Caring for Cambodia Inc

I believe education is the key to a bright future and I admire the work that the Caring For Cambodia team does for the children of Cambodia. My business Koun Khmer Apparel donates part of our proceeds to CFC and it has been a delight to work with the team. The CFC staff has always been friendly, ready to answer my questions, and clear on expectations. I am proud to be supporting this organization.

Working for CFC has been such a humbling experience and honor to be part of such an amazing cause.

The staff is so fantastic at what they do, going beyond all means necessary to make sure that  the children in Cambodia receive the education, supplies, support and love they deserve. Such a life changing experience. Filled with lots of love and generosity.

Both times I’ve visited Cambodia, I noticed children that should have been in school were out selling items to provide for their families. Caring for Cambodia gives those children an opportunity to be kids and go to school without having to sacrifice their education. Caring for Cambodia is an absolutely worthy cause. I had pleasant experience with this organization and their members.

Ethical footwear brand Kingdom of Wow supports the work of Caring for Cambodia. Being based in Siem Reap, Cambodia ourselves we understand the importance of education as a first step to building brighter futures. This is especially significant in developing countries.

CFC is beyond phenomenal. The work they do cultivates nothing but the best. Donating to this cause is one of my greatest joys. You can really feel the impact you’re making. I highly encourage aiding their cause!

#CFC #cambidiatogether

I absolutely love “Caring for Cambodia!” After they reached out to me about their organization I wanted to help them in anyway that I could right away. The people who run it are super sweet and I love how determine they are. I learn something new every time I see their post on my Instagram page! I hope that people will learn about their organization and will want to help them in anyway they can!

They’re doing an amazing job in helping those in Cambodia who can’t find the resources themselves. ❤️❤️❤️

The Caring For Cambodia team was extremely pleasant to work with and had ample resources to ensure we had a successful fundraising campaign on their behalf. We are looking forward to partnering with the CFC team again soon and truly can’t thank them enough for all that they do to ensure a better tomorrow for Cambodia, today.

All the best,
Joe Lisicky

An outstanding organization doing amazing work in Cambodia!

Caring for Cambodia is making such an incredible difference in the lives of tens of thousands of children through education, and they are a joy to volunteer for. Their passion for their work coupled with their commitment to quality education for children in Cambodia who otherwise would not receive it are truly commendable. And not only are they teaching children, but they are growing Cambodian leadership - the teachers and staff at CFC schools are equally committed to lifting the country's education system and are learning valuable skills with which to achieve this.

I was inspired to donate to this nonprofit after I watched a Ted Talk by Director Jamie Amelio (Get Bothered, Stay Bothered). I could see her passion and drive to create change for children in Cambodia by providing education opportunities, and I was impressed by her many first hand experiences working in Cambodia and meeting and talking with families there.

I tend to do a lot of research before donating as I want to make sure the donation will be best served to the cause, and I appreciate the frequent Facebook posts that show where my donation is going. I can see pictures of what the schools look like, and receive updates on what new infrastructure and supplies are being provided. I also like that there are frequent new initiatives to engage donors with new ways to stay involved. I see this is a very active nonprofit that seeks to continue engaging people to "get bothered and stay bothered".

Feels great to get moving and support a good cause

I have had such an amazing experience being involved with Caring for Cambodia. You can tell that everyone involved really cares about the mission and it’s really beautiful to see. I recently joined the Caring for Cambodia charity run and it has been so fun! It’s encouraged me to be healthier, while also raising money for the cause. I just want to thank everyone involved for their hard work! Keep it up!

Caring for Cambodia is an amazing non-profit. Currently donated to a friends team for their Race to a Better Education fundraiser, with funds going to hygiene supplies, meals, transportation and the general education to kids in Cambodia. Super easy to donate and get help to those that need it.

Really love all they do for school age children in Cambodia

This is an amazing nonprofit that not only allows us to sponsor needful children in Cambodia, but it illuminates a need I would not have been made aware of without this important group. Our agency was more than happy to participate this year and hope to be a part again next time. God bless the work y’all do! Arlene

I took part in their virtual race and was both impressed and inspired by the hard work they are doing! I also love the creativity of the project and how much fun it has been to help out the cause!

