Help keep a Cambodian Music and Dance School open

Growing up in a poor family in Veal Village, Siem Reap Province, 20-year-old Noy understood hardship from a very young age. As the oldest of six children, including three sisters, he watched his parents struggle every day to provide enough food for the family. His father worked in construction while his mother farmed small plots of land, but their income was never enough to support the children’s education.

When the family’s situation became even more difficult, Noy made a heartbreaking decision. He dropped out of school in Grade 9 at Wat Svay Lower Secondary School so he could help earn money and allow his younger siblings to continue their education.

For many young people living in poverty, this could have been the end of their dreams. But in 2017, Noy’s life began to change.

On March 3, 2017, he joined the traditional Khmer music program at the Salvation Centre Cambodia (SCC) community school in Siem Reap. Determined to build a better future, Noy committed himself to learning Pinpeat - one of Cambodia’s most treasured traditional musical art forms. Beyond simply learning music, Noy believed he was helping protect an important part of Khmer identity and culture for future generations.

With passion and determination, he attended classes faithfully, carefully listened to every lesson, memorized musical rhythms, and practiced daily with his classmates. Year after year, his confidence and skills grew stronger.

Today, after more than nine years of dedication, Noy can skillfully perform more than 30 traditional Khmer songs and regularly participates in public cultural performances. During

festival seasons, he and his team are invited to perform at ceremonies and community events several times each month.

Each performance provides him with income that helps support his family’s daily meals and reduces the financial burden on his parents. More importantly, the program has given him dignity, purpose, and hope for the future.

Now, Noy dreams of becoming a professional traditional Khmer music teacher so he can pass this precious knowledge to the next generation. He wants to ensure that Cambodia’s cultural heritage continues to live on through young people like him.

Noy’s story is a powerful reminder that when vulnerable children and youth are given access to education, skills training, and encouragement, they can transform not only their own lives but also help preserve the cultural identity of the communities.

Through the continued support of generous donors, SCC is able to provide opportunities for vulnerable children and youth like Noy to learn, grow, and build brighter futures while protecting Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage for generations to come.