Nestled in Takhmao, Cambodia, LaValla School stands as a testament to Marcellin Champagnat's philosophy of serving those on the margins. Since its inception in 1998, LaValla School has quietly revolutionised the landscape of inclusive education, offering more than just learning opportunities; it has provided a pathway to independence for many young lives.
Over the years, numerous students have graduated from the school, securing employment, improving their lives, and contributing meaningfully to their communities. The Marist Brothers Institute, through their NGO, Marist International Solidarity Foundation (FMSI), have been instrumental in this transformation since 2018. Their innovative projects, funded by Misean Cara and Maristen Solidarität International e.V., represent a comprehensive approach to empowering children with disabilities through education, rehabilitation, and advocacy. Misean Cara supports missionaries worldwide in empowering the marginalised, while Maristen Solidarität International e.V. is a Marist German Association that funds projects inspired by St Marcellin's charism.
On International Day of People with Disabilities, The Star Post caught up with Maria Rita Pala, FMSI Project Administration Officer, and Marta Morotti, FMSI Communication Assistant, who recently returned from Cambodia after assessing FMSI's initiatives. They shared valuable insights into the project's impact, its approach, and the future plans for the ongoing empowerment of children with disabilities.
Comprehensive Support System
"Since 2018, the collaboration between FMSI and the Marist Brothers of Cambodia led to the implementation of several impactful projects, focusing on education, health, and community support. From its inception LaValla has offered quality education to hundreds of children, many of whom have gone on to secure employment, improving their lives and contributing to their communities,” says Marta.
Primary education is provided directly at LaValla, while secondary education is pursued in inclusive government schools alongside peers without disabilities. This approach fosters social integration and breaks down stigma. Our project includes a rehabilitation program, networking opportunities to improve access to health services and assistive devices, and temporary hosting facilities for children to attend school as well as initiatives to empower beneficiaries to develop independence and self-reliance. Special emphasis is placed on empowering girls with disabilities to take leadership roles while promoting fairness and equity among boys. “The project also promotes environmental awareness among children and staff, positioning them as agents of change in waste management and sustainable practices," she adds.
From its inception LaValla has offered quality education to hundreds of children, many of whom have gone on to secure employment, improving their lives and contributing to their communities.
Similarly, in Pailin, the construction and completion of the first student hostel, including a hostel specifically for girls, have been major milestones. “We also have initiatives addressing education, food, kindergarten programs, solidarity, medical care, transportation, and infrastructure repairs. These efforts extend to providing salaries, tutoring, and scholarships for students,” says Rita.
On the Bicentenary of the Founding of the Marist Institute in 2017 and in recent years, a diagnosis was made throughout the Marist Institute on the current needs and challenges of the Marist family to respond to the calls generated by the XXII General Chapter and fulfil the Marist mission. In particular, the spotlight is on enhancing the Mission's capacities to deal with children in conditions of vulnerability and protect their rights.
"FMSI and Marist schools take very seriously their duty towards all their pupils; schools have been entrusted to their care and seek to provide a school environment where all children are safe, secure, valued, respected, and listened to. Therefore, our work in Cambodia directly addresses systemic barriers and empowers children with disabilities to overcome challenges, transforming not only their lives but also perceptions within their communities," she says.
Recent Monitoring Visit
Recently, the two went on a trip to Cambodia to monitor the progress of the ongoing project, assess its impact, and engage with the local communities to better understand their needs and challenges. "We are pleased to report that the monitoring visit went exceptionally well. This is a project we are deeply proud of as 100% of beneficiaries and educators involved are children and persons with disabilities, a demographic that unfortunately faces significant stigma and discrimination in Cambodia. Moreover, this project demonstrates a high level of implementation capacity and stands as the only initiative of its kind within the country. The visit also allowed us to conduct a series of interviews, which we plan to compile into a video," says Rita.
This is a project we are deeply proud of as 100% of beneficiaries and educators involved are children and persons with disabilities.
The experience was deeply enriching, Marta adds. "It offered us insights into the resilience and potential of the local community. Activities included visiting the LaValla School and Hostel, meeting parents in their own communities, engaging with educators and children, as well as with the Project Team, and gathering feedback on project outcomes. These interactions provided valuable perspectives to enhance project strategies. The visit served as an opportunity to discuss future initiatives. Conversations focused on expanding support for education and rehabilitation, and the empowerment of marginalised groups. These discussions laid the groundwork for potential collaborations and project ideas to be further developed in alignment with the needs of the LaValla School," she says.
Navigating Challenges
Like any project, our work also had its fair share of challenges, says Rita. Navigating language barriers, for example with the parents or with most children who don't speak English. "Also, it is never easy working with children in vulnerable conditions - it's both the most heartwarming and the most heartbreaking part of our work. Sometimes it can be a tad tough. Our projects also often face issues like limited funding," she adds.
It is never easy working with children in vulnerable conditions - it's both the most heartwarming and the most heartbreaking part of our work.
"Additionally, addressing systemic issues like poverty and gender inequality requires long-term, multifaceted approaches, and cannot be done overnight," says Rita. But we ensure the sustainability of our projects by prioritising their community ownership and fostering partnerships with local organisations and FMSI donors. Regular monitoring and evaluation help refine strategies, while efforts to integrate environmental and economic sustainability principles ensure lasting benefits, she adds.
Despite these obvious challenges, one memorable interaction involved a conversation with a group of young students who shared how their access to education had transformed their aspirations. Hearing their hopes for the future and their gratitude for the support received was both humbling and inspiring, says Rita.
Cultural Sensitivity and Community Engagement
The duo stresses the importance of emphasising local voices and their needs, rather than imposing preconceived ideas on the group. "Our experiences in diverse contexts have underscored the necessity of being on the ground to deeply understand the local context. Immersing ourselves directly within communities fosters a grassroots process that prioritises listening and co-creation, ensuring that initiatives are rooted in local realities rather than external assumptions. This approach is critical to avoid inadvertently perpetuating Eurocentric views or imposing solutions that may not align with the community's values and needs. This adaptability ensures our work remains relevant, effective, sustainable, and driven by the voices of those it aims to serve," says Marta.
A key aspect of our approach is conducting in-depth interviews with informed consent. This ensures that we engage with individuals respectfully and transparently, valuing their perspectives while adhering to ethical practices. This method enriches our understanding of local realities and fosters genuine partnerships, says Rita.
Future Plans
The next steps for the team include refining project strategies based on insights gained during the field visit, securing additional funding to scale impactful initiatives, and strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders to enhance the reach and sustainability of their efforts.
"We would also like to take the opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to Sothun Nop, Director of Marist Solidarity Cambodia, and Br Brian Kinsella for their warm hospitality and tireless work - alongside their entire team - for the benefit of these children. Also, a special thanks goes to Misean Cara, the Maristen Solidarität International e.V and to all of our donors, whose support allows us to bring wonderful projects like this to life every day," says Rita.
Success Stories
One of the most inspiring aspects of FMSI's work in Cambodia has been witnessing the tireless dedication of teachers who, despite facing their own challenges, are deeply committed to empowering others. Many of these teachers are individuals with disabilities themselves, which adds a profound layer of meaning to their work. One particular success story that stands out is that of a teacher, Mit Vey, who was once a student at the very school where he now teaches. Overcoming significant personal and societal barriers, Mit not only completed his education but chose to return as an educator to give back to his community. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and inclusion. Seeing the impact he and the other teachers have on their students
- instilling confidence, breaking down stereotypes, and fostering a spirit of resilience - is incredibly moving. It is a vivid reminder of how investing in people and their potential can create a ripple effect of positive change.
Pics courtesy: FMSI
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