Impact Stories

Impact Stories

Flooded interior of a Phnom Penh family home during heavy rain, highlighting urgent housing needs

Sao Sary Foundation Responds to Urgent Housing Crisis for Flood-Affected Family in Phnom Penh

PRESS RELEASE - Sao Sary Foundation Extends Dignity-Centered Support to Flood-Affected Family in Phnom Penh

Kampong Speu, Cambodia – September 19, 2025

Sao Sary Foundation is proud to announce its engagement in a new case involving a vulnerable Cambodian family living in extreme conditions in Phnom Penh. The family, whose home floods even during light rainfall, was brought to our attention by Mr. Sam Patel, a private individual who has been providing monthly financial support to help them meet basic needs.

The family owns the land they reside on, yet their dwelling remains dangerously exposed to the elements. Recent photos shared by the youngest daughter, Annie, reveal severe flooding inside the home—posing serious risks to health, safety, and dignity. Annie, despite limited English proficiency, has been a steady point of contact and is now connected with our team via Telegram.

Mr. Patel’s vision for the family is both compassionate and strategic: a multi-pronged safety net that includes housing security, educational continuity for the grandchildren, and vocational opportunities for the unemployed son. His monthly contribution of $200 has already made a tangible impact—ensuring access to food, hygiene supplies, and school attendance, and sparking a shift from quiet despair to cautious hope.

In response, Sao Sary Foundation has initiated coordination with trusted partners, including Eric Lyons of Hope for the Silent Voices, whose orphanage in Phnom Penh supports over 40 young girls. We are exploring whether aspects of his mission can be extended to support this family or inform a replicable model for urban intervention.

Additionally, our team is working with government contacts to investigate why this family has not received formal assistance despite their evident vulnerability. We are currently seeking access to the family’s official household documentation and the contact information of their local village chief to facilitate this inquiry.

This case reflects Sao Sary Foundation’s enduring commitment to dignity-centered, community-rooted support. With over 19 years of experience, we continue to mobilize multi-sector partnerships to ensure that no family falls through the cracks.

We invite our community, partners, and supporters to follow this journey and lend their voices, resources, and expertise as we work toward sustainable solutions.

For media inquiries or partnership interest:

📧 info@sosaryfoundation.org

🌐 www.sosaryfoundation.org

Sao Sary Foundation Responds to Urgent Housing Crisis for Flood-Affected Family in Phnom Penh Read More »

Two laptops and a printer donated by the Sao Sary Foundation to a rural Cambodian health center to improve patient record-keeping and healthcare coordination

How 2 Laptops and 1 Printer Are Powering Better Healthcare in Rural Cambodia

Technology in Rural Cambodian Healthcare: How 2 Laptops and 1 Printer Are Saving Lives

Introduction: Small Tools, Big Transformations

In the quiet corners of Cambodia’s countryside, where rice paddies stretch to the horizon and health centers serve as lifelines for entire communities, technology in rural Cambodian healthcare is reshaping lives in remarkable ways. At first glance, the donation of two laptops and one printer may seem modest—but for doctors and nurses in remote clinics, this technology is a lifeline.

At the Sao Sary Foundation (SSF), we believe that access to digital tools is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. In 2024, our donation to Ampov Prey Health Center in Kampong Speu Province marked a strategic leap toward health equity, operational efficiency, and community empowerment.

📥 [Download the full SSF 2024 Annual Report] [💖 Make a donation today]

Closing the Digital Divide in Cambodian Clinics

Cambodia has made considerable strides in expanding healthcare access. Nevertheless, rural health centers continue to face critical challenges:

  • Manual record-keeping systems prone to errors

  • Limited communication tools for referrals

  • Inadequate infrastructure for managing data

  • Delays in emergency response and reporting

Consequently, staff are burdened with paperwork, long travel times, and outdated processes. These inefficiencies don’t just slow down care—they put lives at risk.

