Kosal* once required constant support in his daily life. Frequent epileptic seizures and poor physical health limited his independence and his ability to take part in everyday activities. Now 26, he is in better health, takes greater responsibility for his daily routines, and has developed practical and vocational skills through Damnok Toek’s organic tea production.
Kosal has an intellectual disability and epilepsy and has received support from Damnok Toek’s Kep Branch since 2019. Regular medical care, vocational opportunities, and consistent support have helped make this progress possible.
Before arriving at Damnok Toek, Kosal had not received the regular care and treatment needed to manage his epilepsy and other health concerns. He was frail, underweight, and experienced frequent epileptic seizures. He also suffered from an ulcer on his heel, which further affected his mobility and wellbeing.
Kosal relied heavily on caregivers for many aspects of daily life, including personal hygiene, oral care, and laundry. His limited physical strength and ongoing health challenges meant he required continuous support and supervision, restricting his independence and ability to participate in everyday and vocational activities.
Angkor Hospital for Children and Friends-International contacted Damnok Toek in October 2018 to explore long-term care options for Kosal. A comprehensive assessment of his needs was carried out, and he joined the Kep Branch in August 2019.
Damnok Toek worked to address his medical needs by arranging regular consultations, appropriate epilepsy medication, and ongoing health monitoring through a subsidised care agreement. This provided a clearer understanding of his condition and established the treatment needed to effectively manage his epilepsy.
Kosal’s health has since improved significantly. His epilepsy and other medical needs are well managed through consistent access to healthcare, medication, and regular check-ups. This increased stability has strengthened his physical wellbeing and enabled him to participate more actively in daily life.
Developing Skills Through Tea Production
One of the most important developments in Kosal’s journey has been his involvement in Damnok Toek’s organic tea production. The social enterprise provides residents with opportunities to take part in meaningful vocational activities and develop practical skills. For Kosal, tea production forms part of his Individual Development Plan (IDP) and weekly activity schedule.
Each afternoon, he helps prepare ingredients and package and label a variety of tea blends, including lemongrass, moringa, hibiscus, butterfly pea, and pandan. This has become an important part of Kosal’s daily routine. Working alongside others and taking responsibility for regular tasks has helped him develop his abilities and become increasingly independent. Tasks that were once beyond his abilities are now a regular part of his vocational role.
Building Greater Independence
Kosal actively participates in a wide range of daily, social, and recreational activities. He follows daily hygiene routines, joins physical therapy and exercise sessions, and takes part in community outings around Kep. He enjoys weekly market visits, singing, recreational sports, and traditional Khmer dancing. These activities have helped him build social connections, strengthen his confidence, and engage more fully with the wider community.
His growing confidence can also be seen in the way he interacts with those around him. Kosal is increasingly willing to help other residents and contribute positively to daily life at the centre, reflecting a greater sense of responsibility and self-esteem.
Damnok Toek has also supported Kosal in securing his national identification and strengthening his family connections. Working closely with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MoSVY), the team successfully obtained his Cambodian National Identity Card and Disability Identification Card. These documents have strengthened recognition of his identity and rights while improving access to relevant services and support.
Family tracing efforts also led to the discovery of Kosal’s biological sister. Re-establishing this connection has provided an important opportunity to strengthen family relationships.
Looking ahead
Kosal’s journey highlights the importance of holistic, individualised support for people with intellectual disabilities. Appropriate medical treatment and regular health monitoring provided the foundation for improved health and stability, while vocational, recreational, and social opportunities have supported his wider development.
Kosal now regularly contributes to Damnok Toek’s organic tea production, takes greater responsibility for his daily routines, participates in community life, and supports those around him. Together, these changes reflect significant progress in his independence, confidence, and wellbeing.
His story shows what can become possible when people with intellectual disabilities have access to the support and opportunities they need to develop their abilities and participate more fully in everyday life. For Kosal, this has meant better health, meaningful work, stronger connections, and new possibilities for the future.
*The name has been changed to protect his identity.
Support Damnok Toek’s Organic Tea Production to help people like Kosal
Damnok Toek’s organic teas are produced at our Kep Branch, where residents take part in different stages of production while developing practical and vocational skills.
Our teas have 5 natural flavors: hibiscus, lemongrass, moringa, pandan, and butterfly pea (blue flower).
💚 By purchasing our organic teas, you can support our Kep social business and help create meaningful opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities like Kosal to develop valuable skills, build confidence, and contribute to meaningful work every day.
– To purchase, please contact at: (+855) 0966187150
