The Challenge:

In Cambodia's remote villages, a hidden struggle with childhood trauma was a big problem The community was close, but many who took care of kids didn't know how to spot or help with the emotional pain these kids were going through. It was a result of the country's tough past. Click here to verify

"It felt like we were trying to solve a puzzle without seeing the whole picture. We knew our kids needed help, but we didn't know how to start." - Chanthy (a local healthcare worker)

The Solution:

Hope shone through with the introduction of a digital app by Gaza999, designed to track symptoms and connect kids with the help they needed. This tool was a game-changer, offering a practical way to see and understand the emotional and behavioral changes in kids. 

"This app was like a ray of light for us. It gave us the ability to truly make a difference in our children's lives." - Sophea (a village educator)

The Implementation:

The process began with the development of the app, incorporating features specifically designed to capture the nuances of trauma symptoms in children. Sophea, alongside healthcare professionals and community leaders, played a critical role in tailoring the app to meet the community's unique needs. Training sessions were organized, empowering users to make the most of the app's capabilities while ensuring data privacy and security were upheld.

The official launch was met with enthusiasm, as caregivers and educators began the daily practice of tracking and reporting symptoms, fostering a community-wide dialogue on mental health and wellbeing.

"The app brought us closer, helping us understand and support our children in ways we never thought possible." - Sophea (a village educator)

The Impact:

The app made a huge difference in rural Cambodia. In its first year, it helped identify over 200 children who needed extra support, bridging them to professionals who could help. The project didn't just improve mental health outcomes; it also helped the community see mental health in a new light.

 "Each child we've been able to help is a testament to our community's strength and the power of innovation. We've started a journey from darkness to hope, together." - (a participating caregiver)

Lessons Learned:

• Empowerment Through Technology: The critical role of digital tools in enhancing our understanding and management of mental health.

• Community Engagement: The success of such initiatives relies heavily on community buy-in and active participation.

• Ongoing Education: Continuous learning and adaptation are essential to address the evolving challenges of mental health support.