Free education for 300 children in rural Cambodia

A Fresh Start in Rural Cambodia

With the rainy season subsiding and cooler temperatures arriving, a wave of fresh energy has hit Helping Hands Cambodia. This quarter marks the beginning of a new academic year, a time of transition and renewed commitment. We currently have 362 registered students, including 52 newly enrolled children. To support their growth, we provided 6,372 nutritious breakfasts throughout September, October, and November. Many of these meals are enriched with fresh ingredients grown right in our school vegetable garden, where our intern, Henry, and the students work side-by-side to nurture the land that feeds them.

Sustainability in Motion: The "Recycle Race"

In mid-December, we took environmental stewardship to the playing field with our second "Recycle Race", a very exiting activitie for the students. This high-energy event was designed to teach the critical importance of waste management through the power of play.

As they raced across the field, students practiced sorting different types of waste into the correct bins, learning to take pride in keeping their school grounds pristine. By turning a vital environmental lesson into a competitive game, we are fostering a new generation of environmental protectors who understand that a healthy life begins with a healthy environment.

Empowering Young Entrepreneurs: The Excursion to Repeat Secondhand Fashion

We believe that education must extend beyond the classroom. This term, our students had a transformative experience visiting "Repeat Secondhand Fashion," a local business in Siem Reap owned by our dedicated supporter, Darron Gurney.

This was more than just a field trip; it was a masterclass in sustainability and business. During the excursion:

• Sustainable Fashion & Waste Management: Darron shared his journey of building a business that gives clothing a second life, helping students understand how the "circular economy" works in practice.

• Entrepreneurial Inspiration: Seeing a successful shop in action showed our students that they, too, can become small business owners in the future.

• Creative Collaboration: Back at school, Darron led a Christmas ornament workshop where students used their newfound knowledge to craft decorations from recycled materials—proving that "waste" is simply a resource waiting for a creative touch.

Holistic Well-being: Health and Hygiene

At Helping Hands, health support is a daily commitment. Beyond treating the occasional scrape, we provide every student with toothbrushes and toothpaste. This quarter, we delivered 9 dedicated Health & Hygiene workshops, teaching students that personal care is the foundation of a productive life.

The arts also played a role in emotional well-being. We were honored to host Music Sharing ICEP from Japan, who treated our students to a string instrument performance, showing them how music can express complex emotions and foster community resilience.

Empowering the Next Generation: University and Mentorship

We are currently supporting four university students who are breaking cycles of poverty:

• Sreyneang is thriving in her studies to become an English teacher.

• Vannak is pursuing Public Administration, dreaming of serving his community.

To ensure our staff is prepared to support these journeys, our team participated in a 2-day Child Psychology training led by an expert from the University of Phnom Penh, focusing on inclusive education and behavior management.

Quarterly Impact at a Glance

• Students Enrolled362 (including 52 new students)
• Nutritious Breakfasts Provided 6,372
• Academic Support Days23 Days per month
• University Students Supported 4
• Special Workshops Delivered 11 (Health, Music, & Environment)

Thank You for Your Continued Support

None of the stories shared in this report—the laughter in the new playgrounds, the determination of our university scholars, or the environmental awareness sparked by the Recycle Race—would be possible without your unwavering support.

Your generosity is more than just a donation; it is the foundation upon which these children build their futures. It is the fuel that provides 6,372 breakfasts, the resource that puts new workbooks in eager hands, and the hope that allows a child from rural Cambodia to dream of becoming a teacher or a public administrator.

Every milestone we celebrate is a direct reflection of your commitment. In a region where challenges like seasonal flooding and economic hardship are daily realities, you are the constant that ensures education never stops. From the bottom of our hearts, and on behalf of the 362 students and the entire team at Helping Hands Cambodia: Thank you. We are deeply honored to have you by our side as we build this legacy of hope together.

Education in Action: Empowering Students Every Day in Cambodia

At Helping Hands Cambodia, every term brings new stories of perseverance, growth, and community. From the youngest students learning to read, to university scholars breaking barriers, your support continues to shape brighter futures in rural Cambodia.

This past quarter, 362 students were enrolled in our education programs, receiving 7,133 nutritious breakfast meals in total and taking part in 12 workshops focused on nutrition and hygiene. These daily moments of learning and care are where transformation begins.

Building Knowledge, Confidence, and Curiosity

Our teachers continue to bring creativity and energy to the classroom. Lessons combine academic subjects with play, games, and hands on activities to make learning both meaningful and fun. This quarter, our students enjoyed science experiments, reading circles, and English excursions that strengthened their curiosity and practical skills.

