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:
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Safe housing and nutritious meals
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School fees, uniforms, and supplies
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Pocket money for daily needs
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Counseling and psychosocial support
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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.
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:
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School fees and materials
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Food support
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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.
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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:
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School fees
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Study materials
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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.
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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:
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Sponsor a child: Choose the level of support that fits your budget.
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Start a fundraiser: Rally your friends, family, or workplace to support a child.
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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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