By Rodrigo Pereyra | Fundraising Officer
A Fresh Start in Rural Cambodia
With the rainy season subsiding and cooler temperatures arriving, a wave of fresh energy has hit Helping Hands Cambodia. This quarter marks the beginning of a new academic year, a time of transition and renewed commitment. We currently have 362 registered students, including 52 newly enrolled children. To support their growth, we provided 6,372 nutritious breakfasts throughout September, October, and November. Many of these meals are enriched with fresh ingredients grown right in our school vegetable garden, where our intern, Henry, and the students work side-by-side to nurture the land that feeds them.
Sustainability in Motion: The "Recycle Race"
In mid-December, we took environmental stewardship to the playing field with our second "Recycle Race", a very exiting activitie for the students. This high-energy event was designed to teach the critical importance of waste management through the power of play.
As they raced across the field, students practiced sorting different types of waste into the correct bins, learning to take pride in keeping their school grounds pristine. By turning a vital environmental lesson into a competitive game, we are fostering a new generation of environmental protectors who understand that a healthy life begins with a healthy environment.
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs: The Excursion to Repeat Secondhand Fashion
We believe that education must extend beyond the classroom. This term, our students had a transformative experience visiting "Repeat Secondhand Fashion," a local business in Siem Reap owned by our dedicated supporter, Darron Gurney.
This was more than just a field trip; it was a masterclass in sustainability and business. During the excursion:
Sustainable Fashion & Waste Management: Darron shared his journey of building a business that gives clothing a second life, helping students understand how the "circular economy" works in practice.
Entrepreneurial Inspiration: Seeing a successful shop in action showed our students that they, too, can become small business owners in the future.
Creative Collaboration: Back at school, Darron led a Christmas ornament workshop where students used their newfound knowledge to craft decorations from recycled materials—proving that "waste" is simply a resource waiting for a creative touch.
Holistic Well-being: Health and Hygiene
At Helping Hands, health support is a daily commitment. Beyond treating the occasional scrape, we provide every student with toothbrushes and toothpaste. This quarter, we delivered 9 dedicated Health & Hygiene workshops, teaching students that personal care is the foundation of a productive life.
The arts also played a role in emotional well-being. We were honored to host Music Sharing ICEP from Japan, who treated our students to a string instrument performance, showing them how music can express complex emotions and foster community resilience.
Empowering the Next Generation: University and Mentorship
We are currently supporting four university students who are breaking cycles of poverty:
Sreyneang is thriving in her studies to become an English teacher.
Vannak is pursuing Public Administration, dreaming of serving his community.
To ensure our staff is prepared to support these journeys, our team participated in a 2-day Child Psychology training led by an expert from the University of Phnom Penh, focusing on inclusive education and behavior management.
Quarterly Impact at a Glance
Thank You for Your Continued Support
None of the stories shared in this report—the laughter in the new playgrounds, the determination of our university scholars, or the environmental awareness sparked by the Recycle Race—would be possible without your unwavering support.
Your generosity is more than just a donation; it is the foundation upon which these children build their futures. It is the fuel that provides 6,372 breakfasts, the resource that puts new workbooks in eager hands, and the hope that allows a child from rural Cambodia to dream of becoming a teacher or a public administrator.
Every milestone we celebrate is a direct reflection of your commitment. In a region where challenges like seasonal flooding and economic hardship are daily realities, you are the constant that ensures education never stops. From the bottom of our hearts, and on behalf of the 362 students and the entire team at Helping Hands Cambodia: Thank you. We are deeply honored to have you by our side as we build this legacy of hope together.
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