Marist Solidarity Cambodia Annual Report 2019

Marist Solidarity Cambodia (MSC) is an international non-government organization, an integral part of the mission of the Marist Brothers, which promotes empowerment and advocacy, and provides education and referral for children and young people with disabilities in Cambodia. MSC encompasses LaValla School, Villa Maria Hostel, LaValla Village and an Outreach Programme.

The last board meeting approved the distribution of its Annual Report for 2019, that can be read here.

In the report we note the following as underpinning Marist values for MSC: “All students that are welcomed to Marist Solidarity Cambodia have disabilities, here they find that their lives are not defined by their disabilities and so can live as normal young people and develop their individual talents and personalities. They are also able to build up a resilience to cope with being disabled in the wider society.”

Marist Solidarity Cambodia (MSC) is committed to increasing Cambodians’ educational opportunities and consequently their integration into the education system.  To achieve this, MSC has developed and operates La Valla School in Takhmao. It is the only school in Cambodia offering a full primary education to children and young people with a physical disability (102 students in 2016). Most students attending La Valla are years behind in their education due to neglect in their villages and denied access to education.  73% of these students are aged 13 and over.

Graduates then transition to Marist Solidarity Cambodia’s inclusive education program whereby they live in support accommodation whilst they attend mainstream secondary schools and tertiary institutions. Students are provided with educational mentors and receive thorough medical care including personalized physiotherapy specific to their disability.