💻 Why Technology Matters in Rural Health Centers

The donation of two laptops and one printer may seem small in the digital age, but in a rural Cambodian health center, it can:

1. Modernize Patient Record Management​

With laptops, health workers can:

  • Digitally store and retrieve patient histories

  • Track immunizations, prenatal visits, and chronic conditions

  • Reduce errors caused by illegible handwriting or misplaced files

  • Generate reports for government and NGO partners

This shift from paper to digital records improves accuracy, accessibility, and continuity of care—especially for patients with long-term health needs.

2. Improve Communication and Coordination

Laptops enable staff to:

  • Email or message regional hospitals for referrals

  • Access online medical resources and training

  • Submit reports to the Ministry of Health or NGO partners

  • Coordinate with mobile health teams and emergency responders

This connectivity ensures that no patient is left behind due to isolation or lack of information.

3. Enhance Administrative Efficiency

With a printer, health centers can:

  • Print prescriptions, lab requests, and discharge summaries

  • Provide patients with printed health education materials

  • Generate appointment reminders and vaccination cards

  • Maintain organized, legible documentation for audits and inspections

This improves the patient experience and reduces the administrative burden on already overstretched staff.

 

Real Impact: SSF’s 2024 Donation to Ampov Prey Health Center

In 2024, SSF donated two laptops and one printer to Ampov Prey Health Center, which serves 1,500–2,000 patients per month. This donation was part of a broader initiative that included:

  • A hybrid renewable energy system for 24/7 power

  • A B-ultrasound machine for improved diagnostics

  • An oxygen generator and emergency stretchers

  • Nutritional support and sterilization equipment

The laptops and printer have already made a measurable difference:

  • Patient records are now digitized, reducing wait times and improving follow-up care

  • Staff can print educational materials on maternal health, nutrition, and disease prevention

  • Communication with regional hospitals has improved, enabling faster referrals and better outcomes

> “Before, we had to write everything by hand. Now we can track patients more easily and respond faster,” said a nurse at the center.

Why This Matters for Cambodia’s Health Equity

Cambodia’s rural communities often face higher rates of maternal mortality, malnutrition, and preventable diseases. These disparities are not just about distance—they’re about infrastructure.

By equipping rural health centers with basic technology, we can:

  • Close the gap between urban and rural healthcare

  • Empower local health workers with tools to do their jobs better

  • Build trust between communities and the healthcare system

  • Strengthen national health data systems for better planning and response

This is not just about machines—it’s about dignity, access, and justice.

How You Can Help

Whether you’re an individual, a business, or a philanthropic organization, your support can make a tangible difference.

✅ Donate Equipment

Have a working laptop or printer you no longer use? We’ll ensure it reaches a health center that needs it.

✅ Sponsor a Health Center

Your financial contribution can fund technology, training, and support for rural clinics.

👉 Make a donation now

👉 Start a fundraiser

 

✅ Share Our Story

Help us reach more people by sharing this post or our Annual Report on social media.

Looking Ahead: Scaling the Impact

In 2025 and beyond, SSF aims to:

  • Equip 10 additional rural health centers with laptops and printers

  • Train staff in digital literacy and data management

  • Develop a centralized health data platform for better coordination

  • Advocate for technology integration in national health policy

With your help, we can build a healthcare system that is resilient, inclusive, and future-ready.

Final Thoughts: A Small Gift, A Lifesaving Legacy

n a world of high-tech hospitals and AI diagnostics, it’s easy to forget that basic tools can still save lives. But in Cambodia’s rural health centers, two laptops and one printer can mean the difference between chaos and coordination, between delay and diagnosis, between despair and dignity.

So if you’ve ever wondered how to make a real difference—this is your chance.

📥 Download the full SSF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)
💖 Donate or sponsor a health center today

Together, we can bring technology to the frontlines of care—and hope to the heart of Cambodia.

