Sponsor a Boy

Sopheak’s story tells the narrative of many boys we serve. This is not the actual story of one student, but rather a representation of the many stories we encounter every day.

Cambodia’s tumultuous past left many people scarred both physically and emotionally. When a parent has a disability, the children often shoulder the burden of financially supporting the family. When we met Sopheak, he had long since dropped out of school and didn’t know how to read or write. Instead of learning, he was doing manual labor to help his family. At times when there was nothing to eat at home, he spent his nights alone in the rice paddies trying to catch fish, rats and crabs.

Sopheak’s father has severe mental problems and, although he tries, is not able to provide financially. His mother takes care of the youngest children, and she also does whatever work she can in the fields near their hut. Sopheak had repeatedly risked his life by illegally crossing the border into Thailand for work.

We immediately saw a thirst and excitement for learning in Sopheak’s face when we talked to him. Together, we worked with Sopheak to convince his parents to let him go back to school. Because of Sopheak's dire home situation, we support his family with monthly rice stipends. This substitutes the money he would have earned and provides much-needed assistance to his family.

About to complete grade eight in public school, Sopheak is also taking English and computer classes at the Learning Center. He is very gentle, sweet and caring. Sopheak joined our boys’ soccer team when he first started studying with us, and has now become one of our best soccer players. He beams with the attention he receives from his peers and teammates!

Education has given Sopheak the power to work towards a vibrant future for himself, something that wasn’t a possibility just one year ago. Seeing his dedication and determination in the face of daily challenges is deeply humbling and underscores the importance of supporting children like him.

Help us ensure that boys just like Sopheak are given the opportunity to thrive and become future leaders.

$35/month
Individual children are not paired with individual sponsors as protecting the rights and dignity of students is of utmost important to us. We foster a model of group sponsorship and invite you to learn about individual students through newsletters, videos, and other sources. We thank you for understanding.