NBIC

Cambodia’s National Borey for Infants and Children, or NBIC, is a government-run centre that is home to abandoned or orphaned HIV/AIDS-positive and special-needs children and young adults. Centers like this are very rare in Cambodia and are very necessary; it can be challenging to contemplate the scale of the human unhappiness at NBIC, but the centre is an incredibly loving and happy place where the best interests of the children are at the forefront of everything that is done there. Currently, there are 99 children and young adults living at NBIC.

CamKids has provided all medicine and hygiene products at the home since 2011. It is essential that hygiene and cleanliness standards are strictly implemented, as this has a huge impact on the health and wellbeing of the children, many of whom are incontinent and prone to infections; diseases have reduced considerably since this funding started. 

CamKids also sponsors two part-time physiotherapists for stimulation activities with the more severe special-needs teenagers. These therapists help stretch and move the muscles of the children, which reduces atrophy and spasms. They also use various exercise equipment in order to make it more fun for the children, such as pulling rings. At the same time the children are being held and embraced, so they feel safe and secure. 

The therapists work with the children in activity rooms that allow children to sing, dance, learn the alphabet in both English and Khmer and play games with each other – as well as one-on-one time with the carers, to allow for more intensive therapy. This is vital for the children’s health and to make them feel happy and supported.