Caring For Cambodia has some of the most talented and generous staff I’ve ever met. Each person I’ve worked with is dedicated beyond measure to their work, which is creating positive change in the lives of Cambodian children. It’s wonderful to wake up every day knowing I get to work with them and help give these kids the education they deserve.

Caring for Cambodia is led by a dedicated team, that prioritizes Cambodian children's wellbeing and the needs of their communities, knowing a stable foundation is key to successful education. Their commitment to distributing food and developing home-learning opportunities during covid-19 has been unmatched in Cambodia, and they continue to lead the country in best educational practices. CFC is transparent, volunteer-run, supports Cambodian locals and their communities, and provides the best education available to Cambodian students.

I received a donation correspondence from Celina K. Maggi, and it's been a pleasure to converse with her on the topic of educational reform in a post-genocidal Cambodia. Caring for Cambodia is doing great work, and ambassadors like Celina do a great job representing the team working to effect change. All the best to Caring for Cambodia!

Caring for Cambodia is providing necessary and vital services that are essential to the future of Cambodia. Their outstanding work has changed thousands of lives, empowers Cambodians as leaders, and is shaping education in the country. CFC doesn’t stop at their students, they provide services that impact the whole community where their schools are located.

Caring for Cambodia is doing amazing work for the children of Cambodia. During the Coronavirus pandemic, CFC's mission to educate, feed, and provide clean water to 6800 students and their families. It's amazing all the work that they do!

An amazing charity that manages to run 21 schools in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and all through donations and volunteers. It's a great way to help these beautiful children, some of whom we managed to meet in December 2018 when my family traveled to Cambodia. My children loved taking part in the 'Food for Thought' program, in which we were able to visit one of the schools and help serve breakfast before taking a tour of the school. Over 6000 children are educated, given 2 meals a day, 6 days a week, and provided with everything from basic hygiene items, to uniform and school supplies. Please help where you can, it is such a worthy cause.

Caring for Cambodia is the most outstanding non-profit organization I know about. Not only have I been able to experience the improvements happening here and across the sea, day to day activities continue to grow the country of Cambodia. CFC focuses on educating the people, helping them by helping themselves. This organization is amazing.

And incredible organization. I’ve been working with Jamie on various projects for years and am always blown away by what she and CFC are able to accomplish year after year.

I have been working for Caring for Cambodia as a volunteer since its inception back in 2003.
When I first met founder and CEO, Jamie Amelio, her passion for helping those less fortunate was so strong, I couldn't help but be pulled in to this wonderful non-profit organization.
Over the years, with the hard work and dedication of so many, CFC has continued to grow and fulfill its mission of educating a generation of Cambodian children today, to make a difference for Cambodia's tomorrow. I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful organization!

Deeann Gallo

As Caring for Cambodia's representative to the United Nations, CFC promotes universal education,gender equity, eradication of poverty, improve health and life skills, and continues to align with the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This 501 (c)3 non-profit, non-government organization aims to educate the children of Cambodia through building schools, training teachers, and providing basic needs.

The Cambodian government has proclaimed Caring for Cambodia the "model school" for the country. Since 2003 I have I have witnessed the tireless work of CEO and Founder, Jamie Amelio and her committed staff and volunteers educate a generation of Cambodian children...over 6500 to date.
Through CFC's trained teachers, safe and modern schools, and volunteers throughout the world, Caring for Cambodia is removing barriers and giving children the potential to better their lives and make valuable contributions to their country.
I am humbled and honored to be small part of this outstanding non-profit called,
"CARING FOR CAMBODIA".

I had the honor to see CFC get an award from a local community party that I attended. I was moved by what CFC has achieved and wanted to be a part of helping. The task at hand for our children, across the world, has me staying bothered.

Caring for Cambodia is all about commitment and transparency. The impact CFC has had on the Cambodian education system - and thousands of individual Cambodian children and their families and communities - is remarkable and lasting. CFC strives towards excellence with close scrutiny to efficiency and costs, making sure every donation has the most impact possible. For 16 years, CFC has maintained a presence in Cambodia that has changed the face of Cambodia's education system forever: curriculum, safe and child-friendly schools, health and nutrition, career preparation, gender equality and professional development for its teachers.

