Empower Girls in Cambodia to Stay Safe & Educated

This quarter was significantly impacted by the escalation of the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, which led to displacement and widespread school closures in border provinces. In response, Free To Shine activated its Crisis Management Team to safeguard girls, families and staff. Although in-person visits were briefly suspended for two weeks in higher-risk areas, our social workers maintained regular phone contact to ensure girls remained safe and connected to support.

We supported 152 girls and their families this quarter through ongoing social work and safety visits, four new intakes and 10 exits to safety. Despite instability and economic pressure, 131 girls remain in school. We provided bikes, uniforms, school supplies and financial support for additional curriculum classes to reduce barriers to attendance and prevent drop-out.

We also strengthened families’ access to Cambodia’s IDPoor system so they could access government education assistance. Through close collaboration with local authorities, we supported vulnerable households to secure and properly use this assistance, helping ensure children could continue their education safely.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We at Free To Shine extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued generosity and commitment to protecting and empowering girls in rural Cambodia. Your support has enabled us to create meaningful change in the lives of vulnerable girls and their families. We’re delighted to share the positive progress and impact achieved over the past quarter.

Over the last three months, our team has worked tirelessly through both our Social Work and Education Programs to protect, educate, and empower girls, while addressing the complex challenges their families face. We’ve also made important strides in strengthening our organisational capacity and partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability and impact.

Social Work Program:
This quarter, our Social Workers provided tailored case management and interventions to 41 girls and their families. Support focused on addressing urgent issues such as child abuse, unsafe housing, and health inequities. Despite staff transitions and a period of onboarding, our team maintained consistent and compassionate support, while deepening collaboration with local authorities to improve child protection outcomes.

Education Program:
Through our education program, we supported 104 families and conducted 256 safety visits across 24 villages. We’re proud to share that every student in our program successfully passed their school exams this quarter — a testament to their resilience and commitment to learning.

Your continued support helps us ensure that girls are safe, educated, and empowered to reach their full potential. Together, we are breaking cycles of poverty and vulnerability — one girl, one family, and one community at a time.

With gratitude,
The Free To Shine Team