The Rabbit School was founded in 1997 as a response to the need for educational activities for children with intellectual disabilities, that was non-existent at that time. For this group of children, the establishment of the Rabbit School marked the first crucial step in developing appropriate, formal educational programs for Cambodian children with intellectual disabilities who are extremely disadvantaged. Rabbit works towards the rehabilitation and full integration of CWID into the Cambodian society. The Rabbit School provides a place where they are treated with dignity and can learn and grow at their own pace.

Currently, Rabbit School has three main programs: Rehabilitation and Medication of Children with Intellectual Disability, Inclusive Integration of Children with Intellectual Disability at public schools, and Vocational Training and Job Placement for Youth with Intellectual Disability.

Through a range of capacity building initiatives, Rabbit School Cambodia (RSO) trains parents of Children with Intellectual Disability (CWID) and helps them to get organised, so that they will be able to themselves become a powerful and well-respected organisation and an instrument of change in the areas of government policy and societal attitudes towards CWIDs in Cambodia. We have come to recognise that the parents of the children who RSO helps have the potential to be powerful advocates for the rights of CWID. To get started the Rabbit School Parent’s Association – consisting solely of the parents of CWID – is set up and will take an active and central role in all of the advocacy, lobbying and awareness raising activities.

Throughout the project, the increased risk of sexual abuse against CWIDs, especially girls, is highlighted in our trainings and discussions with parents and local authorities. This major and ongoing issue is discussed in a frank and open manner, not hidden or ignored, as is often the case in a traditional society like Cambodia.