What's the New Cambodian Children's Life Association (NCCLA)?
As the owner of the Veiyo Tonle Restaurant along Phnom Penh's river front, Neth Lay experienced first-hand the poverty that is the destiny of most Cambodians. Children routinely stopped by the restaurant begging for food. Many were orphans, others were from families unable to care for their children.
Neth and his wife, Thawee had an idea. They rented part of a building behind their restaurant. In November 2004, they began an Orphanage in the rented space that they named The New Cambodian Children's Life Association (NCCLA). Their dream had become a reality. Soon, many of the children begging for food wanted to become part of the Orphanage. These children were saved from becoming beggars, or prostitutes, or criminals . . . or just ending-up constantly fighting for food and survival.
The Orphanage grew quickly and it became obvious that the rented space was inadequate and not very pleasant for the kids. Recently, Neth and Thawee purchased and refurbished (with personal funds) the top two floors of a multi-story building next to the restaurant.
There are now 30 boys and girls of various ages, each relying on the Lay's for food, clothes, medicine, education, and a pleasant place to live in security . . . and to be loved.
Neth and Thawee are interested in more than providing for the present, they are deeply concerned that the children are prepared for the future. They have made education the dominant goal of NCCLA. All the kids attend public school every morning. In Cambodia, school is not free - this and other costs are considerable. However, their education does not end here. They also receive one-hour of private English lessons in the afternoon every day. But the highpoint of the day for most of the children are private traditional Khmer dance lessons they receive before tackling their English studies. Recently, four computers have been donated to the Orphanage by generous donors. Computer studies (and a few games) also take place every afternoon. Twice each week the children perform their Khmer dances in Neth's restaurant.
Neth and Thawee are providing more than necessities. The bedrock at NCCLA is education. The children have progressed from street kids without long-term goals (they were only interested in the next meal) to children with challenging career desires. The kids know that their studies are the key to their future and they are all enthusiastic students. Please visit next not only to see the children, but also to read a short biography of their goals and interests. We think that you will be impressed with the hard work of the children.
If in Phnom Penh, you are invited and encouraged to visit the Orphanage. From the grim past histories of these kids has emerged a true sense of happiness and well-being. If you visit, you will experience plenty of smiles, laughter and hugs. You are urged not just to visit, but to stay for a few hours, days or months - try teaching English, music, crafts or computer skills - the kids will love it and so will you!
(Text extracted from NCCLA Web Site: http://www.ncclaorphanage.org/)
Happy children of NCCLA 
Neth Lay & Thawee who started the NCCLA Orphanage. Ordinary People, Extraordinary deeds!
Back : Michael, Seedan & Nye
Front: Lysa, Molica & Molina (twins)
Computer Area
Current Library 
Big Classroom - very useful
Book Haven have just delivered 125 children's story books & 2 Reader's Digest "English in 20 Minutes" to New Cambodian Children's Life Association (NCCLA) an Orphanage in Phnom Penh with 30 children, age 3 to 17. The NCCLA is sponsored by a young Cambodian couple, Neth & Thavee plus donations from Cambodians and Tourists/Visitors. Neth & Thavee runs a restaurant called Veiyo Tonle located in Sisowath Quay and the Orphanage is 3 mins walk from there! Proceeds from Neth's Non-Profit restaurant goes towards running the Orphanage which costs approx. US$2,000 per month.
Thanks to Book Xcess (Andrew & Jacqueline), Dram Projects (Daphne Lee), R & B Golf Group and Twenty-Twenty Media who donated the books!
If any of you is travelling to Phnom Penh and would like to help by donating clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, books or cash etc., please contact Neth at http://www.ncclaorphanage.org/.
NCCLA could use all the help they can get!
