Since 1998 the Marist Brothers have operated the LaValla School to respond to the needs of some of Cambodia’s most vulnerable young citizens. LaValla School is the only government approved school in Cambodia that provides children with disabilities a full primary education. As there is little opportunity for these children and youth to receive an education, LaValla School provides tuition, accommodation and healthcare to the students while they complete their studies.
‘Arunny’ is a 15-year-old girl with a lumbar hyper lordosis partly because of Polio. She is originally from Kampong Cham Province, just outside Phnom Penh however her family move every harvest time as they don’t own any land of their own to cultivate. One of seven siblings, Arunny’s family is very poor and could not provide proper health care for her. Arunny came to LaValla School in 2015, with preliminary testing placing her at a year 1 level. At the time she was very weak in one side of her body. Struggling to stand let alone walk, she would have to over rotate her body just to take a step.
Having now completed her primary education at LaValla School Arunny is being supported by the Villa Maria program which provides residential facilities for the students who attend the local government high school. An operation in 2016 as well as regular physiotherapy has enabled her to maintain a better posture, build muscle and walk for longer distances than previously. More movement has also enabled Arunny to participate in school sports including her favourite sports basketball, hockey and football.
Arunny hopes to continue her education though the support of Marist Solidarity Cambodia and the Villa Maria program.
To support students like Arunny visit: https://bit.ly/2wWNKYj