Caring for Cambodia is an amazing non-profit that gives 94% of every dollar back to Cambodian children. They support 21 schools and more than 6,600 children by paying for their education and giving them meals, along with many other tools to learn. Their mission is to give these kids the tools to learn so that they can help get their families out of poverty. They are changing the future of Cambodia!

I love knowing exactly where my donation is going! CFC is super transparent and I enjoy seeing the photos of the kids on social media. It's easy for me to trust that my money is helping kids in Cambodia!

Caring for Cambodia is a magnetic organization that draws you in. Started by a small group of people who decided to stay bothered about the inequities in education, in 15 years CFC went from filling backpacks with school supplies to providing a world-class education for over 6,600 students at 21 schools in and around Siam Reap. From Gender Equity curriculum to computer labs, CFC students graduate as well-rounded individuals with the means to lift themselves and their community out of poverty. I'm looking forward to visiting the schools for myself later this year.

CFC does amazing work providing education, life skills and a way for Cambodian children to pull themselves and their families out of poverty. They have achieved a huge amount on mainly volunteer power (outside of Cambodia) and have an amazing staff team of teachers and dedicated professionals in Cambodia. They are a real force for good in Cambodia.

I joined as a volunteer when I was in eighth grade and never looked back. Everything Caring for Cambodia does is for the children. The sense of community they build is nothing like I have gotten at any other organization - they make every single person feel a part of the family. All these years later I still am amazed at everything they do.

Great philanthropy that brings the knowledge, strategy, and most importantly the partnership with the community they serve.

I have started a project to build a library in a school outside Siem Reap and needed help from a respected and reputable NGO there. After contacting at least four different orgs, and getting no help at all, I was directed to CFC with its focus on literacy work. They were immediately interested in guiding me and have provided enormous help and support in the planning, design and implementation of this project. With graciousness and professionalism, they helped me develop a budget, they visited the school and provided a detailed report on its needs, contacted school staff and served as intermediaries in communicating the schools' needs and our resources, provided training staff and library expertise, helped select books, etc. Our library will open on Nov 1 and this would not be happening without CFC!

My family when to Cambodia last November and visited one of the schools that CFC has helped to develop. We were very impressed with the tour and programs that they have in place. All of the children are benefiting from their food, hygiene and educational support. They are truly making a different in a place of need.

Wonderful group of dedicated volunteers making a huge difference in the communities Caring for Cambodia serves. Leadership is all volunteer in the US and is dedicated to maintaining high standards of service to the children and families served in Cambodia while also keeping fundraising and other administrative expenses to a minimum. Great, fun group of people who are making a difference in people's lives!

Caring for Cambodia is a great organization.
They're commitment to helping Cambodians build and operate their own circuit of schools is a truly admirable goal. The nonprofit doesn't simply funnel in funds from international donors, they contribute resources and much needed help through which the Cambodians will be able to reach a level of self-determinism in the education of children across Siem Reap. With a clearly stated exit strategy and locally-hired staff, Caring for Cambodia's goal is truly admirable.

As a Cambodia refugee, I know what it's like to be given an opportunity to a better future. CFC has done just that for thousand of children in rural area. CFC has given the children in Cambodia an opportunity of quality education and beyond. CFC has change many lives for many children in Cambodia. Every donation dollar goes directly to the children.
CFC is giving children in Cambodia hope and is changing the future of Cambodia for children one child at a time.

I've had the privilege of volunteering for Caring for Cambodia for several years now and it continues to be an honor to work with this amazing organization. They continue to make a huge difference in the lives of so many. Not just the students they serve in Cambodia, but all of us who get involved. It is the most fulfilling experience I have ever had as a volunteer! CFC is changing lives, every day, in so many ways.

CFC is an amazing organization run by the nicest and most caring and generous people. I have spent time with many of them and know that they are very dedicated and will never stop working to improve the lives of Cambodian children. I cannot say enough good things about this nonprofit. It is wonderful and doing incredible work!

I have been associated with Caring for Cambodia since their inception in 2003, when I was introduced to this wonderful NGO while living in Singapore. I was moved by the passion and generosity of it's founder, Jamie Amelio and her desire to provide education to a country so in need of mentors and educators!! CFC started with just one primary school and with the help of its financial supporters and volunteers, CFC is now providing world class education in 21 safe, clean and well-equipped schools for over 6,400 children. But we need the help of more financial supports and volunteers!! Please consider joining this incredible organization!!