How 2 Laptops and 1 Printer Are Powering Better Healthcare in Rural Cambodia Read More »

Two laptops and a printer donated by the Sao Sary Foundation to improve school administration and student record management in rural Cambodia

How 2 Laptops and 1 Printer Are Transforming Cambodian Schools Through SSF’s Vision

Why Donating 2 Laptops and 1 Printer Can Transform a Cambodian School—and a Generation

In Cambodia’s rural provinces, where dusty roads stretch for miles and classrooms echo with the dreams of children eager to learn, the gift of two laptops and one printer might seem small. But in reality, it’s a transformational investment—one that can reshape the future of an entire school, empower educators, and unlock opportunities for hundreds of students.

At the Sao Sary Foundation (SSF), we’ve seen firsthand how access to basic technology can bridge the gap between potential and progress. In 2024, our donation of two laptops and one printer to a school in Koh Kong Province was more than a gesture—it was a catalyst for change.

This blog post explores why such a donation is not only crucial for school administration but also a powerful tool for educational equity, community development, and national progress.

The Digital Divide in Cambodia’s Education System

While Cambodia has made significant strides in improving access to education, rural schools still face major challenges:

  • Outdated or nonexistent administrative systems

  • Lack of digital tools for record-keeping and communication

  • Limited access to learning technologies for students

  • High dropout rates due to inefficiencies and lack of support

In many schools, administrative staff still rely on handwritten records, making it difficult to track student progress, manage enrollment, or communicate with parents. This not only slows down operations but also affects the quality of education delivered.

Why School Administration Matters More Than You Think

When we talk about improving education, we often focus on students and teachers—and rightly so. But behind every successful school is a strong administrative backbone. Here’s why:

1. Efficient Record-Keeping and Student Tracking

With laptops and a printer, school administrators can:

  • Maintain accurate student records

  • Monitor attendance and academic performance

  • Generate reports for government and NGO partners

  • Identify at-risk students early and intervene

This data-driven approach allows schools to make informed decisions and provide targeted support to students who need it most.

2. Improved Communication and Coordination

Digital tools enable schools to:

  • Communicate with parents via printed notices or digital messages

  • Coordinate with local education authorities

  • Apply for grants and support programs more efficiently

In short, technology helps schools function like the institutions they aspire to be—organized, responsive, and proactive.

3. Empowering Teachers and Students

While the laptops are primarily for administration, they also serve as shared resources for teachers and students. Educators can use them to:

  • Prepare lesson plans

  • Access online teaching materials

  • Print worksheets and assignments

  • Introduce students to basic computer literacy

This ripple effect extends the impact of the donation far beyond the office.

Real Impact: SSF’s 2024 Technology Donation in Action

In 2024, SSF donated two laptops and one printer to a school in Koh Kong Province as part of our broader Educational Support Program. The results were immediate and inspiring:

  • Enrollment tracking improved, allowing staff to identify and re-engage students at risk of dropping out.

  • Teachers began printing learning materials, reducing the burden on students who couldn’t afford notebooks.

  • Parents received printed updates about school events and student progress, strengthening community ties.

  • Students gained exposure to digital tools, sparking curiosity and ambition.

> “Before the donation, we kept everything in notebooks. Now we can manage our school better and help our students more,” said the school’s head teacher.

Why This Matters for Cambodia’s Future

Cambodia’s development depends on an educated, empowered population. But without the tools to manage and support education effectively, even the most dedicated teachers and students are held back.

By donating laptops and printers, you’re not just giving equipment—you’re giving:

  • Structure to schools that need it

  • Support to educators doing their best with limited resources

  • Hope to students who dream of a better life

This is how we build a stronger Cambodia—one school at a time.

How You Can Help

Whether you’re an individual donor, a corporate partner, or a compassionate advocate, your support can make a tangible difference.

✅ Donate Equipment

Have a working laptop or printer you no longer use? We’ll ensure it reaches a school that needs it.

✅ Sponsor a School

Your financial contribution can fund technology, training, and support for rural schools.

👉 Make a donation now

👉 Start a fundraiser

✅ Share Our Story

Help us reach more people by sharing this post or our annual report on social media.

