Why We Need Your Support

60% of children aged 12-18 drop out of school in rural Cambodia, and in Battambang Province, only 15% of adults have completed secondary education.

In rural Cambodia, many children lack access to supportive education, and families struggle with poverty. We are raising funds to support a free community library run by an incredibly kind and dedicated man, Phirum, along with the help of his family and willing volunteers within the community.

His Mission:

A Free Library & Classes – English, Khmer, and math lessons for children, taught by volunteers.

Educational Support – Books, school supplies, and a proper learning space.

Food & Employment for Struggling Families – Helping families facing unemployment and food insecurity.

How Your Donations Will Help:

Phirum’s Story – A Promise to Help Others

Phirum grew up in rural Battambang with his family of six, in extreme poverty. Denied entry to a library as a child because of his tattered clothes, he made a promise: one day, he would build a free library where all children were welcome.

After receiving help from a kind Australian family, Phirum worked hard to finish school, completed a Bachelor in English Literature, and runs a small homestay with his family. Through his savings and dedication, he made his dream a reality, opening the library for his community.

Located 120kms away from Battambang town, the free library has been running since 2020 and now hosts over 30 children every day who come to read and learn. Currently, Phirum and his brother-in-law provide free lessons to these children, alongside free English classes at the local pagoda every evening. Over 125 children attend these classes, split into three groups, with three volunteer teachers from the community.

Beyond education, Phirum helps struggling families where he can. One father of four, imprisoned for illegally immigrating to Thailand in search of work, now cares for goats provided by Phirum and his sister, earning 50% of the profits. Phirum also provides food and essential supplies to families with no land or income whenever possible.

Building a Stronger Cambodia

Phirum’s dream is not only to educate children but to help build Cambodia stronger than before by empowering the next generation with high-quality skills. He believes that by improving education and creating opportunities, the youth of today can build a brighter future for their families and their country.

Why Your Support Matters

Seeing these children genuinely excited about learning made us realise how often education is taken for granted in developed countries. Many things we all have access to—income stability, food security, and government-funded resources—are rarities in rural Cambodia.

If you have the ability to give, please consider donating. Even a small amount can make a life-changing difference to these deserving children.

Unlike large NGOs, 100% of your donation goes directly to the library and the families in need.

Interested in Volunteering? Contact Phirum via WhatsApp at +855 77 644 285 to help teach English at the library.