Cambodia
Completed projects

Collaboration with NGO avec

In Cambodia, the WeCare Association works closely with the NGO avec. The founding couple Patrik Roux and Theavy Bun established avec (Aide Volontaire aux Enfants du Cambodge) to actively combat child trafficking and abuse. In 2009, they opened the Safe House in Battambang – a protected place for orphans and children from extremely precarious backgrounds. Here they find protection, security and an educational perspective.
avec operates a nationwide network for early intervention and works closely with public schools. Every year, the organization distributes 9 tons of rice and school materials to families in need.
Around 35 children live permanently in the safe house. Around 400 external children take part in free English and computer courses every day. There are also 17 training places for seamstresses.

Since 2021 - Food aid for families affected by poverty

Since 2021, the WeCare Association has been supporting around 30 families a year with an emergency aid package that covers the most important basic foodstuffs for around three months. The affected families live in the immediate vicinity of the Safe House in Battambang and are living in extreme poverty. People with physical disabilities are particularly affected, as are elderly people and grandparents, who often have to look after their grandchildren alone while their parents work in neighboring Thailand.

2021 - Bicycles for children: a donation that changes lives

Thanks to a generous donation from the Diethelm Foundation, the WeCare Association was able to hand over 89 bicycles and 2 mopeds to disadvantaged children and young people in Cambodia.

The bikes went to children who regularly go to school and are actively involved in their education. The children at the Safe House were also included. Each bike was fitted with a lock.

A bicycle means:

  • Better mobility
  • Access to education
  • Economic prospects
  • Health promotion
  • Possibility to transport goods

The official handover took place at a ceremony in the presence of parents and local authorities on the avec premises.

2020 - 2022 - Visible sustainable impact

Two years after the distribution, Patrik and Theavy conducted personal interviews with the recipients. The feedback impressively shows how profoundly the families’ everyday lives have changed thanks to a bicycle.

A big thank you to the Diethelm Foundation for this effective support.

2015 - 2016 - Renovation of the safe house

The WeCare Association used CHF 15,000 from the Bazaar proceeds to finance the renovation of the Safe House in 2015:

  • New colors and beds in the dormitories
  • Hygienic improvements in the kitchen (new floor, metal paneling)
  • Extractor fan for better air when cooking over an open fire
Cooking remains teamwork – with lots of preparation, washing up and shared meals.

2010 - Renovation of the office

Back in 2010, the Bazaar proceeds contributed CHF 10,000 towards the renovation of the office and the purchase of new computers. This was a huge relief for Patrik and Theavy – for the first time, a functional workstation was available for administration and employees.