Caring for Cambodia is an incredible NGO that I am so very proud to have worked with for over 2 years. An almost unprecedented 91 cents on the dollar goes straight to our programs. Our administrative costs are kept to such a minimum because of the team of dedicated and talented individuals who volunteer their time and expertise for us all around the world. Every program we introduce has the goal of sustainability and the ability ultimately to be integrated throughout Cambodia's entire educational system.

Caring for Cambodia is an incredible mission run by tireless individuals. I have been involved with CFC for 5 years and have been continuously surprised, impressed and humbled by their organization in Siem Reap. Their efforts have directly contributed to the well-being of hundreds, in not thousands, of children– and by extension: their families, their city and the entire country. A truly admirable nonprofit run by truly admirable souls.

Caring for Cambodia is unique among NGOs in education in Cambodia. First, CFC partners with the government, so that all schools are free to the students and the curriculum is Cambodia's own. CFC does not establish a private, tuition-charging system but works with the system already in place. Second, CFC invests in people! The teacher training program draws on international best practices, that are shared with Cambodian teachers by practicing teachers and researchers from Singapore, the US, Canada and beyond. I have heard Cambodian teachers describing their new hands-on skills in the classroom with delight - and they are definitely delighted by the results: students who are totally engaged with learning, and are scoring well on exams. Third - CFC is almost entirely volunteer-run! People from all around the globe contribute time and their professional expertise, usually because they have travelled to Cambodia, seen the need, and are moved to action. Finally, CFC works to remove barriers to education. If a child cannot go to school because the family can't afford a uniform, CFC will provide it. Two nutritious meals a day at school means that families want children to go, to eat and to learn. There are many other ways in which CFC supports Cambodian teachers and students in their quest to learn 21st century skills and achieve. I hope others will be motivated to learn more about this nonprofit, and become involved.

CFC works hard to be transparent, to focus on capacity building of local staff, and to think of the sustainable end game of replication and handover, and they achieve at a high level on all of these points. They make a huge, lasting impact on all the students who go through their schools, but their greatest legacy will be all the students country-wide who will benefit from CFC techniques and programs eventually being integrated into the broader system.

Worthwhile and transparent organization that supports the educational needs of over 6,000 kids in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Been a donor/volunteer for 6+ years. Have encouraged many of my friends to get involved as well.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to visit Caring for Cambodia in Siem Reap twice. I am so impressed with this organization and the amazing work they do. Not only do they provide an outstanding educational opportunity for these children, they also take a holistic approach to helping the students and their families. Most impressive to me was their Food for Thought program, which offers two warm meals a day to the children, which ensures a healthy start each day. The opportunity to serve CFC with their Make A Difference trips is heartwarming and life changing. I encourage others to reach out to help, it will change you forever.

When I visited Cambodia years ago, my excitement about the grandeur of the ruins in Angkor was tempered by the vast amount of impoverished children begging for money to fund a day of school. It was two years after this trip that Caring for Cambodia (CFC) was brought to my attention. I had an opportunity to discuss the organization's goals and objectives with leadership and knew instantly that this organization was different. This group had a clear focus: sustainable change. They were not simply putting a band-aid on a larger issue, they were proactively educating educators and preparing the local people to implement life-changing education for years to come. Their story is powerful, their work impressive and their results undeniable. Driven by a desire to enhance the lives of Cambodian children through learning, CFC leaves no stone unturned. They have faced numerous challenges and implemented unique services to support this commitment to education. For example, children were not eating a sustainable amount of food outside of school. CFC decided to provide multiple meals for the children throughout the day. Their innovative approach to sustainable change continues to lead Cambodia toward a brighter future.

