Veasna's Story
In November, a villager in Siem Reap town reported the discovery of a one-week-old abandoned baby boy, later named Veasna, to the local authorities. The Commune Committee for Women and Children (CCWC) immediately referred the baby to Kunthabopha Hospital for treatment. Veasna was in poor health, suffering from a cleft palate, cleft lip, and multiple scratches, ant bites, and exposure to the elements.
On 20th November, the provincial child protection technical working group (CP-TWG) held a case conference, and the Department of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation (DoSVY) was assigned to take further action. Veasna was provided with essential supplies for his safety, including a pillow, blanket, mosquito net, and other basic necessities.
Hagar’s team is now working closely with DoSVY, CCWC, and other relevant stakeholders to trace Veasna’s biological family. The team also conducts regular follow-up visits to monitor his physical and cognitive development, as well as his medical treatment. Veasna is receiving monthly medical checkups at Angkor Hospital for Children, where doctors are tracking his feeding and weight gain. Once he is over six months old, he will undergo surgery for his cleft lip.
Veasna’s health has significantly improved, and he is now in the care of a loving foster family. His 56-year-old foster mother, who resides in Sankat Sla Kram, Siem Reap, recalls the moment she first saw him: “When I met the baby, I felt deep pity and love. He was in such poor condition—covered in scratches, ant bites, and so weak from the sunlight. I volunteered to care for him at the hospital and told local authorities and Hagar staff that if no one else could take care of him, I would.”
The CCWC in Sankat Sla Kram expressed gratitude for Hagar’s involvement, saying, “When I learned about the baby, I was very worried. I knew I could trust Hagar to find a safe foster family, and with their help, we found a woman with a good heart who was willing to care for him. Hagar’s support has made a big positive impact on this child’s life.”
