children who still maintain regular
family ties are mostly forced to work in order to support their families. In addition to the children who have cut their ties to the family completely, there is a multiple number of Street Children who spend most of their time on the street and return to their families regularly or only irregularly. This part of the population is naturally a prime
target for prostitution, trafficking, drugs or sexual violence. It is of vital importance, especially in todays rapidly changing world, that children can base their future on adequate education and that they are kept away from the dangers of a street life.Life is further made difficult by poor crop yield in addition to continuous warfare and
banditry in some regions or numerous landmines, which prevent farmers from growing rice. BSDA - is tackling difficult tasks in a most difficult environment. BSDA naturally depends heavily help from outside. This web site has been created to support the activities of BSDA, make the organization better know around the world and to promote the
acquisition of urgently needed human, material and financial support. Please browse through this web site and the image gallery, which you will find under the menu-item "Images", in order to get an impression of our work, the Buddhist life, the area of Kampong Cham and the seat of BSDA at the historical temple site of Wat Nokor. We are
exceptionally grateful for all kind of help and donations supporting our work.
