Cambodia is quickly changing. The country is facing the rapid urbanization, high population growth, poverty, and a poor education system among many other factors. Another force in Cambodia is rising drug use.
In Cambodia, many women find themselves at risk. The literacy rate among females is 71% compared to 85% among males over age 15 (UNESCO). Girls are also more likely not to attend school than boys, and women do not have access to the same opportunities as men. Drug use among Teen Challenge’s clients is often tied to a life of prostitution as women are caught in a vicious cycle—using drugs to continue to work in prostitution and using prostitution to buy more drugs. These women, with low education and no job skills, also face extreme economic hardships as they are often working in prostitution to provide for their children and their mothers. Teen Challenge’s clients have frequently shared heart-breaking stories of being trapped in this situation.
To respond to this situation, Teen Challenge has operated a one-year residential recovery program for women trapped in addiction to drugs and alcohol since 2011. At our center, our clients are also allowed to bring their children with them to maintain the family bonds and to provide a safe place for these children as their mothers receive treatment.The one-year program for the women includes physical care,* psychological care and counseling,* character development,* and literacy and vocational training.* We operate this program from a Christian perspective that wants to see holistic change and growth in the lives of our clients, and we know that true change comes through Jesus Christ.
* indicated sections are part of Teen Challenge Cambodia’s development activity (J628) with Global Development Group (ABN 57 102 400 993), for which gifts over $2 to GDG are tax deductible. Any excess funding may support other approved activities. Any gifts or costs mentioned are representative only, and no non-development activities (welfare, evangelism or political) are a part of or funded by GDG. For more info: www.gdg.org.au/InfoJ628 .
In Cambodia, many women find themselves at risk. The literacy rate among females is 71% compared to 85% among males over age 15 (UNESCO). Girls are also more likely not to attend school than boys, and women do not have access to the same opportunities as men. Drug use among Teen Challenge’s clients is often tied to a life of prostitution as women are caught in a vicious cycle—using drugs to continue to work in prostitution and using prostitution to buy more drugs. These women, with low education and no job skills, also face extreme economic hardships as they are often working in prostitution to provide for their children and their mothers. Teen Challenge’s clients have frequently shared heart-breaking stories of being trapped in this situation.
To respond to this situation, Teen Challenge has operated a one-year residential recovery program for women trapped in addiction to drugs and alcohol since 2011. At our center, our clients are also allowed to bring their children with them to maintain the family bonds and to provide a safe place for these children as their mothers receive treatment.The one-year program for the women includes physical care,* psychological care and counseling,* character development,* and literacy and vocational training.* We operate this program from a Christian perspective that wants to see holistic change and growth in the lives of our clients, and we know that true change comes through Jesus Christ.
* indicated sections are part of Teen Challenge Cambodia’s development activity (J628) with Global Development Group (ABN 57 102 400 993), for which gifts over $2 to GDG are tax deductible. Any excess funding may support other approved activities. Any gifts or costs mentioned are representative only, and no non-development activities (welfare, evangelism or political) are a part of or funded by GDG. For more info: www.gdg.org.au/InfoJ628 .
