The Resident’s Brief: Upcoming Funding For A Communal Hall

With financial support from Ngee Ann City through Singapore International Foundation, Sao Sary Foundation could manage to build a Govt-Standard commune hall for Khtum Kraing Commune. Khtum Kraing is one of 1,406 communes of Cambodia and one of 87 communes to Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia.

The Commune Hall, Later, it is named as a Singapore-Cambodia friendship hall due to the nature of financial support. It impacts 8,000 inhabitants who live in 16 villages. By seeing its impact, we then are committing to fundraise for building 41 more. Help us to provide better services to the people in needs by having a standard commune hall for all communes in Cambodia.

Although Cambodia’s cities continue to grow, about 82 percent of the Country’s population still lives in rural areas. Village life is harsh, and most families do not have access to basic facilities. So you can make a difference. Back to our past experience, $43,000 US Dollars was spent to build a communal hall and $27,000 to refurbish a health center.Click on https://ssf.give.asia/campaign/build-a-friendship-hall to make a communal hall donation with your name and/or https://ssf.give.asia/fundraise/new for signing up as a fundraiser.

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‘Soothing Hands’ A Nonprofit With An Eye Towards Cambodia

Although Cambodia’s cities continue to grow, about 82 percent of the Country’s population still lives in rural areas. Village life is harsh, and most families do not have access to basic facilities. Sao Sary Foundation has been serving the poorest children, their families, and communities for 16 years now. We first began our integrated community development program in 2009 at a smallest community with 16 poorest families. The community names; Kraing Rohong.

SSF community development programs focus on assisting families develop income-generating small businesses that give them the means to earn an income, hence, removing the reason for families to be part of the human trafficking process.

SSF is also seeking partners who are interested in sponsorship at the community level. Such sponsorships may require visits from potential sponsors to the communities, as well as close collaboration with SSF staff to implement effective community-led development plans. For community sponsorships we are interested in partnering with development faculties at universities, companies, and community-based organizations within and outside Cambodia.

GiveAsia, GlobalGiving, Ngee Ann City, Singapore International Foundation, ARCC,The GreyMan, The Prem Rawat Foundation, Child Social and Financial Education, Social and Humanitarian Activities (SISHA), Dignity for Children Foundation, Stop Kindermisbruik, Groundwork Opportunities, Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs International, Taiwan Toy Library Association, Kiwanis International, Project Sunshine, Free2Shine,Hope For The Silent Voices, Global Colors, and more… are among our prosperous partners that we had been working together from 2006 – 2019.

Click on https://ssf.give.asia/campaign/fund-a-community-in-partnership-with-sao-sary-foundation to make a health center donation with your name and/or https://ssf.give.asia/fundraise/new to sign up as a fundraiser for.

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3 Powerful Ways to Prevent Child Abuse in Cambodia Through Education and Sponsorship

3 Powerful Ways to Prevent Child Abuse in Cambodia—That Cost Almost Nothing but Change Everything

In the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is a country of vibrant culture, resilience, and hope. Yet behind the beauty of its temples and rice fields lies a sobering reality: millions of children in rural Cambodia remain vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and trafficking—often because their families simply cannot afford to keep them in school.

While Cambodia’s cities continue to grow, over 82% of the population still lives in rural areas, where access to basic services like education, healthcare, and child protection is limited. In these villages, life is harsh. Families often struggle to meet even the most basic needs, and children are the first to suffer.

But here’s the good news: you can help prevent child abuse—and it doesn’t take much.

At the Sao Sary Foundation (SSF), we’ve developed three powerful, low-cost sponsorship models that directly protect children from abuse and exploitation. These programs are not only effective—they’re also accessible to anyone who wants to make a difference.

Why Education Is the First Line of Defense Against Child Abuse

Education is more than a right—it’s a shield. When children stay in school, they are less likely to be trafficked, forced into labor, or subjected to abuse. But for many Cambodian families, education is a luxury they simply cannot afford.

