Background

THE BACKGROUND OF
VOICE OF THE BLIND ASSOCIATION

There are an estimated 14.6 million people in Cambodia and of these 1.125% of population (being approximately 146,250) are blind low version or visually impaired. Wars, landmines, diseases, physical birth defects, accidents, the effects of poverty and the lack of adequate medical care all contribute to the high incidence of blindness in Cambodia. In recent years, a number of NGOs specializing in eye surgery have been providing treatment for those Cambodians with cataracts and other eye conditions. This has reduced the numbers of Blind across the country, but blindness still continues to be a major factor as conditions (specialist personnel, equipment and transport considerations), especially in rural Cambodia, continues to be a contributing factor for blindness, low version and visionally impaired.

Blind people are one of the most socially and economically marginalised groups in Cambodia. This marginalisation is due largely to the belief that they cannot play a productive role because of their disabilities. In Cambodia, with its long history of civil war and immense suffering, many consider blindness as part of life’s punishment and hide blind people in their houses and never let them take part in the social activities of every day life.

As factor above mentioned, in September 01, 2010, Voice Of the Blind Association was established under one radio program called Voice Of the Blind at Dambang Kronhoung Radio FM 100Mhz in Battambang City, Cambodia. This program was created by two people, Mr.Sem Samnang (he is the blind and is VOB's executive director), Mr.Hoeurn Sina(He is Cambodian volunteer youth and is the deputy director of VOB). This association is  registered and recognized by ministry of interior of Kingdom of Cambodia since 10^th May 2011.

Most of the members of VOB are blind people. We have met and seen a lot of blind people or low version ones outside through Voice Of the Blind, our broadcasting program. They have always assisted us to help them.

VOB was established without any donor supporting but we still hope that we will  be successfully through our try hard and honesty.

Please share or tell your family and friends join our programs to enhance the blind or low version working here so that they can participate in country and world development.