The Don Bosco vocational center in Kep is a place, where you have to be. In Oktober/November 2012 I was there and taught students radio journalism. It was a great event and a great experience for me. During teaching I learnt a lot about the aims of the Salesians and I was very impressed. Kep is a place of education, of responsibility, of solidarity with the poorest, and also a place of humour and friendship. By the way , Cambodia came nearer, the culture of the country, his history. I think, this has to do with the philosophy of the Salesians. They don`t want do dominate people, they want, to understand people and to help them with education and more knowledge. So I am very thankful, personally Father Albeiro, and i wish him, now far away from Kep in the rainy and cold Berlin, success for his plan, to found a cultural radio station. A great idea and very helpful for the development of Cambodia and also for the people, who lives around the Don Bosco Vocational Center in Kep.
In friendship Wolfgang Bauernfeind and Uti Hennecke

I am continually amazed by the work done by CFC. What particularly inspires me in my work with CFC, is that so much is done by Cambodians themselves. The mission of CFC is go give a hand up, not a hand out, and this mission is demonstrated every day in Siem Reap. You see teachers working hard for their students, parents making sacrifices so that their children can attend the schools, and most importantly students who are so grateful for the opportunity to attend school. This was clearly demonstrated during flood season when parents, teachers, students and volunteers ALL worked together to get things cleaned up so that kids could back to school quickly.

I have high praise for the work that CFC does, not only in Cambodia but around the world. I visited a CFC school five years ago and from the time my feet touched the soil on that school site, the children of Cambodia touched my heart. I was so smitten with the people and impressed by this NGO I ended up working with CFC in Cambodia as the Director of Teacher Training. We do not have smart offices, we do not sit at computers we work at grass root level with the teachers in their classrooms. We work alongside the Ministry of Education in Cambodia to help delvier a curriculum that is already in place. We train teachers to deliver this curriculum in a Child Friendly Classroom / School. When approaching training in this way we empower the Cambodian teachers to learn and reach out to their own people. Hand in hand with this teacher training comes training for the mothers in the vilages and their preschool children, focusing on Health and Hygiene but also on "The Whle Child". Caring For Cambodia is made up of a huge number of people around the whole who were touched by the plight of the people in Cambodia and who simply want to give them a Hand Up. The success of this NGO is glaringly apparent when you visit the schools and observe in classrooms. The future of the next generation is in the hands of these dedicated teachers of Cambodia.

What they all said! These reviewers have all shared so eloquently their experiences with and impressions of CFC. They do a beautiful job of describing the mission, the work and the successes.

We visited several schools in January, 2011, however, as tourists, not really knowing what to expect. One of my questions to a staff member was why has CFC managed to survive and thrive when so many non-profits do not. Her response was that, in her opinion, it was through the personal and financial committment, of course, but also by learning from their early mistakes -- working until they got it right. They have definitely done that! We were so impressed by what they are doing and how they are doing it, including by working in existing government schools. I was also surprised by the insight of needing to remain true to and focused on the mission of the organization when one could easily be distracted by seeing all of the unmet needs surrounding them on a daily basis. I also believe that by being slow and steady in their growth have probably aided in their success as well. And of course, it was heartwarming to see the joy and excitement in the faces of the children and the teachers and staff that we met.

I believe CFC is changing far more lives than they will ever be able to imagine, and I will definitely be supporting their work financially. I wish I was not half a world away so that I could do more than that!

My role as CEO of a global corporation means I work 70 hours a week and travel 70% of the time. Despite that, I never fail to find time for Caring for Cambodia-- it is that important. Imagine a whole nation that wiped out its teachers. That nation would have no future at all. Cambodia, with the help of Caring for Cambodia, is rebuilding that future through building schools and training teachers today.

I first encountered CFC several years ago in Cambodia when I and 450 colleagues descended on Siem Reap on a global corporate summit and service mission. We painted some of the CFC schools, met the kids and built playgrounds. We visited the classes and donated hundreds of shiny new bicycles which the kids promptly painted.

I was honored when I was asked to join the board. I knew that my time is so limited that I would have to choose wisely. This choice has an enormous, outsized impact though. Just imagine the generations o kids who will now have access to top-flight teachers trained by the world's best. They have computer labs and nutritious meals. They will become tomorrow's teachers, entrepreneurs and leaders.

The aspects that most impressed me were the thoroughness coupled with selflessness. Everything is handled with precision and tremendous heart. The schools are solely for the Cambodian children with no other motives--not religious, not political. The schools' superintendent, Savvy, is a Cambodian man of inspiring commitment. The teacher training is effective and sustainable complete with incentives for self-improvement and development. The Western world could learn a lot from the Caring for Cambodia teacher incentive model.

