Sao Sary Foundation: Stop Abuse Before It Starts!: Plastic BAGS: The Progress So Far

Following the introduction of crocheting used plastic bags, most of the kids who are staying in SSF have got into the motion of making purses of various sizes and one of them have even made a bag. Though initially inspired solely by the money these products can sell for, they have now taken pride into what they have made with their diligence and have opted to keep some of them for themselves. Instead of merely setting a goal to complete as many of these as they can, they are now preoccupied that these bags are produced without flaws, ensuring quality.

Completed medium purse

With the prospect that some of this bags can be possibly made to be sold overseas to fetch a decent price, the kids have been consistent with their efforts while others are catching up and learning the skills from those who had started out first. Even Pov, SSF’s house-keeper who was a former victim of sex trade, has jumped on to the bandwagon and made numerous bags. Only today, she managed to sell one of her bags in the village for US$2.50. Inspired by it, some of the kids have already made some plans on what they would do with the money in the future.

A sling bag in progress

A mini coin purse made 100% from recycled products (no zippers or cloth!)

Unlike some kids who would spend their hard-earned money on sweets and toys, Sros (Varonika) have decided to buy chickens and ducks with the money she might earn in the future. Her idea sparked a following with the other kids as well who wished to see their money grow. The volunteers who introduced this, E and Daniel, wish that this would pave ways for more Cambodians to earn money as well as use various different methods to let their money grow. As for the kids here, this should be relatively easy considering the education they are receiving from Vichetr, the director of SSF who teaches them in their Social and Financial Studies class every weekend.

Following the increasing number of kids who are interested with the project, the volunteers have used the opportunity yesterday to organize a collection exercise. Nine kids who have opted to follow went on foot to the nearby market of Kampong Speu to collect litters of plastic bags strewn on the roadsides as well as used ones around the market. Excessive ones piled up by riversides were not yet collected due to a lack of proper tools (gloves, boots, and litter-pickers) to ensure the safety of the kids. After the collection, these kids were taught to wash and dry these used bags. Now, most of them has got a bountiful amount and have resumed to creating more of these little wonders.