Looking Ahead: Scaling the Impact

In 2025, SSF aims to expand our technology support to at least 10 more schools across Cambodia. With your help, we can:

  • Provide laptops and printers to underserved schools

  • Train administrators and teachers in digital literacy

  • Develop templates and systems for efficient school management

  • Create a national model for tech-enabled rural education

This is not just a donation—it’s a movement.

Final Thoughts: A Small Gift, A Lasting Legacy

In a world of billion-dollar tech companies and flashy gadgets, it’s easy to overlook the power of two laptops and one printer. But in Cambodia’s rural schools, these tools are nothing short of revolutionary.

They bring order to chaos. They turn hope into action. And they remind us that real change often begins with the simplest of gifts.

So if you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference—this is your chance.

📥 Download the full SSF 2024 Annual Report
💖 Donate or Sponsor a School today

Together, we can build a Cambodia where every child has the tools to learn, grow, and lead.

How 2 Laptops and 1 Printer Are Transforming Cambodian Schools Through SSF’s Vision Read More »

A Cambodian student rides a donated bicycle to school wearing a Sao Sary Foundation uniform and carrying a schoolbag, symbolizing access to education in rural Cambodia

Empowering Cambodia’s Future: SSF’s 2024 Educational Support Impact Report

A Cambodian student rides a donated bicycle to school wearing a Sao Sary Foundation uniform and carrying a schoolbag, symbolizing access to education in rural Cambodia

Empowering Cambodia’s Future: SSF’s 2024 Educational Support Impact Report

In Cambodia’s rural heartlands, where opportunity is often outpaced by poverty, education is more than a right—it’s a lifeline. At the Sao Sary Foundation (SSF), we believe that every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and dream beyond the boundaries of their circumstances. That belief has guided our work since 2006, and in 2024, it took on new momentum.

This year’s Educational Support Program was not just a continuation of our mission—it was a bold step forward. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and donor generosity, we delivered life-changing resources to some of Cambodia’s most underserved students. This blog post highlights the key achievements from our 2024 Annual Report, with a special focus on education—and how you can be part of the change.

📥 Download the Full SSF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)

Why Educational Support Matters in Cambodia

Despite national progress, 82% of Cambodia’s population still lives in rural areas, where access to quality education remains a daily struggle. Many children walk long distances to school, lack basic supplies, and face pressure to drop out and support their families. These barriers are not just logistical—they’re systemic.

At SSF, we see education as the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty and protect children from exploitation, trafficking, and abuse. That’s why our 2024 educational initiatives focused on removing the most pressing obstacles to learning: transportation, school supplies, and administrative capacity.

2024 Highlights: Delivering Hope, One Student at a Time

In collaboration with Ark Electronics and the General Department of Technical and Materials of the Ministry of National Defense, SSF delivered targeted support to one of the poorest schools in Koh Kong Province. Here’s what we accomplished:

🎒 339 School Uniforms (Three Sets Per Student)

Uniforms are more than clothing—they’re a symbol of dignity and belonging. By providing three sets per student, we ensured that children could attend school clean, confident, and focused. This initiative reduced the financial burden on families and helped create an equal learning environment.

> “Now I feel proud to go to school every day,” said one 10-year-old recipient. “I don’t have to worry about wearing the same dirty clothes.”

🚲 113 Bicycles for Rural Students

In remote villages, the journey to school can be long and dangerous. Our donation of 113 bicycles eliminated this barrier for dozens of students, improving attendance and punctuality. With reliable transportation, children can now fully participate in school life—and parents no longer have to choose between safety and education.

✏️ 113 Schoolbags with Complete Stationery Sets

Each student received a schoolbag filled with essential supplies: notebooks, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, rulers, pens, liners, and coloring kits. These tools empower students to engage actively in class, complete homework, and take pride in their learning.

> “Before, I had to borrow pencils from my friends,” shared a young girl. “Now I have my own. I feel like a real student.”