An ingenious aspect of CFC is their understanding of the need to engage the whole community, making sure the parents and extended families are brought into the schools for learning opportunities.

Caring For Cambodia (CFC) (FIN #20-3645945) is a responsible and worthy organization. I've supported CFC on several levels. In Cambodia, I've been on work site projects, toured the school facilities, personally have met the teaching staff and in-country director and have helped serve school children with CFC's Food For Thought program. I currently am responsible for all financial recording, reporting and treasury functions of the organization. I am a donor. CFC is doing great things for the people and children of Cambodia. Through their work, they are correcting many wrongs of Cambodia's past. Through this work, they are literally helping to change the face of a nation. This work is setting Cambodia on a course for real economic development. Knowing all of this, along with the intimate understanding of the finances, strategic plans, personal knowledge of the board members and their direction and support, CFC is a 501 (c)(3) most worthy of your support. The organization can be reached at info@caringforcambodia.org. The CFC Mission Statement: Caring for Cambodia (CFC) believes that when knowledge cannot be handed down, it must be handed out. We work to educate one child at a time today, to make a difference for Cambodia's tomorrow. We create and sustain safe, modern, technologically equipped schools; mentor and professionally train teachers; and fund supplies and other tools needed to teach those who want to learn. CFC provides educational opportunities for Cambodian children so they may reach their highest potential and make valuable contributions to their communities.

I have worked as a volunteer for CFC since 2003, and I proudly sit on the current Board of Directors. I have enough passion and first hand experience with all aspects of the schools to write for pages, but I note that several dedicated CFC supporters have written eloquently about their personal experiences at the schools. For every account you read here, there are hundreds more. Instead, I would like to come from a slightly different angle and shed additional light on a few of the unique and innovative programs that set CFC apart in Cambodia. There are numerous, worthy organizations at work in Cambodia that address the fundamental obstacles that keep children from staying in school. CFC is a leader among them. Our students receive a daily, nutritious meal, compulsory school uniforms, well maintained classrooms, clean drinking water, lavatories, and bicycles for transport to and from school. These ongoing programs (and others which address pressing basic needs) were among our first steps and they have worked. Our attendance rates far exceed national averages. However, the quality of what takes place in our classrooms day to day is what has truly set us apart. CFC schools are government schools that use the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) curriculum. These curriculum documents are impressive by any standard; however the gap between the worthy goals of the curriculum and the experience level of our government teachers is wide, making the curriculum unattainable. CFC pinpointed teacher training as the fundamental solution to this gap, and it is has been effective. CFC’s teacher training efforts started in 2004, with a pilot teacher training workshop for five CFC kindergarten teachers, delivered by three international teachers based in Singapore. Six years later that pilot project has blossomed into a well-established international exchange program involving nearly 100 Cambodian educators of all grade levels, MoEYS officials, and a corps of more than 100 talented teachers based in Singapore, where CFC was founded. Singapore is not only Cambodia’s geographic neighbor, but it is a hub of quality educators from around the world who teach at state of the art local and international schools. CFC has found a creative way to leverage this concentration of educational talent. CFC’s Teacher Training Program supports two Teacher Training Centers in Siem Reap and a full time Director of Teacher Training. The Director oversees the individualized, daily professional development of all teachers at CFC schools. She is also the liaison with CFC’s Singapore-based teacher trainers who make regular trips to the schools to conduct hands-on workshops with the Cambodian teachers and MoEYS officials. Likewise, the same Cambodian teachers travel to their colleagues’ schools in Singapore for observations and ongoing professional support. The Singapore based teacher trainers come from the US, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada to list a few. One friend described it as a “UN for teachers.” This innovative approach has brought about a sustainable transformation in the quality of the teaching at the CFC schools. More recently, CFC established an innovative partnership with Lehigh University’s Comparative and International Education program (CIE) in their College of Education. One goal of the CFC-CIE partnership is to narrow the gap between quality educational research and effective implementation of research findings. Currently two graduate level courses are focused on needs specific to CFC students. I am currently enrolled in one of these classes as a CFC member (an outstanding opportunity available to all members). We are researching the labor market in Siem Reap, so that CFC can better serve its students as they graduate and transition into well paying jobs. The research is being conducted now, and the findings will be implemented this spring. Behind each of these innovative programs are more personal stories—of students, teachers, and parents whose lives have been transformed by the energy, professionalism and tangible hope the CFC schools have brought to their communities. CFC is committed to “going deep” with our efforts. It is a saying that is at the heart of our unflagging commitment to quality in everything we do.

