Cambodian Kids Can works to empower young women to reach their potential and change their futures. Our focus is on the agricultural area of Prey Veng as it is vulnerable to natural disaster and 50% of its population lives in poverty.  In areas such as this, children are typically forced to give up school to work in the rice fields, sometimes as young as eight.

For a child with no education, there is little opportunity to pull themselves out of poverty. They are extremely vulnerable and limited choices can expose them to gender based violence, health risks such as HIV, sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse. Girls are most at risk, as when there is a choice, boys will be encouraged to stay in school.  For this reason, our work focuses on young women.

Cambodian Kids Can is uniquely positioned to implement this program as we have worked in the Prey Veng region for over ten years. This has enabled us to establish strong and trusted relationships with the community.

Key areas of expenditure for funds donated:

Your support means a better, brighter future for the children of Cambodia

• $9 can pay for 1 child's school books and stationary for the year
• $23 can pay for one child's school uniform, shoes and bag for the year
• $30 feeds a child for a month
• $150 - cooking gas for one month at Mekhala House

Number of direct beneficiaries:

• 40 young girls being educated at Mekhala House boarding home
• 12 Mekhala House alumni currently undertaking full time university studies
• 120 students undertaking the 6-month semester courses each year
• 400 locals availing themselves of the excellent library facilities at MLC each month, including internet based research opportunities
• 17 full time staff, all of whom are local Khmer people, are employed at MH or MLC