Arrupe Welcome Centre

The Arrupe Welcome Centre, founded in 2001 by Bishop Enrique, aims to promote the integration and independence of people with disabilities (PwDs) in society. The centre seeks to provide care and support to people with disabilities of all backgrounds and capabilities. Everyone is given the opportunity to gain a quality education, increasing their life skills and employability. Those who are supported by this project also receive greater autonomy and self-confidence in their ability to live life to its fullest.

21 Students

(9 boys and 12 girls) living at the centre, receiving much-needed care and support.

Impact of COVID-19

18 Staff

The student centre had to close for a month and schools were closed for six months. A variety of supplementary activities were organised for students. There have been no school dropouts as students were able to continue their studies via online learning during lockdown.

Lockdown and wider restrictions have led to an increase in unemployment in the region. Many families have been supplied with emergency support and resources such as food packs. Even with these challenges, 30 PwDs have maintained employment through the Centre’s social enterprises including the Lonely Tree Café, the Oh Battambang Hotel, and the Yiey Ath Café.

The Arrupe Welcome Centre still needs your support in reaching out to children and young adults with disabilities, helping equip them with education and life skills to be employable, autonomous and confident in the future. It costs $481,457 to fund this project over the next two years. Please consider how you can support the Arrupe Centre today.