Srey Nuch & Sovanary
KHEN Volunteers 

Srey Nuch (Right) and Sovanary (Left) both benefited from KHEN’s initiatives in their communities. Srey Nuch attended the newly built primary school in Changa R in 2015, while Sovanary experienced renovations at Troy Kola in 2017. Their positive school experiences motivated them to volunteer at the Community Learning Centre (CLC) in 2019, where they became friends.

​Both recalled how improved facilities made learning enjoyable and safe. They decided to volunteer to help other children and continue their education. Their time at the CLC boosted their confidence and provided opportunities to exchange ideas with peers.

They observed positive changes in their communities, with more children starting school and lower dropout rates in primary education, though secondary school dropouts remain a concern. They attribute their continued education to their dreams, family support, and awareness of the consequences of dropping out.

As of January 2024, both are training to be nurses. Sovanary aims to work in a government hospital, while Srey Nuch aspires to be a midwife. Ultimately, they both plan to return to their communities to serve as health professionals.​

Nil Chib
KHEN Volunteer 

​Nil Chib is an indigenous Cambodian whose first language is Por. She attended Phnom Rey Primary School and completed Teok Sok Secondary School in 2012. From 2014 to 2015, she interned with KHEN, which changed her perspective on education and motivated her to pursue it for a better life than her parents had. This experience gave her the confidence to seek education.

In 2016, she enrolled at Bahi University to study Community Development and completed high school in 2020. She then continued her studies at the National University in 2021, focusing on agriculture, and is now employed at Agriculture System Research Co. Ltd in Rukhak Kiri.

​Chib has positively influenced her community, especially her mother, who initially worried about her studying in Battambang. With parental support, she moved, and while initially accompanied by three peers (two returned), now six from her village, including her siblings, are studying in Battambang. She plans to support her siblings' education while aspiring to return to her village as an agriculture officer to promote modern farming methods and establish an organic fertiliser shop. Chib aims to inspire others in her community to value education.

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Dy Samet
Deputy Governor, Samlout District

​Ms. Dy Samet has served as deputy governor of Samlout District since 2015 and discussed KHEN's significant contributions to the area. Before KHEN's involvement, there were no community pre-schools or teachers in remote parts of Samlout. KHEN's efforts in building schools, promoting enrollment, and conducting parental workshops have increased parental engagement and support for education. As a result, more children are attending school, learning to read and write, and School Management Committees are now better at planning and budgeting through the School Improvement Plan.

KHEN maintains a strong partnership with local authorities, including the Department of Education, facilitating effective teacher training and innovative teaching methods. Ms. Samet also supports home-based teaching and Community Learning Centers for vocational education and ICT skills for youth.

​One challenge is securing support from the Department of Women's Affairs, which KHEN is currently addressing. She hopes KHEN can secure further funding to continue its work in Samlout District.

The School of Ou Taso
Samlout District

In the Samlout District, a remote community is located 15 km from the nearest state school. Parents had previously built a small hut for their children's education, but it was inadequate and unusable during the rainy season, making regular study difficult. There were no nearby school facilities, including a kindergarten for children aged 3 to 6.

The new school has four classrooms, including a kindergarten, and is fully furnished with desks, chairs, and blackboards. Each student receives a school kit with a backpack, books, pens, and notebooks. A courtyard for recreation and physical activities has also been created.

Currently, over 90 students are enrolled. This school is the fifth one built by Children in Crisis, thanks to Roberta Rosati Quagliolo in 2019.​

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​The School of Phnom Russey
Sampov Luon District

​Phnom Russey is in Ou L-vea village, Sampov Luon district, one of the poorest areas in Battambang province. This remote, hilly community is 15 km from the nearest state elementary school and previously lacked a preschool.

Families often work in Thailand, leaving their children with relatives. The new school offers hope, providing a beautiful and safe facility that is easily accessible. Currently, there are 76 students enrolled with four teachers.

This school is the tenth built by Children in Crisis, funded by a donation from Milano Bike in 2021.

​The Pre-School of Chomnabtrav
Bos Doung Village

Bos Doung village lacked a kindergarten, leaving over 20 children without school access. The new school facility, vital for the community, features two large classrooms—one for elementary students and another for kindergarten. It includes desks, teaching materials, two toilets, a hand-washing station, and a playground.

​Currently, 47 children are enrolled. This school was established by Children in Crisis with support from the Chiara and Loreta Foundation in memory of Loreta Alexandrescu (2023).

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