The babies and toddlers born and trapped in the red-light districts of Cambodia face horrors that no child should ever experience. Too young to care for themselves, they have no choice but to either:

• Go to work with their mothers – whether that is in a brothel or on the streets.
• Stay alone all night – free to roam the streets, be kidnapped or get hurt.
• Become a burden to family or neighbours – often ending up neglected, abused or trafficked.

NightCare provides safety, security and care overnight for these little ones, helping to end the cycle of trauma. And while there are many services that help their mothers who are also trapped in this world of violence, abuse and fear, there is little to no help available for their babies and toddlers. When possible, we connect their mothers to other organisations that are best equipped to help the women, but by focusing on the needs of their little ones, with your support, we’re providing the help that’s most needed but least available at this time.

Growing up with almost nothing, any chance to make money feels like a lifeline: but for Rifah* what seemed like a job in a garment factory turned out to be a job in a brothel. And now, with a little toddler, it’s almost impossible to escape.

At ten years of age, Napti* found herself on her own. And like many girls in her situation, she began trading the only thing she had – her body – to survive. Now, years later, still trapped in the industry, she is the mother of a baby boy.

Red-light districts in Cambodia are full of women whose stories are similar to Rifah’s and Napti’s. They engage in their work due to economic necessity, systematic inequality or lack of alternatives. The root causes are beyond complex and their daily reality is devastating. Providing NightCare simply acknowledges the reality of their circumstances. With your help, we are supporting the wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable little ones around; the least of the least of these.

* Real stories, but not their real names.

Babies, toddlers and preschoolers have higher needs than older chidren. The early childhood formative years are crucial for a child’s development, behaviour, future learning and wellbeing. By helping these little ones in such a focused way together, you can break the cycle of trauma now and into the future. By the time these little ones leave NightCare, they are school-ready. They have learned how to love and be loved, to play, to make friends, to be independent by doing age-appropriate things for themselves, and to develop a love for learning. Their mothers have also experienced how their little ones thrive when they are in safe environments and under the care of loving and capable professionals, increasing the likelihood of them sending their children to school.

Thank you for considering other ways to help. But making a financial donation is the best and only way to help at this time. That’s because:

• It is very expensive to send goods and supplies overseas, making it cost-effective to source the necessities for a NightCare centre in-country.
• Processing donations in kind is labour-intensive for our partners in Cambodia who have a very small team.
• Donations in kind are not tax-deductible.

You can make a financial donation to NightCare for Little Ones by clicking here.