Dear friends,
Krousar Thmey was invited by the United Nations in Geneva… What an honor!
Almost to the day, 33 years ago, I started with a handful of Cambodians in the Site II camp of what would later become the Krousar Thmey organization. With no name, no money, no formal structure, but with a vision and a fierce determination to provide real answers to the needs of Cambodian children. We have since trained and empowered Cambodian teams and helped thousands of children. Child protection, education and, as a remedy for the horrors experienced, cultural reappropriation have always been at the heart of our actions. Seeing us act alone amused many humanitarian professionals at first, but our determination, energy and successes won us sympathy and support. This support, from donors who heard about our concrete achievements in the field and our low operating costs, contributed to our successful development.
The second part of ‘Un Humanitaire au Cambodge’, a book I wrote in 2011, will be published shortly. It tells the rest of Krousar Thmey’s story, including the transfer of the specialized schools to the Cambodian government. I’m writing it four-handed with Auray Aun, former director of Krousar Thmey Cambodia, current president of Krousar Thmey France and key figure in this transfer. This book looks back over 33 years of struggle, joy and sadness,but so much pride.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you all for being so loyal to us.
Benoît DUCHÂTEAU-ARMINJON,
President and Founder, Krousar Thmey
