Hi, my name is Ola, and I’m raising funds for the Catholic Pastoral Center in Siem Reap, Cambodia, which urgently needs support to continue providing food, clothing, education, and shelter to local children living in extreme poverty.

For the past month, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the centre with 15 other students from St. Benedict’s Catholic School. During our time there, we witnessed the harsh reality these children face and how deeply the pastoral centre impacts their lives.

The Situation

The children who attend the centre come from extremely difficult backgrounds — many face poverty, abuse, family abandonment, and trauma. Most families live on as little as $10 a day to support around 6 people. Because of this, children often lack:

We saw overcrowded homes where multiple families share a single house with no running water, bathroom, or private space. Many children don’t have their own bed or a quiet place to study, which severely affects both their education and well-being.

Sadly, some children have experienced violence or neglect at home. A few have even been exposed to drug abuse as a result of their unstable environments.

The effects of poverty and malnutrition are heartbreaking — many children are noticeably underweight or small for their age. But despite everything, their smiles, curiosity, and eagerness to learn are unforgettable. They deserve a chance at a better life.

What the Centre Does

The Catholic Pastoral Centre gives these children:

It currently serves around 80 children, including 6 who live there full-time because they have no safe home to return to.

Why We Need Your Help

The centre is at risk of closing by the end of this year unless we raise £7,000. Without it, these children will lose the only consistent support system they have.

This fundraiser is about more than money — it’s about giving these kids a chance at a future. A chance to eat well, stay in school, grow up in safety, and believe in themselves.

You Can Make a Difference

Your support — no matter how small — can help:

I’ve seen the impact this centre has. I’ve seen how it gives children hope, dignity, and stability. And I believe, with your help, we can make sure it continues doing that.

For more details on how the funds will be used, I’ve included screenshots from a document outlining the financial breakdown and background story. Since GoFundMe doesn’t support PDF uploads, this is the best way to share the full information with you.

Thank you so much for your time, your generosity, and your heart.