THE HOUSE OF SMILES

Some years ago interPART became involved in examining, with the Government of Cambodia, alternative forms of living for orphaned or abandoned children with disabilities in Cambodia. Subsequently a Group Home was established and five children (2 girls and 3 boys) began living in a house in the community instead of being in an institution.

This Group Home has become known as The House of Smiles reflecting the happy nature of the children.

“The group home has become a regular part of this community…the local residents have happily accepted it into the small community.

…observations and comments provided by their teachers and carers show that all children have made significant achievements in terms of physical, social and intellectual development." (Extracts from an evaluation.)

The House of Smiles is now a project of Hagar, ABBA Switzerland. Friends of interPART has provided assistance with education for the children and plan to support the establishment of a Day Centre.

The children, with adult carers, are now enjoying a more normal style of living within a community setting. The children and carers live in a typical Cambodian house. The main aim is to simulate as near as possible conditions being experienced by general Cambodians in their everyday life. Not only does this encourage the inclusion of people with disabilities into the society but it also minimises the need to build and maintain new buildings. The village children are encouraged to visit and to participate in some activities. One young person from the House of Smiles is now attending the local government school.

The children have been accepted into the normal life of the village. That was the intent when the group home idea was first mooted. The House of Smiles has been used as a ‘model’ to illustrate that children with severe disabilities can live and manage in a more congenial setting outside of an institution. A second Group Home has been established by another organisation.