In December 2024, I spent an unforgettable week in Cambodia traveling with my husband Bill, our family (Amy, Brian, and Zion), and a group of friends and supporters excited to experience firsthand what the Cambodian Village Fund (CVF) has accomplished over the past 19 years. The group was touched by what they saw – educating girls and building schools and libraries, expanding our English program, the impact was both powerful and personal.
Each traveler left with a deeper connection to the people in the village—and a renewed passion to be part of CVF’s mission. I hope this glimpse into our journey captures some of the magic we experienced. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll join us for an “off the beaten path” adventure in Cambodia. It just might change your life.
DAY 1 – Getting to Know the Scholarship Girls
We spent the morning just around the corner from our hotel, visiting the CVF scholarship girls at their dorm. From the moment we arrived, the energy was infectious—laughter, hugs, shared stories, and even a few tears. It didn’t take long to feel connected.
Only a couple of days earlier, four brand-new scholarship girls had just moved in, nervous about starting college the following week. We could see the mix of excitement and apprehension in their eyes. But based on the success of the 32 graduates before them—starting with our very first scholar, who earned her college degree in 2015—we know they’ll do great. Back when CVF began, even finishing high school seemed like a stretch. Now, these young women are dreaming bigger—and achieving more—than we ever imagined.
An Afternoon Trip to the Village
After lunch in Battambang, we headed out to Kaun Khlong Village to visit students’ homes and meet their families. Sitting with parents, we could feel their pride as they spoke about their amazing daughters. The impact of the scholarship program was profound—it’s not just changing lives, it’s transforming entire communities.
When CVF began its work in 2006, fewer than 50% of girls in the village made it to middle school. College wasn’t even part of the conversation. Now, 100% of girls continue on to 7th grade—and more and more are setting their sights on higher education. Fathers now encourage their daughters to study hard and dream big, to become one of “those scholarship girls.” CVF’s gift of education is also reshaping how girls feel about themselves and their chance at a bright future.
We met Reaksmey’s parents, who had taken out a loan to fund her first year of college. She excelled in her classes, but the family couldn’t borrow any more money. Then she found out about the CVF Scholarship Program—and everything changed.
Educating girls is CVF’s most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. We’re seeing it ripple through families and entire communities—in real time, in real lives. With just a little support, the path forward becomes brighter. Hope takes root. And the smiles say it all.
DAY 2 – A Wonderful Day in the Village
Today was nothing short of magical. We spent the day in Kaun Khlong Village, visiting several school buildings that CVF has built over the years. The crown jewel is the Bill and Nancy Kaun Khlong Primary School—our very first school building, completed back in 2012. Thirteen years later, it’s not just thriving—it’s been recognized by the Cambodian government as a model school. Education leaders from around the country now come here to learn from its success.
Our group received a warm and joyful welcome as we arrived for the annual English Language Awards Ceremony. Students had worked hard all year for this moment, and the celebration was filled with energy, pride, and plenty of smiles.
One of the biggest contributors to the program’s growth is our granddaughter, Zion, who’s currently in Cambodia on a Fulbright scholarship. She’s working closely with six English teachers and over 400 students—introducing new materials, leading training sessions, and helping the program grow stronger every day.
The awards assembly was beautiful. The role of “dignitaries” doesn’t feel right for Bill or me, we’re just grateful to be part of this celebration. It was such a joy to honor the top students, cheer with proud families and teachers, and clap along as the kindergartners sang and performed their ever-popular Chicken Dance.
After the ceremony, Venerable Sovechea gave us a tour of the newly built Volunteer House—a peaceful, welcoming home just steps from the school. It’s the perfect place for future volunteers to stay, and its very first guest is Chris, a young scientist from the U.S.
You can check out the Volunteer House in a charming 3½-minute video made by Venerable Saret Sayon, aka The Camera Monk.
Chris has been busy—he’s laying the foundation for two big new initiatives: a science program and solar power installations for CVF schools.
The Cambodian government recently tried (and struggled) to revamp the national science curriculum. CVF’s science program started when our dear friends, Bob and Joan Field, reached out, asking if they could fund a science program in one of our villages. Bob, a retired professor, hired Chris, one of his former students, to head to Cambodia and make it happen.
And he did.
Working hand-in-hand with Vichet, an extraordinary local teacher, Chris has launched an after-school science program that’s already generating incredible results. The Ministry of Education is watching with interest—it’s clear something special is happening here.
Chris is also the visionary behind the recently-installed solar panels, which are now powering our new computer lab and science center. That dream became a reality thanks to the generosity of his parents, Roger and Ruth Kaspar. What an amazing family effort.
We ended the day with a tour of the new computer lab, now doubling as our Science Center, followed by a quick stop in Prey Touch Village to visit the football stadium, the secondary school, and the primary school library—each one a reflection of what CVF has made possible.
