Changing kids' lives with hip hop, education & art

To our dear supporters and friends,

Well it has certainly been a busy (and fast!) year. Where did the time go? 

In April we told you we had been shortlisted for the 2025 HackMusic Program, and whilst we didn't win, we are so pleased to be recongised for our ongoing work and it was a huge honour to be amongst such incredible not-profit organisations across the world.

We also promised to keep you informed on our 'next moves' in terms of our centre. We made the big decision earlier this year to re-locate. Our Chba Ampoev centre that had been our home for thirteen years, has served us well but as we reached the end of our contract, the owner had decided to increase the rent. We are understanding but it was making it too stressful on our budget. 

Phnom Penh is an ever-growing city with a rapidly growing middle class. This is great for the country but the urbanisation is driving up prices in Phnom Penh city. To move with the times and for Tiny Toones to have a stable home, we made the big decision to buy land and build our own place that we can keep forever. As KK said to me just yesterday, "To have a safe place for the kids to go, even after I'm dead."

We have bought land in Pochentong (near the soon-to-be-old international airport as the new airport opens Sept 2025) which is still quite 'empty' with land opportunities all around us. Our landlord is within the Tiny Toones family and we are paying off the mortgage with her, which is half of what our rent was. We feel confident this was a good decision.

In Cambodia the rules around rent allow us to renovate and paint any part of the building as long as it is returned to its former state before leaving, so now we are fixing the old centre to return it. It will be sad to say goodbye to the incredible wall murals such as the one of KK that has become iconic. I will put the photo here for you. 

None of this could happen without your ongoing support that allows us to keep dreaming big and giving our kids a safe place to be. We have started building at the new site and each month we will build a little more as the budget allows. We are hoping to have it finished by the end of the year.

And lastly, if you haven't yet got your copy of Hip Hop & Hope, One woman's journey in the slums of Cambodia, please check it out in paperback, ebook and audio available everywhere. 50% of all proceeds go back to the centre. Get your copy HERE 

With love and respect,

KK, Romi and TT family x