One of the most exciting developments has been the upgrade of our school library. With new textbooks and reading materials, students are now encouraged to practice public speaking, active listening, and reading comprehension skills that build confidence far beyond the classroom.

Our educational excursions this term included a visit to a local entrepreneur’s workshop, a scavenger hunt at the Angkor National Museum, and an inspiring trip to the Botanical Gardens, where students explored the links between nature, business, and community life.

From Students to Mentors

One of the most rewarding parts of our work is seeing former students return as educators and role models. This quarter, one of our graduates completed an internship with Helping Hands to develop her teaching skills, and another trainee English teacher successfully graduated from university. Two of our full time teachers also redesigned our forty hour English training program, showing how the next generation of educators is shaping the future of the school.

This school year, which concluded at the end of September, marked another proud milestone. Nine students completed their exams and graduated from high school, each taking a new step toward their dreams. Among them, two students,Taew and Sarath, have been selected for university scholarships and will begin their studies soon. The remaining graduates are currently exploring future opportunities and career paths. We also continue to follow the journey of two students who graduated last year and started university in February. Both recently completed their first semester, demonstrating great progress and commitment in their studies.

Meanwhile, two new scholarship students have begun their university journeys, Sreyneang, studying Teaching English as a Second Language, and Vannak, studying Public Administration. Both are the first in their families to attend university, and their stories are a reminder of how education can lift entire families out of poverty.

Our latest group of high school graduates also received their exam results and are now preparing for university or new career opportunities. Many of our younger students have started at local high schools, carrying with them the strong foundations built at Helping Hands.

Overcoming Challenges Together

The rainy season always tests our resilience. This quarter, heavy rains flooded the roads and forced the school to close for several days. Despite these obstacles, attendance quickly returned to normal once conditions improved. Rain also brings an increase in seasonal sickness, but our nutrition and hygiene workshops help families keep their children healthy and strong.

Another challenge has been local unemployment. Some families continue to look for work across the border in Thailand, but ongoing regional conflict has made that difficult. Our team is addressing this by helping parents explore safer and more stable job opportunities in Siem Reap, ensuring that children can stay in school and continue learning without disruption.

Teamwork, Training, and Volunteers

Our teachers have been working hard to stay up to date with the latest educational tools. This term, we introduced new student workbooks and hosted several teacher collaboration sessions. Looking ahead, we have planned upcoming training on Child Psychology and Behaviour Management Strategies to further strengthen our approach to inclusive education.

We were also fortunate to welcome Becky, a volunteer who brought wonderful energy to the English classes. She helped improve students’ reading fluency and introduced new songs and games that made learning even more fun. Additionally, Phoebe, our intern, completed her internship with great results, creating engaging social media content and supporting classroom activities.

Our teachers have expressed how valuable these volunteer experiences are not only for the students but also for their own professional growth.

A Growing Community of Learners

Every day at Helping Hands Cambodia shows how education can build stronger, more resilient communities. From nutritious meals to university scholarships, your support helps transform lives, empowering children and families to dream bigger, learn more, and give back to others.

Thank you for being part of this ongoing journey of growth and hope. Together, we are helping Cambodia’s next generation learn, lead, and thrive.

Stories of Growth and DeterminationFrom Student to Teacher

Dara’s story continues to inspire everyone at Helping Hands Cambodia. Once a shy student in our classrooms, she is now part of our teaching team, completing her university studies while helping others follow the same path. This quarter, Dara took on additional responsibilities, assisting in classroom planning and mentoring younger students who are beginning their own academic journeys. Her ability to empathize with the children — having once faced similar challenges, makes her an extraordinary role model.

Beyond her teaching duties, Dara has become a bridge between families and the school. She regularly visits homes to encourage parents to stay involved in their children’s education and offers support to those struggling with economic hardship. Her journey is a living example of how education can transform a life, turning a student into a changemaker who uplifts her entire community.

Dreaming Bigger: Sreyneang and Vannak’s University Adventures

Nita and Ponna, two of our scholarship students, have continued to make great strides this quarter. Nita, who is pursuing a degree in Teaching English as a Second Language, is thriving in her university environment. She recently completed a series of projects in English literature and public speaking that have helped her gain confidence both academically and personally. During her semester break, she returned to Helping Hands to volunteer in English classes, eager to give back and inspire younger students.

Ponna, meanwhile, is studying Public Administration at the University of South East Asia. Balancing a full-time job while attending classes, he has shown exceptional dedication and perseverance. This quarter, he successfully completed courses in Political Science and Computer Applications, both of which strengthened his analytical and problem-solving skills. His dream is to work in local government to create better educational opportunities for children in rural Cambodia, continuing the cycle of positive change that Helping Hands started in his life.