I have worked with Caring For Cambodia since the very beginning. A few of us started out by simply collecting,and distributing backpacks and uniforms to the children in Cambodia. Once I took my first trip there to distribute all we had collected I was hooked. It gets in your blood. The children simply wanted to go to school and to learn (something we all take for granted). I felt this was a cause that I could help and really make a difference. I remember the day we handed out uniforms. The children all stood in line according to their age. My son was 8 at the time and was instructed to distribute the backpacks to the boys who were his same age. There was a remarkable difference in the size of these children and my son. It was so obvious as they stood there. Clearly it was malnutrition. One of CFC's first goals was to be sure every child had at least one balanced meal a day before they started school. This goal has been met and today CFC feeds over 5000 students a day before school starts with their "Food For Thought" program. The organization today has grown so much since those initial days. It now has a professional board that sets the strategy and oversees all the operations. CFC started with 1 school and now is supporting 8. Their teacher training program is what has made a difference. Cambodian teachers now hold their heads high as they feel they are professionals. They are learning how to put together a child friendly classroom, make teaching materials, and to use different teaching strategies. These mentor teachers are teaching their peers. CFC's philosophy is to give a hand up...not a hand out. It is working. I have had the chance to visit Cambodia many times and have been able to see the results first hand. My children have also visited many times working on projects and interacting with the kids. They now have life long friends! CFC is truly making a difference and I feel blessed that my family and I have the opportunity to be a part of it all.

The teachers and CFC staff were extremely passionate and truly believed in what they are doing! Though our job was physically demanding, it was definitely a good experience for many of us, who don't even have a chance to hold hammer back at home. The staffs were really helpful and patient with us, it was really a pleasure to have them guiding us through the entire construction process. My deepest impression of the trip was the interaction session with the children, bringing them around the village. The excitement and enthusiasm of the children, despite the simple activity, really touched me. It was amazing to learn about how CFC started out and how it eventually ended up with 6 schools (and counting) changing the lives of so many children. It was great to have volunteered with CFC and we'll definitely be back there again!

We learned about the wonderful work Caring For Cambodia is doing a year ago. Since then, my daughter collected 1,500+ toothbrushes to donate to the school. We visited the school in June to deliver the donation and work at the school. We were all amazed with the wonderful job CFC has done in building, and running, 6 schools in the Siem Reap, Cambodia area. The teachers are all well trained, the level of commitment and caring is tremendous and the students are thriving with the love and dedication from the teachers, administrators and other organizers involved in CFC. In addition to education, CFC also provides the students with a daily meal, as well as toothbrushes and hygiene training. They are focused on the overall well-being and care of these wonderful young Cambodian children.

My 5th grader, 8th grader and I went to Siem Reap to help build a playground for the kids at one of the Caring for Cambodia schools. The people there were amazing and so passionate about helping the kids. We worked hard in the heat, digging post holes, twisting twine for the roof etc. and loved every minute of it. The children would come out during their breaks and their eyes would light up with the prospect of a new place to play. The passion of everyone there was truly contagious as even our Tuk Tuk driver joined in on the construction process. I knew from helping out with various fundraisers for CFC that it was a good organiztion but visiting a school first hand really made me a true believer in the work that's being done there and how this is a charity that is making a difference.

Caring for Cambodia is an incredible organization which is truly changing the education template in Cambodia. They are working directly with the government to emphasize the importance of effective teacher training as a means of improving education. When you visit their schools, you see that they have not simply built a school and walked away, like many NGOs, but they have provided long term support and training for the Cambodian teachers, who are then able to train other teachers. My first visit to a school got me hooked on Cambodia and hooked on CFC. CFC identified the need for parenting classes, and responded by starting the first ever preschool(attended by mom and child) in Siem Reap area. Realizing that many students, once they finish Grade 6, had no nearby high school to go to, CFC has recently finished building a Jr. High School, and are currently training the teachers.