In many developing countries, women are the poorest of the poor, the most marginalized and disadvantaged. They suffer the deepest deprivations, exploitation and injustice, whether physical, sexual or economic. 

At the core of this poverty is a lack of opportunity. Many are not educated, and cannot read. Without literacy, their employment options are extremely limited.  In Cambodia, youth literacy is 91%, but female youth literacy is just 53%. Without education, Cambodia’s destitute girls have very few options.

Dharma Care’s Srey Lak Program for Girls provides board, food and education for some of Cambodia’s most destitute girls – some have spent their entire lives on rubbish tips or in the streets. The Program funds girls to attend the People Improvement Organisation (PIO) in Phenom Penh – a school that has won multiple international awards for its work – but still struggles to fund its work.

Over the last four years, our sponsorship program has seen the lives of sponsored girls transformed by safe accommodation, adequate food, and good education.  Some have now found meaningful work; others are attending university.

The cost of tuition and full board is US$600 per girl per year. This is approximately AU$1,000. Big or small, all donations will help.