We chat with the team from Caring for Cambodia, a charity organisation that provides schooling to Cambodian kids. Plus, find out how you can join their teacher training program and other volunteer opportunities.
For our readers who may not be familiar, give us a bit of background to Caring for Cambodia.
Over the past 21 years, and with the generous support of donors, partnerships and collaborations, Caring for Cambodia (CFC) has positively addressed the cycle of poverty through education in Cambodia.
CFC is a non-profit, non-governmental, charitable organisation committed to ensuring a high-quality education for children in Siem Reap, Cambodia. We operate a number of rural schools, from preschool to high school, with a holistic approach to education that addresses the environmental, social and economic barriers that may otherwise prohibit or hinder a child from enrolling in or regularly attending school.
The charity organisation provides everything a child needs to succeed. This includes food, clean water, uniforms, school supplies, computers, basic healthcare and professionally trained teachers. Our teachers and teacher training program significantly impact students’ learning and academic performance. Where once rural Cambodian children did not believe getting an education was possible, CFC’s students now dream of becoming artists, teachers and having STEM Careers.
Last year was the charity organisation’s 20th anniversary. What have been some notable milestones and achievements in those 20 years?
Since its inception, we’ve grown to 21 schools in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. Nearly 7,000 students receive daily meals and quality education each year. CFC works directly with the Cambodian Ministry of Education and CFC schools were named the model schools for the country. We have also just opened an Education Center in Siem Reap that offers teacher training to the entire province.
What volunteer opportunities with CFC are available to expats in HK?
Every year, nearly 1,000 volunteers travel to CFC schools on “Make a Difference” trips, to witness the positive impact we make on the lives of children. Visiting a CFC campus provides an opportunity to meet some of the wonderful children who benefit from the support of people like you. Helping out directly at one of our schools through our volunteer opportunities introduces our students to new cultures and ideas, and lets them see the diverse range of people who care about them. We often hear from trip participants that they feel they gain more than they give. The trips are also great for team bonding.
While in Siem Reap, you will not only be giving your time to our students, but you’ll also be exploring a new place together. After volunteering at our schools, you’ll have evenings free to experience the beauty of Siem Reap. You can catch a sunrise at the temples of Angkor Wat, savour delicious Khmer food, or shop for jewellery at the old market.
Creating a CFC Chapter is another great way to build a community around Caring for Cambodia. A chapter is a group of CFC supporters in a specific area who share a passion for the charity organisation and want to have fun while spreading awareness. Chapters allow you to meet and socialise with others who share your commitment, and also introduce friends and neighbours to the organisation. You can organise events such as happy hours and fundraisers, and engage with your local Asian Chamber of Commerce and co-workers to promote CFC’s cause. You can also organise fundraisers to raise funds for the CFC kids in Cambodia.
What’s in store for the rest of 2024 and beyond?
CFC’s Mentor Teacher program will be based at the Education Center, which will have a model classroom for on-site teacher training. The Center will enable CFC to continue providing quality programming while maintaining a productive working relationship with the MoE provincial office in Siem Reap. The location will allow teachers to attend training there or receive localised training at local and provincial schools from CFC’s Mentor Teacher team members.
Over the next three to five years, the program aims to incrementally increase its impact and outreach to Cambodian educators in the region and ultimately across the Kingdom. Additional mentor teachers will be added as needed. They’ll train their peers and serve as a resource to address any issues as teachers adopt new teaching styles in their classrooms.
With the new Education Center, we’re already scheduled to train 170 teachers, including 50 from locally and regionally supported NGO schools and 120 CFC contract teachers. The number of government teachers to be trained is yet to be finalised. However, the provincial MoE has already identified a number of schools they would like CFC to consider for training, prioritising the extremely rural schools.
Keen for CFC to help you organise team-building activities for your school or company, or a personal family trip? If you’re interested in a Make a Difference trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia, email tracydowell@caringforcambodia.org.
If you’re interested in learning more about creating a CFC Chapter and volunteer opportunities, contact volunteers@caringforcambodia.org.
Interested in kids’ education in Hong Kong? Check out our Education & Enrichment section.
