New Dream of Cambodian Children Organisation

Hi, my names Molleigh and I am currently backpacking South East Asia. My journey has been full of amazing experiences but this one is by far the most unique.

About the school: Established in 2014 and officially registered as an NGO in 2018 (Registration No. 2197), NDCCO is a dedicated non-profit organization located in Phneachey Village, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Their mission is to empower underprivileged children and families by providing free education, nutritious school meals, and comprehensive community support services.

How it all started:

At the heart of the New Dream of Cambodian Children Organization (NDCCO) is one extraordinary man: Kimlean Voeun.

Born into a poor farming family, Kimlean’s early life was filled with hardship. At 13, he made the courageous decision to leave home, walking for three days without food or water until he reached Siem Reap. Local Buddhist monks took him in, offering him a safe place to stay and an opportunity to learn English.

After three years, Kimlean found his first job in a restaurant and sent half his first paycheck to his family—the first time they’d heard from him in years. Determined to improve his life further, he saved enough to buy a motorbike and began working as a taxi driver, later upgrading to a tuk-tuk.

In 2014, with a heart full of generosity, Kimlean opened a free English school for poor children in his community. Funded entirely by his earnings, the school quickly became a lifeline for many families. On top of that, Kimlean provides monthly rice donations to 45 families in need, all out of his own pocket.

Working from 7 AM to 1 AM every day, Kimlean balances his tireless efforts to help others with being a loving husband and father to his four daughters. His dedication has inspired countless people, including Paul Bane Smith, a traveler who met Kimlean in 2018.

Paul, moved by Kimlean’s story and the children’s eagerness to learn, launched a fundraising campaign that led to life-changing results:

• April 2018: NDCCO was officially registered as an NGO.

• May 2018: Land was purchased to build a full-time school for 150 children.

Today, NDCCO provides free English lessons five days a week to over 260 students aged 6-17. The school also offers a daily nutritious meal, helping keep children healthy and encouraging families to prioritize education.

Kimlean’s journey from a struggling teenager to a community leader is a powerful example of resilience and compassion. His work continues to transform lives, showing that one person truly can make a difference.

How I will help: This week I have started to volunteer as an English teacher, sharing my knowledge in hope to educate these children. Every penny spent at the hostel and restaurant attached to the school is donated back into the funds to help these children.

At the end of my stay next week I will be donating some money to help better these children’s futures with a continual education system. Please donate anything you can to be apart of an amazing charity.