By Raksmey VA | Country Representative - Cambodia
Every year, Lotus Outreach Cambodia organizes a Giving Back Day in remote communities across the country, visiting places like Mondulkiri, Siem Reap, Pailin, and Takeo. It’s a special opportunity for our university students to roll up their sleeves and give back by distributing school supplies, teaching kids about hygiene, leading arts and crafts, painting school libraries, building water tanks, and creating joyful memories through games and activities.
On March 16, 2025, we held our 6th Giving Back Day, this time with the wonderful community in Prey Nup Village.
In the lead-up to the event, we made flyers and got the word out to our CATALYST students. Our senior students ran role-play sessions to practice how to ask for support, and everyone was encouraged to give fundraising a try. We suggested a goal of $10 per student but made it clear that every little bit counted. Beyond raising money, we wanted students to experience what it feels like to be on the giving side, something that donors like YOU have done for them countless times before.
At the heart of it, we were trying to plant seeds: a love of service, care for others, and a sense of social responsibility that will stay with our students as they grow into future leaders.
Together, we raised an incredible $1,256.96!
Here’s how it was used:
- $973.40 went toward school bags, notebooks, pencils, pens, erasers, rulers, sharpeners, whiteboards, milk, snacks, bottled water, and soap for the children.
- We also brought food supplies like noodles, canned fish, fish sauce, soy sauce, tea, sugar, and water—and donated 100,000 riels to the monks at Prey Nup Pagoda.
- The remaining $319.56 will help fund future community outreach programs.
We also donated storybooks and clothing to Let Us Create Futures, a local NGO. These items will go to underprivileged families in the area.
On the day of the event, we elected five student team leaders. Everyone had clear roles, which made setting up and managing the activities much easier. Students led games, taught handwashing techniques to help prevent illness, and prepared the school supplies for distribution. We ended the day with a big group photo—faces beaming with smiles and hearts full.
After the event, we headed to Otres Beach for a well-deserved lunch, made even more special by the home-cooked meals the students brought to share. We spent the afternoon relaxing, swimming, and taking lots of joyful photos.
The brightest reward was seeing the pure happiness on the children's faces, and watching our students leave with a deeper understanding of what it means to give back.
Reflections from our students:
Chhoun
“I felt so happy meeting the children and taking part in these activities. It really opened my eyes to the importance of sharing. I’m proud that I got to be part of something so meaningful. Even though I felt a bit carsick, traveling and learning from senior students made it all worth it!”
Neat
“I learned so much about leadership, teamwork, and taking care of others. The trip also taught me about the challenges people face in Prey Nob District. One moment I’ll always remember was our shared lunch—not because we had a lot, but because every bite was shared with so much love.”
Man
“This trip was amazing. It was my first time learning so much in one day—about local life, farming, and even visiting beautiful places like the beach and Preah Thong. I’m grateful to my fellow students.”
Sall
“Growing up, I always dreamed of doing charity work and helping children. I never thought that dream would come true so soon! I’m beyond thankful to be part of an organization that teaches us to give back.”
Heang
“This was my first time at a charity event—and my first time visiting a new province. I loved teaching the children and distributing supplies. Seeing their smiles filled my heart with so much happiness. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
Pon
“Helping distribute supplies and seeing the children’s excitement was incredibly rewarding. I’ve always dreamed of supporting communities like this, and it feels amazing to see that dream come to life. I’m proud to be part of something bigger than myself.”
Links:
By Raksmey VA | Country Representative - Cambodia
By Raksmey VA | Country Representative - Cambodia
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