Breaking the Cycle of Poverty in Rural Cambodia

Sometimes we receive testimonies from volunteers and/or donors who have participated in Trailblazer projects. Below is one such testimony from Jim D., a retired biomedical research scientist living in Kauai.

"My first visit to Cambodia was with a Small Group Tour in 2017 where we visited several SE Asia countries. We visited a rural Siem Reap home where a previous client had donated a well, and I was hooked on helping the beautiful Khmer people. I have been indirectly interacting with the Trailblazer Foundation since 2017 as they oversee all Siem Reap construction projects supported by the philanthropic tour company I use for travel.

In December 2022 and 2023 I was in Cambodia for several weeks. Cambodia has pretty much become my adopted country and I try to help as many people as I can on my trips. I have supported the construction of wells and donated money for the construction of the Tapang and Kok Chan schools, as well as supported playground equipment, administrative and school supplies over the years.

I am extremely impressed by Trailblazer, and the exceptional Field Director Mr. Ratanak. I am especially impressed with the speed at which construction projects occur from building wells to school buildings, it all happens so fast. The tour company has told me that everything about Trailblazer’s Siem Reap operation represents the gold standard for organizations that partner with them and simply loves their organization.

It never ceases to amaze me how fast Mr. Ratanak and his staff operate, the contractors as well. I am so very happy to be working with Trailblazer on all of these projects. Thank you for the opportunity to express my profound thanks for helping me to support the beautiful Cambodian people. They have all had a profound impact on my perception of life."

Additional support that Jim has provided in 2025 to the Kok Chan school includes:

• Installation of electricity in the principal’s office including fans and lights
• Demolishing old unused toilet block and building a new 6 stall toilet block for students
• Bicycle Parking with zinc roof (also used for parents gathering and school meetings)
• Building a new fence at the back of the school 
• New laptops & computers, administration materials & supplies, teaching materials & supplies, study materials & equipment

Additional support that Jim has provided in 2025 to the Tapang school includes:

• Installation of electricity into the 2024 building and the newly built conference room, equipped with fans and lights
• 2 toilet buildings with 8 stall toilets for the teachers and students
• Renovation of the 2 old wooden buildings, replaced with concrete buildings and zinc roofs
• Renovation of the school gates
• Installation of a the water tank and hand washing stands
• Bicycle parking building
• Administration materials & supplies, teaching materials & supplies, study materials & equipment, 25 bikes, and 500 uniforms