In this tense situation, the construction and operation of foster homes is supported by Children of the Mekong. This is a solution that works. The foster homes allow children from the most remote villages to live and study in a calm environment, near their school. They eat till they’re full, sleep in safety, sheltered from conscription and armed conflicts. They also attend free complementary classes. Given the low level of academia of teachers in the region, these are essential.
These foster homes, often managed by nuns or the school principal, also have a social mission. They have turned towards poorer families, orphans, and abandoned children, among others. They ask for a relatively small amount of money, but often, families cannot afford it. Child sponsorship with Children of the Mekong helps to overcome this lack of means, allowing the poorest children to continue with their studies.