 We
began this project by fulfilling a request from the family
of JEFF SCOTT
- to do something to help others in his memory. We started
with their original donation, and raised far beyond that
to create a sustainable and impactful solution for a community
outside Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It all started with Jeff,
and we are incredibly grateful for being introduced to
this wonderful man, and many children and families are
enjoying a greater quality of life because of him.
For
the project, we partnered with a local NGO outside Phnom
Penh to maintain the school program, and we couldn’t be
happier with the results. Through our partnership we were
able to identify the children at most risk, and tailor-make
our program to perfectly suit the area, community, and
each child.
 In
addition to our back-to-school program, we also created
a new source of income for some impoverished families
- providing self-sustaining employment specifically suited
for each of them. For instance, a woman with 9 children
- one with cerebral palsy - was unable to find work and
still take care of her children. Also, in her village
they lacked a market, so we helped create a roadside stand
(think of your local 7-11) where she can stay home with
her children and sell things that her community needs
- now making 10 times her previous income.
 Back
to School
The
first day of school was incredible! We took 120 children
off the streets and into school, and through your support,
provided them with:
- their
school uniforms, shoes and sandals
- school
fees for the year, along with lunch
- school
supplies (each received a backpack full of ALL the
necessities)
- a
hygiene kit (soaps, toothbrush, etc.)
- a
bicycle
- their
first physical - a doctor was hired to come and give
each child an exam, and for those with special needs
or an illness, we filled prescriptions for each of
them (conjunctivitis, etc).
 After
the formalities, Carla Brooks (Barton's mother) came to
give the first assignment - an easy task after teaching
35 years in the U.S. public school system. Known as “Mama
Carla”, she  passed
out crayons and had each child draw a picture for the
person who put them in school.
Global
Colors is all about results. In our first request for
help, we showed pictures of children we wanted to get
in school, and to the right is one of them. Nothing made
me happier than to see him there that day ready for school,
knowing that we accomplished exactly what we set out to
do.
It
really was an amazing experience for all involved, and
personally (Barton here), I have to say that one of my
life's greatest moments was seeing my mother, who is nearly
70 years old, riding on the back of a motorcycle through
the rice paddies of cambodia to meet these people who
are so close to my heart.
Put
your mother on a motorcycle - I guarantee it will make
you smile...
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