💻 2 Laptops and 1 Printer for School Administration

Behind every successful school is a team of dedicated administrators. To support them, SSF provided two laptops and a printer, enabling better record-keeping, enrollment tracking, and communication. This investment in infrastructure ensures that educational progress is not only possible—but sustainable.

Two laptops and a printer donated by the Sao Sary Foundation to improve school administration and student record management in rural Cambodia

Long-Term Impact: Building Resilient Learning Communities

These contributions go beyond immediate relief. They lay the foundation for lasting academic growth, institutional development, and community empowerment. By addressing critical gaps in access, infrastructure, and resources, SSF is helping to build a future where every child can thrive.

Our approach is holistic. We don’t just deliver supplies—we build relationships. We work with local leaders, teachers, and families to ensure that every intervention is culturally appropriate, community-driven, and aligned with long-term development goals.

Why Donors and Sponsors Matter

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters. Whether you’re a long-time donor or considering your first gift, your contribution has the power to:

  • Keep a child in school

  • Equip a classroom with essential tools

  • Empower a teacher to do their best work

  • Strengthen a community’s belief in education

Your donation is not just a transaction—it’s a transformation.

👉 Make a donation today

👉 Start a fundraiser

👉 Explore our educational programs

Looking Ahead: Our Vision for 2025 and Beyond

As we move into 2025, SSF is committed to scaling our educational support across more provinces. Our goals include:

  • Expanding bicycle and uniform distribution to 500+ students

  • Launching digital literacy programs in rural schools

  • Providing solar-powered learning kits for off-grid communities

  • Partnering with local governments to improve school infrastructure

We’re also exploring vocational training and STEM education to prepare students for the future economy.

Join Us in Building a Brighter Future

Education is not a privilege—it’s a right. And with your help, we can ensure that right is upheld for every child in Cambodia.

By supporting SSF’s educational initiatives, you’re not just giving supplies—you’re giving hope, dignity, and a pathway to a better life.

📥 Download the full SSF 2024 Annual Report

💖 Donate or Sponsor a child today

Together, we can turn classrooms into launchpads—and students into leaders.

Empowering Cambodia’s Future: SSF’s 2024 Educational Support Impact Report Read More »

Sao Sary Foundation 2024 Annual Report shared on Give.Asia to promote transparency and donor engagement

Why We Shared Our 2024 Annual Report on Give.Asia: Transparency, Trust, and Global Giving

A symbolic image of the Sao Sary Foundation’s 2024 Annual Report featured on Give.Asia, representing transparency, donor trust, and community impact in Cambodia

Strengthening Transparency and Trust: Why We Shared Our 2024 Annual Report on Give.Asia

At the Sao Sary Foundation (SSF), we believe that transparency is not just a principle—it’s a promise. That’s why we’re proud to share our 2024 Annual Report with our global community of supporters, partners, and donors through GIVE.ASIA, one of the online platforms we use to facilitate charitable giving.

While SSF primarily raises funds through direct relationships and offline partnerships, we recognize the importance of making our work accessible to anyone, anywhere, who wishes to support our mission. By publishing our annual report online and linking it to our Give.Asia profile, we’re opening the door to greater visibility, accountability, and donor engagement.

📥 Click here to download the full 2024 Annual Report (PDF)

Why Give.Asia?

Give.Asia is a trusted online fundraising platform that empowers nonprofits across Asia to connect with donors in a secure, transparent, and user-friendly environment. While SSF does not rely heavily on online fundraising, we maintain a presence on Give.Asia to ensure that:

  • Anyone who discovers our work online can contribute instantly

  • Supporters abroad have a convenient way to donate

  • We maintain a digital footprint that reflects our credibility and impact

Compared to other platforms, Give.Asia offers a low-barrier, donor-friendly experience that aligns with our values of accessibility and community-driven support. It also allows us to showcase our programs, share updates, and receive donations without complex technical integrations.

What’s Inside the 2024 Annual Report?