A poor rural family with three school-age children must allocate at least $111 USD per child per year just for basic school needs: a bicycle, uniforms, shoes, a school bag, and study materials. Add to that $192 USD annually for daily pocket money, and the cost becomes overwhelming. Most families can’t cover these expenses, and children are forced to drop out.

While Cambodia has achieved a 95% net enrollment rate in primary school, that number plummets to just 32% for lower secondary school. The dropout rate is alarming—and it’s directly linked to increased vulnerability to abuse.

SSF’s Child Sponsorship Program: A Proven Model for Protection

To address this crisis, the Sao Sary Foundation offers three types of child sponsorships: full, partial, and educational. These programs are designed to support children who are most at risk—those living in slums, food-insecure villages, or families burdened by debt.

Our Child Protection Team works closely with village leaders and residents to identify children who face the highest risk of trafficking or abuse. Each child undergoes a thorough risk assessment, including interviews with family members. Once selected, the child and their family sign a sponsorship agreement that outlines mutual expectations and support.

Regular follow-up visits—sometimes weekly—ensure that each child receives the care, encouragement, and resources they need to thrive.

1. Full Sponsorship ($100/month): Total Protection and Care

Full sponsorships provide comprehensive support for children and youths who live at our Protection and Learning Centers. These children often have no safe home environment and are at immediate risk of abuse or exploitation.

Your $100 monthly donation covers:

Safe housing and nutritious meals
School fees, uniforms, and supplies
Pocket money for daily needs
Counseling and psychosocial support
Support for biological or adoptive families

As of this year, 56 children and youths are receiving full sponsorships. These are the most vulnerable members of our community—and your support gives them a second chance at life.

👉 or to multiply your impact.

2. Partial Sponsorship ($35/month): Keeping Families Together

Introduced in 2006, partial sponsorships are designed for children who live with their families but are at risk of dropping out of school due to financial hardship.

Your $35 monthly donation provides:

School fees and materials
Food support
Ongoing monitoring and mentorship

This model allows children to stay with their families while receiving the support they need to continue their education. Currently, 86 children—most of them girls—are benefiting from partial sponsorships.

Girls in rural Cambodia are especially vulnerable to early marriage, trafficking, and domestic abuse. By keeping them in school, you’re giving them the tools to build a safer, more empowered future.

👉 or in your community.

3. Educational Sponsorship ($18/month): The Most Affordable Way to Prevent Abuse

For just $18 a month, you can provide a child with the essentials they need to stay in school. This includes:

School fees
Study materials
A bicycle for transportation

This year alone, 8,400 children have received educational sponsorships through SSF. These children are now protected from the dangers of child labor, trafficking, and abuse—because someone like you chose to invest in their future.

👉 or .

Real Impact, Real Stories

Every sponsorship is a story of transformation. Children who once faced the threat of exploitation are now thriving in school, dreaming of becoming teachers, doctors, and community leaders. Families who once felt hopeless now have a partner in their journey toward stability.

And it’s all possible because of people like you.

How You Can Help Today

Whether you’re an individual donor, a corporate partner, or a compassionate advocate, there are many ways to get involved:

Sponsor a child: Choose the level of support that fits your budget.
Start a fundraiser: Rally your friends, family, or workplace to support a child.
Share our story: Help us reach more people by sharing this post on social media.

Your support doesn’t just change one life—it strengthens entire communities.

Why This Matters for Donors

When you support the Sao Sary Foundation, you’re not just giving money—you’re investing in long-term, measurable impact. Our programs are transparent, community-driven, and designed for sustainability.

We provide regular updates, success stories, and opportunities for sponsors to connect with the children they support. You’ll see the difference your donation makes—every single month.

Join Us in Protecting Cambodia’s Children

Child abuse and trafficking are preventable. With your help, we can ensure that every child in Cambodia has the opportunity to grow up safe, educated, and empowered.

Three ways. One mission. Endless impact.

👉 👉 👉

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Sao Sary Foundation team and community members celebrating 18 years of impact in Cambodia

Celebrating 18 Years of Impact: The Sao Sary Foundation’s Journey of Hope, Resilience, and Community Empowerment in Cambodia

On this day, we proudly commemorate a remarkable milestone—the 18th anniversary of the Sao Sary Foundation (SSF) being officially recognized by Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior as a non-governmental, non-profit organization. Since our inception in 2007, we have remained unwavering in our mission to protect vulnerable children, support impoverished families, and empower communities across Cambodia through sustainable, community-driven development.

