In 2023, while traveling in Southeast Asia, I met a Cambodian family whose warmth and kindness changed the course of my life.
I first met Vichet (nicknamed “Bruce Lee”) outside a café in Siem Reap. He offered to show me around the city in his tuk-tuk, which he drives as his family’s main source of income. What was supposed to be a short 30-minute tour turned into a full afternoon of sightseeing, sharing stories, and eating some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever tasted.
Over the course of my time there, we became close (now even referring to each other as “brother”), and he opened up to me about his hopes for his family and the children in his rural village.
As someone who grew up in Iowa, as the son and brother of public school educators, what struck me most was how deeply Bruce believed education could open doors — especially for young people in his community to access better opportunities and help support their families in the future.
During one of our conversations, he asked me a simple question I’ve never forgotten:
“Brother, can you help the children in our village learn to read English and how to use technology so they can build a better life here?”
Without hesitation, I made a promise to help in the best ways I knew how.
That was nearly three years ago.
Since then, I’ve stayed connected with Bruce and his family and have continued sponsoring his daughter’s schooling, while knowing that truly keeping that promise would eventually require showing up in person — listening, learning, and being present with the community.
This spring, I’m going back to do exactly that.
I’m raising $12,500 to help cover:
- Travel to and within Cambodia
- Proper visa and travel documentation
- Appropriate books and learning materials for children
- Local support such as drivers, translators, and teachers
- Local lodging and meals
- Flexibility to help where it’s needed most
I plan to be on the ground for 6–8 weeks this spring/summer.
This trip is both about keeping a promise and showing up responsibly. I’ll be spending time understanding what tools, materials, and approaches actually work for children in rural, offline communities - so efforts to support are shaped by real needs, not assumptions.
If contributions exceed the goal, I’ll extend my time on the ground and help support additional families and children nearby.
If you’re able to contribute, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If not, sharing this with others who might care means just as much.
— Weston
Organizer
