Life Half Full are fundraising on behalf of Mr. Hai Sophan, Director of The Smart Zone School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

We wish to seek support from individuals and businesses in raising $5,220 AUD. This funding would cover the cost of employing a local Cambodian Assistant Manager for 12 months - an essential role for the school’s sustainability and growth.

The Smart Zone School currently provides English education to 275 students aged 3 to 18. Since founding the school in 2005, Mr. Sophan has single-handedly managed every aspect of its operation. He works seven days a week, all hours of the day and night - teaching classes, overseeing student progress and managing educational programs, teachers and volunteers.

When asked why he has sustained this level of commitment over the last 20 years, Mr. Sophan simply replied:

“Because I am the founder, and I want poor children to have the opportunity to learn English. Children here can attend a free public school but they will not have the opportunity to learn English and speaking English is really their only opportunity for a future”

The school employs 12 paid teachers, whose salaries are funded through student fees. However, 30–40% of students cannot afford to pay at all, and many others struggle to contribute consistently. As a result, the school can sometimes operate at a financial loss.

Mr. Sophan has shared that the strain is becoming overwhelming. The school’s facilities are deteriorating, and more alarmingly, his health is beginning to suffer. Without support, the long-term future of the school is uncertain.

An Assistant Manager would be transformative. For approximately $435 AUD per month, this role would:

* Take over management of the volunteer program and develop it into a sustainable source of support.

* Assist with fundraising initiatives for facilities, maintenance, and repairs

* Provide critical administrative support

* Allow Mr. Sophan to focus more on quality education and optimal student outcomes.

With 12 months of support, Mr. Sophan is confident the school can stabilize and then sustain this position independently.

Having spent just a short time working with the children, we have already been deeply moved by their resilience and eagerness to learn. While they are not discouraged by limited facilities, they would be devastated to lose access to their school and this vital education opportunity.

This money will be an invaluable gift for the school because not only will it allow Mr Sophan to continue his dedicated work in supporting the futures of vulnerable children in Cambodia, it will also employ and train a promising young person thus, offering them a positive future.

PLEASE NOTE This fundraiser wIll run for 6 weeks: 6/4/26 -17/5/26