This anniversary is more than a celebration of time—it is a tribute to the lives we’ve touched, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the collective spirit that fuels our work. As we reflect on our journey, we also look ahead with renewed determination to expand our impact and invite new partners to join us in building a brighter, more equitable future.

A Legacy Rooted in Compassion and Action

The Sao Sary Foundation was born out of a deep commitment to child protection and social justice. From the very beginning, our focus has been on delivering direct, meaningful support to those most in need—children at risk, families living in poverty, and communities lacking access to essential services.

Over the past 18 years, we have launched and sustained a wide range of programs, including:

Education support: Providing school supplies, bicycles, and scholarships to rural students.
Healthcare access: Supporting local health centers and delivering emergency medical aid.
Child protection: Intervening in cases of abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
Community development: Empowering families through livelihood training and sustainable agriculture.

Each initiative is guided by our core belief that lasting change begins at the grassroots level, and that by investing in people, we can build stronger, more resilient communities.

Milestones That Define Our Journey

One of our most significant achievements came in early 2019, when we successfully completed the first phase of a major development project aimed at improving access to education and healthcare in underserved areas. This milestone was a testament to the dedication of our team, the trust of our partners, and the generosity of our supporters.

From 2019 to 2024, we faced unprecedented challenges. The global pandemic disrupted funding streams, strained resources, and tested our resilience. Yet, even in the face of adversity, we remained committed to our mission. We intensified our communication efforts, strengthened partnerships, and explored innovative funding models to sustain our work.

Thanks to these efforts, we have made significant progress in securing financial commitments that will allow us to continue serving those who need us most.

Our Vision for the Future: Expanding Impact and Deepening Roots

As we enter our 19th year, we are more determined than ever to scale our impact and reach new communities. Our strategic priorities for the coming years include:

1. Expanding Education Empowerment Programs

We aim to reach more children in remote areas by providing school kits, bicycles, and digital learning tools. Education is the cornerstone of opportunity, and we are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty through access to quality learning.

2. Strengthening Rural Healthcare Access

Building on our support for health centers like , we plan to expand our healthcare initiatives to additional provinces, ensuring that no family is left behind.

3. Enhancing Child Protection Services

We will continue to advocate for stronger child protection policies and provide direct intervention and support for children facing abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

4. Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods

Through vocational training, micro-enterprise support, and agricultural innovation, we aim to empower families to achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

Why Your Support Matters: A Call to Action for Donors

The success of the Sao Sary Foundation is not the result of one person or one organization—it is the result of a collective effort. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every word of encouragement has helped us move forward.

Whether you are a long-time supporter or discovering our work for the first time, we invite you to be part of our journey. Your support enables us to:

Provide emergency aid to families in crisis
Equip children with the tools they need to succeed in school
Train community leaders to advocate for their rights
Build infrastructure that improves quality of life

Make a donation today and help us continue this vital work:

Transparency, Accountability, and Community Engagement

We believe that transparency and accountability are essential to building trust. That’s why we are committed to sharing regular updates on our progress, challenges, and future plans through our , social media channels, and annual reports.

We also encourage you to explore our recent impact stories, such as:

These stories highlight the real-world impact of your generosity and the resilience of the communities we serve.

Join Us in Building a Brighter Tomorrow

As we reflect on 18 years of service, we are filled with gratitude—for the lives we’ve touched, the lessons we’ve learned, and the partnerships we’ve built. But we are also filled with hope—for the future we are creating together.

We invite you to:

Donate to support our ongoing programs
Volunteer your time or expertise
Partner with us on new initiatives
Share our story with your network

Together, we can continue to transform lives, empower communities, and build a more just and compassionate Cambodia.

Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for believing in our mission. And thank you for being a vital part of the Sao Sary Foundation family.

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Sao Sary Foundation