Bassac Theater was the scene of a celebration last month by the Cambodian Association

for the Elderly (CAE), an outreach program for senior citizens that opened on Sept.

18.

"The purpose of this program is to promote and meet the needs of persons who

are living a long life, and to enhance the quality of that life," said Kum Nget,

head of CAE, at the celebration.

CAE lists 152 members and is supported by 37 different NGOs, government agencies

and individuals who have concerns for elderly Cambodians. CAE was organized to assist

senior citizens who have no living or known relations, or those who are among the

poorest of the population. The association also assists elderly people whose families

are impoverished.

CAE will assist eligible elders and their families in upgrading living conditions,

providing medical treatments, and organizing funeral ceremonies, wedding parties,

traditional Cambodian ceremonies, and will offer a Khmer music service at a discount

price.

CAE will also upgrade household plumbing and drill water wells for eligible senior

citizens and their families.

The program also provides accommodation for those suffering from debilitating mental

illnesses, as well as providing banking services for financing agricultural, fishing,

and handicrafts projects.

CAE also publishes a quarterly journal, "The Cambodian Elderly Review."