People Improvement Organization (aka PIO) Orphanage

Although our service trip is mostly dedicated to CPO Orphanage this year, we are still visiting other orphanages, to compare and contrast philosophies and structures, to distribute medical supplies and clothing, and to seek out future opportunities.

PIO is conveniently tucked away, nestled behind several trash dumps, but nonetheless, a unique place filled with laughter, talent and love. The house manager, Ms. Yim Somaly, lives in Phnom Penh yet works at the orphanage from sun up until sun down, ensuring that children are fed and punctual for school. The director originates from Canada, hence the Canadian flags draping the perimeter of the main room. Originally stationed upon the trash dump hill, PIO is now linked to a multilevel school across the yard, funded by Singapore, Australia, and the United States, one country contributing to each level of the facility. After interviewing Yim, I discovered that most children in this orphanage are clueless as to where their parents are living, for most of them were dropped off by grandparents that couldn't support them anymore-parents promise the grandparents that they'll be back, and head to Malaysia for work...they never come back. When utility bills consume the grandparents, they are forced to leave their home. Conveniently, the elderly are welcome at local pagodas, but not children-thus the separation and overly-populated orphanages. PIO, supporting ages 3 and up, houses 62 children at the moment, with a few more on the way.

My heartwrenching moment: noticing the small (approximately 8x12x3) Red Cross box mounted on the wall. When asked if this was the "önly" medical supply cabinet, Yim replied, with a solemn expression, "Yes." Knowing that this would be the case in most every orphanage we visited during this service trip, we had a packed medical suitcase ready to unload. The interesting part linked to medical supplies is that we need to educate each director about the uses of each one, as everything is written in English, and although they may speak limited English, medical terminology is not included in their vocabulary.

To conclude our visit, the children blessed us with traditional Khmer dance performances, both male & female versions, and words cannot express the gracefulness and poise exhibited in these moments. On the contrary, the kids asked to see our moves while blasting some Hip Hop & Electronica. Here we were, a bunch of spunky Americans, shakin' it like we know how, dripping with sweat & looking ridiculous...but to see the smiles on their faces and hear the giggles (with an occasional finger-pointing) absolutely gave us a sense of contentment.

Shake What Your Mama Gave Ya!
FB LINK for PIO: www.facebook.com/pio.cambodia