"Here I have education and I have a lot of friends."

~Makara

Hagar's Foster Home Program has changed many children's lives, including 11-year old Way. 

Life is very different for 11-year old Way now that he has a roof over his head, enough food to eat, clean clothes, daily education, time to play, and most importantly, a supportive community.  His childhood has been returned to him and he is dreaming about what his future can now hold. 

Samnieng's story is one of tragedy, but not without hope.  Samnieng's father died when she was 10, making her vulnerable in her community.  She was was raped shortly after.  By the time she was a teenager, she had been trafficked through two brothels and then freed in a raid by the police, only to be sexually abused while working in a karaoke shop shortly afterwards.

Malis has a dream of opening her own beauty salon in her home province one day.  At the rate she has been learning, and with her determination and creativity, it won't be long before she can make that dream a reality.

from street kid to chef

Everyday Sophat creates a symphony of flavours.  He chops, slices and dices; he grills and bakes and fries.  He tempts the tastebuds of tourists from all over Phnom Penh as he cooks their next meal of the day.  Sophat is a great cook. 

For Sophat, this is a dream come true - and a life he would have thought impossible only a few years before. 

A Precious Life Restored: Eang was only six years old when her mother sold her into prostitution. Now, Eang is healing at Hagar.

Children find hope, education, and friendship through Hagar Children Programs.Sreyang loved the rain.  As the skies opened and unleashed their torrents during Cambodia's rainy season, Sreyang was most happy to play with her friends.  In an evening however, that joy was all but lost.  Sreyang nearly lost her life. 

Economic independence is an important step towards full recovery and reintegration.

Heng is becoming a gifted seamstress.  Everyday she produces carefully sewn bags along with her fellow employees at Hagar On Time (HO-T).

Sophon was 20 years old with a seven-month old baby when she arrived at Hagar's Women's Shelter fleeing her husband's violence.  Sophon's husband was initially kind towards her.  When she became pregnant, however, he became jealous and violent. He accused her of having a boyfriend and began beating her everyday, eventually locking her in the house for five straight days.

Thuy grew up unwanted and shamed.  Her parents weren't married when they had her and blamed their daughter for their misfortunes and the shunning they received from Thuy's grandparents and the community.

After a few years, Thuy's grandparents felt bad about what they had done and took her in to live with them. While living there, one of her cousins sexually abused her.  Thuy says that she's felt insecure around men and boys ever since and it has hindered her from trusting people.