New shoes give Cambodia's children a 'step' up

Posted: August 16, 2007   By: John Patrick

CAMBODIA - For Seang Ee, a new pair of shoes was a step in the right direction.

For three years, the 13-year-old walked to school on bare feet, and as a result, cuts and infections were a common occurrence.

"The last pair of shoes she owned were given to her by a primary school teacher," said Has Thoeun, an OBI representative in Cambodia, referring to the shoes Seang Ee had three years ago.

"For special occasions such as parties, the girl would borrow shoes from a neighbor," Thoeun added.

Seang Ee's grandmother, who looks after Seang Ee and her younger brother while their parents sell produce in a neighboring province, struggles to provide for the family. Some months they only have 10,000 riel, or $2.50 USD, to buy food and necessities.

Thanks to OBI, Seang Ee and thousands of other children like her, received new shoes via a major distribution that spanned 15 provinces throughout Cambodia.

CELS Enterprises donated more than 10,000 pairs of shoes to the effort, which were given out by local churches and organizations to those in need.

For Seang Ee, the gift is a comfort and luxury she isn't used to.

"She is very happy," Thoeun said. "She gave us a big smile. Now she can go to school, parties or anywhere with joy and comfort."

In addition to these distributions, OBI's Bless-A-Child program also provides food, medical and educational assistance to impoverished children.

"We are starting by helping children with their education," Thoeun said. "We realize that without education, these families will never get out of poverty."

New shoes, said Thoeun, is a small step toward the goal of education.