Pour un Sourire d'Enfant (PSE)

Social and Professional Development

Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE), or For a Child’s Smile, is a French organization, working solely in Cambodia, that works to provide care for children most in need, victims of poverty and abuse. PSE was founded by French nationals in the early 1990s when they witnessed Cambodian children scavenging for food in dumps and living in squalor. PSE’s mission is to help children escape from destitution and lead them to decent, skilled and well-remunerated jobs. To achieve this goal, six main programs – adapted to the needs of the children – have been developed: food, health, protection, education & schooling, vocational training and help for families.

COVID-19 Response

PSE had to close its center in Cambodia on March 16^th, at the same time all schools closed in the country following government instructions.

For many children and their families, the center was an essential source of food while their children were at school. Now most of them are unable to work and have lost all income.

PSE is currently providing emergency support to its most fragile families – about 1,600 families fall into that category. This support has been planned for at least one month.

PSE’s support provides

• Food baskets distribution: Each package includes items with a good shelf life: canned fish, instant noodle, soy sauce. The monthly cost of a food care package is $30 and covers the needs of a five person family ($120 to cover the 4 months period from May to September cost for 1,600 families).
• Rice distribution to new families – $10 / month / family (for 600 new families)
• Rent payment (to help cover the cost of housing) is on average $30 / month / family (for 1,000 families)

PSE needs your help now to finance these extra costs that are absolutely essential to keep our families afloat.