Over the last 20 years, we have seen firsthand that education is one of the most powerful pathways to new opportunities. It opens doors to better livelihoods, strengthens communities, and gives children the chance to build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
But how do we create opportunities not only for today’s students, but for generations of Cambodian children to come? How do we ensure that every donation to our CVF Education Charity has a lasting impact?
One of the most effective ways is through community-centered development. At the core of all our initiatives lies a deep connection to the communities we serve. From the very beginning, founders Bill and Nancy, together with Venerable Sovechea in Cambodia, have worked closely with local leaders to develop projects, infrastructure and programs based on community needs. We believe that lasting change happens when local people are actively involved in shaping and sustaining it.
Pream Nil Primary School in rural Cambodia is a wonderful, recent example of this approach in action.
In December 2024, we joined students, parents, teachers, and community leaders to celebrate the inauguration of a new school building featuring two classrooms and a library. This was the 10th school built with our support in the rice farming community near Prey Touch. The project was funded by Syed Balkhi-founder of the enterprise Awesome Motive, and his family. The new school house was appropriately named the Awesome Motive Center of Learning. What an inspiring invitation for children to learn and grow!
The bright yellow building stands as a symbol of progress, hope and opportunity. Inside, students now learn in clean, comfortable classrooms with new benches, fans for ventilation, and a welcoming library space. This inspiring environment makes learning a whole new, exciting adventure.
Many of the student’s parents attended schools that were far less developed and maintained. These parents had left school way too soon to help support their families. Today, they see education differently. They see the opportunities it can create for their children and are increasingly committed to supporting them through secondary and high school.
Providing funding for school constructions and essential furniture is one way our donors help create educational opportunities for rural Cambodian families.
But a new building is only the beginning. Once a foundation is in place, such as new classrooms, community members take ownership of the next steps. To improve the school grounds of Pream Nil teachers mobilized support from the local community to plant trees, build raised garden beds and stone walkways. This will make the school’s outdoor spaces greener, more inviting and less dusty. Within 18 months the community had donated enough funds to begin the improvements.
In Cambodia, donations are often publicly acknowledged on social media to show both gratitude and honor. This seems to create a strong sense of appreciation and collective investment in the school’s future.
We are proud of the teachers at Pream Nil, as well as the parents and community members who are investing their time, energy, and resources into the future of their children. Watching that commitment grow is one of the most rewarding parts of our work. It is inspiring for us to see the community rally around our Cambodian Village Fund charity projects.
By working alongside community leaders and local institutions, we help create schools, libraries, public spaces AND programs that communities value, maintain, and continue to improve long after the initial project is complete.
We are deeply grateful to every supporter who helps make our valued projects possible. From those who make transformational gifts to those who give year after year, each contribution helps build a brighter future for Cambodia’s children.
Without your generosity, trust, and shared belief in the power of education, we would not be able to provide inspiring learning spaces and crucial educational program. Your support is creating opportunities not only for today’s students, but for generations of Cambodian children to come.
We welcome donations big and small. To make a gift through our secure donation link please click DONATE. Thank you very much for your support.