The SSF 2024 Annual Report is more than a summary of numbers—it’s a story of resilience, innovation, and impact. It captures the milestones we’ve achieved, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the vision we’re building for the future.

Here are some highlights from the report:

🎓 Educational Support

In partnership with Ark Electronics and the Ministry of National Defense, SSF delivered:

  • 339 school uniforms (3 sets per student)

  • 113 bicycles to improve school attendance

  • 113 schoolbags with complete stationery kits

  • 2 laptops and 1 printer to modernize school administration

These contributions directly benefited one of the poorest schools in Koh Kong Province, improving access to education and reducing the financial burden on families.

 

🏥 Healthcare Support

At the request of H.E. Lt. General Seng Sinarin, SSF equipped Ampov Prey Health Center with:

  • A hybrid renewable energy system for 24/7 power

  • A B-ultrasound machine, oxygen generator, and 150L autoclave

  • Emergency stretchers and nutritional support (720 calcium milk cookies)

  • 2 laptops and 1 printer for administrative efficiency

These upgrades now serve over 2,000 patients monthly, enhancing diagnostics, emergency care, and long-term health outcomes.

📱 Technology & Coordination

Thanks to a donation of 14 iPhone 16 devices from Ark Electronics, SSF improved communication and coordination with high-level government partners. This has accelerated project implementation, strengthened institutional trust, and ensured faster responses to community needs.

💰 Long-Term Financial Commitments (2024–2034)

We secured multi-year pledges totaling over $1 million USD, including:

  • $100,000/year for healthcare

  • $100,000/year for scholarships

  • Infrastructure development for 40 commune halls, 40 health centers, and 40 police facilities

  • A new primary school with renewable energy and sanitation

  • Long-term shelter and education for 50 orphans and vulnerable children

These commitments ensure that SSF’s impact will continue to grow sustainably over the next decade.

Why This Matters to Donors

Whether you’re a long-time supporter or someone discovering SSF for the first time, this report is your window into the real-world impact of your generosity. It shows how every dollar is used, how every partnership is honored, and how every child we serve is given a chance to thrive.

By sharing this report on Give.Asia, we’re making it easier for donors to:

  • Verify our legitimacy and track record

  • Understand our programs and priorities

  • Make informed decisions about giving

We know that trust is earned, not assumed. That’s why we invite you to read the full report, ask questions, and consider becoming part of our growing community of changemakers.

How You Can Support SSF

Even though most of our fundraising is done through personal networks and institutional partners, we want to ensure that anyone who feels moved to help can do so easily. Here’s how:

✅ Make a Donation Online

Visit our Give.Asia donation page  to contribute securely. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a recurring donation, your support goes directly to programs that change lives.

✅ Start a Fundraiser

Want to rally your friends, family, or workplace around a cause? You can your own fundraiser and help us reach more people.

✅ Share Our Story

Help us spread the word by sharing this blog post, our annual report, or our Give.Asia page on social media. Every share brings us closer to someone who might want to help.

Looking Ahead: Vision for 2025 and Beyond

As we move into 2025, SSF is focused on:

  • Expanding educational scholarships and vocational training

  • Strengthening healthcare infrastructure with clean energy

  • Building safe, inclusive spaces for governance and law enforcement

  • Deepening our commitment to child protection and community empowerment

We are also exploring new ways to integrate digital tools, enhance donor engagement, and scale our impact across Cambodia.

Download the Full Report

📥 Click here to download the SSF 2024 Annual Report (PDF) 

This report is yours to read, share, and reflect on. It’s a testament to what we can achieve together—and a roadmap for what’s next.

Final Thoughts

At the Sao Sary Foundation, we don’t just raise funds—we raise futures. And while our roots are in direct, relationship-based fundraising, we recognize the power of digital platforms like Give.Asia to amplify our reach and invite new allies into our mission.

Thank you for believing in our work. Thank you for helping us build hope and empower lives.

Why We Shared Our 2024 Annual Report on Give.Asia: Transparency, Trust, and Global Giving Read More »