TWO FOUNDERS who love Asia, a story of FRIENDSHIP...
Both originally from Brittany, their paths crossed 40 years ago in Lorient.
In 2017, they found themselves in Asia, a region that had given them so much and to which they now wanted to give something back. That's how the idea for SEAJA took shape. In 2025, they decided to found SEAJA, an organization dedicated to paving the way for those whose lives begin in difficult circumstances.
Stéphane Sélard
Recently retired, living in Larmor-Plage and a former manager of subsidiaries in the aeronautics sector, he spent 11 years of his family life in Asia.
Father of a young adult adopted in Cambodia in 2002, he has developed a deep attachment to this country, the result of his many trips there. He has forged strong and lasting friendships, notably with the orphanage in Kampong Thom.
Profondément touché par la situation sociale des enfants du village natal de sa fille, il est conscient que de nombreux villages vivent la même précarité éducative. Après avoir mené plusieurs projets simples, il décide de franchir une nouvelle étape !
More information regarding Stéphane's motivations…
In 2006, my friend Jean-Marc, who also has a little girl adopted from Cambodia, and I set out on a journey to discover our children's origins.
A journey rich in emotion
This two-week backpacking trip takes us through the countryside between Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom.
It was an emotional shock to see the precariousness of the villages and the living conditions of the families, often deprived of water and electricity, where feeding themselves is a daily challenge.
Friends who are committed
Since 2006, Jean-Marc and I have been doing everything we can to stay in touch with these families and the orphanage in Kampong Thom. Thanks to Sean Chea, our correspondent on site, we are able to provide assistance within our means.
In 2010, a professional opportunity allowed me to move my family to Asia, bringing us closer to Cambodia and enabling us to travel there more often.
Seaja was born...
It was from this experience that the idea of “Agile” projects in villages was born, which SEAJA is now committed to carrying forward in memory of Jean-Marc and Sean Chea, who passed away this year.
Patrice Landrein
Director of luxury hotels for three decades. He spent ten years between Vietnam and Thailand, and currently works in Mauritius.
In 2017, in Thailand, the discovery of an abandoned school bearing the names of his deceased parents (Agnès and Joseph), marked by a painful history, sent him a powerful message.
Restoring this school became an obvious choice for him, a true beacon guiding his future.
In 2016, my professional life took me to Thailand, more specifically to Krabi. Upon arrival, I visited the area around my place of residence.
During this walk, I discover a large abandoned building. My eye is caught by two names inscribed on the pediment, St. Agnes and St. Joseph.
These are my mother's and father's first names. At that moment, I knew that this symbolic building had to be reborn to offer the children of Asia a better future.
