Since 1994
Friends-International was born on the streets of Phnom Penh, Cambodia in August 1994.
Our original project, Mith Samlanh (which means ‘Friends’ in Khmer – all our programs use a local language version of ‘Friends’ in their name), first provided life-saving services to the numerous street children found in the capital following years of genocide and conflict in the country. Our services then evolved in response to the needs and changes that marginalized children were experiencing, and we developed support for families, for education and for access to employment.
We used the lessons learned and then went on to expand, replicate and adapt our programs and partnerships in the ensuing years, developing a social enterprise model across South East Asia and beyond. This combines best practice models and systems of social business and child protection which ensure comprehensive and creative solutions and services for all marginalized children, families and communities.
The Early Years
‘ In 1994, Barbara Adams, Mark Turgesen, and I founded Mith Samlanh, or “Friends,” in Cambodia. Arriving from Paris that year, we were struck by the still dangerous post-conflict environment – guns and landmines alongside extreme poverty and wealth disparity.
One night, I saw over 20 children sleeping on the streets, which deeply troubled me. We began bringing food to these children but soon realized that our efforts were counterproductive, as they were becoming reliant on handouts.
Determined to make a difference, we decided to take a constructive approach. I took charge of running the organization while Mark and Barbara continued working. With help from Cambodian friends, we engaged with the children to better understand their needs. Using my savings, we opened a center in Phnom Penh on August 1, 1994, welcoming our first 17 children.
Initially, we struggled to meet the children’s true needs, learning that they preferred sleeping on cool tiles rather than the mattresses we had bought! They also wanted jobs over education. We adapted our approach, listening to them, also accepting children only during the day and encouraging them to return home, which led to rapid growth.
After two very challenging years, just when I was ready to give up, I received a call from Save the Children Australia. They announced that Ausaid would fund our work for three years, marking a turning point for our organization.
The rest is history. ‘
Sebastien Marot
Founder and Executive Director
(Edited and adapted from the introduction to the original ‘Friends the Restaurant’ cookbook)