A Moruya couple’s efforts to help impoverished families in South-East Asia through technology and education is paying off.
Vic and Wendy Green started the Bluebird Program several years ago to help families they had met in Cambodia.
“Bluebird operates in a small way from Moruya and it is supported by local people and clubs throughout the Eurobodalla,” Vic said.
“Bluebird is now in its tenth year and according to our passports we are on our 15th trip into Cambodia right now.
“We are very busy because the families that Bluebird assists are in different provinces.
“All are either very poor or are now gradually improving. There are certainly some desperate situations in this country, where there is no form of welfare.
“What we now see, after initial false starts and pitfalls, is success. Children and their families are clearly rising from the ashes.
“Some children are children no longer and have completed high school. So now we see fruition and its all been worth it.”
A case study from Bluebird’s latest reports shows two children from family of Mr Bun Mab (of Bannan) are supported with books and uniforms.
“This is a poor rural family living in a rural area where education facilities are below city standards,” the annual report says.
“Phoen Srey Phit at the Milky Way School in Phnom Penh remains fully supported (all school fees, uniforms, books, school bus fee). She had very good marks when tested by Wendy Green in August 2017.
“Pov Srey Phit (living along the river north of Battambang) is fully supported and her sister Pov Srey Neang is partly supported with books, uniforms, English fees and some Khmer school fees. “Pov Srey Phit showed very good marks when tested by Wendy Green in August 2017.
“In Battambang, Som Nang and Lek Panha are fully supported. They both showed very good results when tested by Wendy Green in August 2017. Chui Lin is assisted with English language study costs. She has two more years before completing high school. She speaks and writes excellent English now.
“Two boys aged twelve and eight are supported in Ratanakiri Province. Kaem Sela and Kaem Tina are supported with uniforms and books. Their family has no income as the father died earlier in 2017. Wendy Green personally supports the mother with a monthly income.
“Vin Niza is to be assisted with school fees, books and uniforms during 2017/2018 as family has lost their house and all possessions in a fire.” bluebirdprogramincorporated@gmail.com
