HELP KEEP PHEARUN IN SCHOOL!

For the last 12 months, the kindness of both friends and strangers enabled Phearun to study at an English language school near his home in Phnom Penh, the Capital of Cambodia. He is 8 years old.

His mother, Ny Ny, works at a small food establishment opposite the school where I used to teach. I had eaten there most days since starting the job, and have become very close with the family.

Phearun used to study English when he was younger; however, Ny Ny could no longer support his education once she had her other 2 sons. Education should be a basic right for all children, and it is something I believe we often take for granted in the UK. Although in Cambodia they are desperate to learn, only a small percentage of families can afford it.

As with most families in Cambodia, Ny Ny only earns enough to support the basic needs of her young sons, and she does a fantastic job, but she is desperate for the eldest to continue studying English. Now he is a little older, he can learn and then help to educate his 2 younger brothers as they grow older.

I visited Cambodia again in April 2025. This was the first time I visited since Phearun began his education, and it was clear to see how much he was loving school, his friends and the opportunity you all gave him.

Ny Ny is extremely hard working and wants her children to have the best possible future - something people from her generation were unable to receive (if you are unaware, read about the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot from 1975 - 1979). The Khmer language is not commonly spoken outside of Cambodia, so if you want to have a successful future, it is expected that you can speak fluently in global languages such as English.

I am trying to raise money so that Phearun can continue his studies, giving not only him but his 2 young brothers the best possible future.

The cost per term is $210 USD (approximately £150 GBP). One term lasts for 3 months. As a result, I am aiming to raise an additional £500 so Phearun can study for at least 3 terms, after which I will assess the situation and, if necessary, continue raising funds.

Thank you for reading!