Help Support AKD School Battambang during COVID-19

A few years ago, I stumbled into something that changed my life. While spending a few days recovering from a motorbike crash in Battambang, Cambodia, I happened to come across an opportunity to do some volunteer work for AKD School.

AKD is a small rural school that provides free English lessons for underprivileged kids in the countryside of Battambang Province, Cambodia, and is run by my friend Kamnat Sim, who is a former monk of 10 years, and his family.

I immediately fell in love with this place. Kamnat welcomed me into his home and I spent the next four months living with his wonderful family and many other volunteers from around the world. It was one of the most impactful experiences I have ever had, and has even influenced me into pursuing a career in Education. AKD will always have a special place in my heart for this.

The reason I am sharing all of this is because AKD School and the Sim family have been struggling greatly in recent months. I know COVID-19 has impacted so many people and has been tough on all of us. In a country that relies heavily on tourism, it has been absolutely devastating for them.

Without tourists, they have very little opportunity to get volunteers, which they rely heavily on to keep the school operating free of charge. Kamnat tries his best to earn money in other ways by providing tuk-tuk tours for the small amount of tourists that do come, and by offering services as a taxi driver, but unfortunately it is not enough.

I am asking that you please consider making a donation to this school. Money in Cambodia goes a long way and even a couple dollars can help to provide books, stationary and other supplies, paying local teacher’s salaries, along with helping to keep the school open free of charge for the underprivileged children in the area. By making a donation directly to the source you can also be confident that your money will be used appropriately and not squandered in “overhead costs” that is so likely to happen in big organizations.

I know we are all going through a hard time now and I appreciate you for reading this far. If you are unable to make a donation, then please consider sharing this post for others to see. I’ve included some of my favorite photos from my time there for attention. Thanks everyone!