There are so many moments to be proud of. But more than anything, what fills me with hope are the smiles—the happiness radiating from the children, families, and teachers.
The floodgates are opening. There is so much hope in this place.
DAY 3 – Our Day to Be an English Teacher
Every time we visit Cambodia, one of our favorite moments is stepping into the classroom and leading an English lesson. It’s always a highlight—and a wonderful way to connect with the students.
Bill and I teamed up with Zion. She told the class about us, her grandparents. The subject was “nicknames.” When she was just a toddler and learning to talk, she called us Papa and Nini – nicknames that would last forever. For the rest of the trip, wherever we went, we heard giggles and cheerful calls of “Papa! Nini!” The students once called us King and Queen – but now we’re Papa and Nini – much better names!
In another classroom, Amy and Brian got in on the fun. The students took one look at Brian’s white beard and decided he must be Santa Claus! These joyful moments remind us why we do this work.
And behind all the fun, we witnessed something truly inspiring: the transformation of CVF’s English Language Program. Zion—supported by her Fulbright scholarship—is helping take it to the next level. She works closely with our six English teachers, developing new lessons and materials, coaching classroom strategies, and sharing their passion for teaching.
DAY 4 – Dedication of The Awesome Motive Center of Learning
Today was a day of pure celebration! We gathered in Pream Nil Village for the dedication of the brand-new Awesome Motive Center of Learning—a beautiful new school building gifted by the generous Balkhi Family Foundation. This marks the third school building they’ve funded through CVF, and each one has been a true game changer.
The school also includes a stunning new library, donated by Silke White in loving memory of Richard White.
The entire village turned out for the event—cheering families, students, teachers, local leaders, national dignitaries, and several television crews who broadcast the celebration on Cambodia’s evening news.
The school principal announced that he waited 20 years for a new school in the village – and now it’s here! What a joyous celebration. The beautiful school will serve today’s students and the generations to come, bringing hope for a good education and a chance at a better life.
To the Balkhi Family Foundation: thank you for your life-changing gift to Cambodia. And to Silke: thank you for honoring Richard’s legacy in such a meaningful way.
To see highlights of this unforgettable day, watch the 8-minute video by Venerable Saret Sayon.
After all the excitement, we headed to Kaun Khlong Village for a special dinner at the home of Vanna and Kosal, both vital part of CVF’s team. Kosal—along with help from some of the scholarship girls—treated us to what might be the best Cambodian food for miles. We’ll carry the memories of this day with us forever.
DAY 5 – Tourist Activities and a Night to Remember
We spent the morning exploring the beautiful countryside around Battambang, visiting ancient temples and stopping to learn about local crafts like making rice wine and rice paper. But the real highlight of the day kicked off at 5 p.m. at our home in Cambodia, the Bambu Hotel.
Our annual reunion party is always a can’t-miss event—but this year was extra special because we also got to celebrate Silke’s birthday!
For the past 13 years, Patrick has graciously hosted us at the Bambu Hotel, and every year, the celebration grows—more people, more joy, more dancing! The courtyard was packed with CVF students, teachers, and dear Cambodian friends. Former scholarship students traveled from all over the country—some now bringing their little ones in tow. The babies stole the show with their cuteness! All in all, more than 200 people came together that night.
After a delicious buffet dinner at the hotel, the talent show began. There were heartfelt performances, Karaoke favorites, and lots of laughter. The night wrapped up with circle dancing under the stars—an unforgettable way to connect, celebrate, and share in the joy of our growing CVF family.
Looking Ahead
I left Cambodia deeply inspired and filled with immense pride. It’s clear that CVF is rooted in something strong and lasting—our driving belief: “Educate children. They are the future of Cambodia.”
After 19 years, we’re beginning to see the beautiful future ahead. Our scholarship graduates are stepping into meaningful careers, raising families, and becoming leaders in their communities. The young mother, pictured below—standing beside her husband, holding their baby daughter—embodies everything we’ve worked for. She is educated, empowered, and ready to help shape the Cambodia of tomorrow.
Thanks to you—our generous donors—for making their dream a reality. Your support gave rise to a movement we believe cannot be stopped. But to keep that momentum going, we need even more hands and hearts.
In a world full of uncertainty, CVF is a place of hope and positive change—where one scholarship can lift an entire family, and one school can transform a village.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make the world a better place, we have an answer: start here. Join us. There is still so much to do—and so much joy in doing it. If you would like to join us on a trip to Cambodia, contact us at billandnancy@cambodianvillagefund.org.
We’re always appreciate your contributions, big or small. To donate by credit card or PayPal, click the donate button below.
Or send a check:
Cambodian Village Fund
c/o Bill and Nancy Bamberger
4376 Argos Drive
San Diego, CA 92116
Thank you for changing lives.