Cambodian Children's Fund

Since September 2023, I have been volunteering as a data analyst at Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) headquarters. Every Friday, I travelled to Steung Meanchey, joining the CCF management team to support their data analysis and decision-making processes. This hands-on involvement has given me insight into the organization’s professionalism and deep commitment-not just in fundraising, volunteer coordination, and marketing, but in every aspect of their operations.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my experience has been knowing that my analytical skills contribute directly to CCF’s mission. By helping the team make data-driven decisions, I’ve played a small part in maximizing the impact of their programs-from education to community development-benefiting over 2,000 students and 10,000 people annually.
Volunteering at CCF has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my time in Cambodia. It’s inspiring to be involved with an organization recognized internationally for its innovative approach to education and community support, and to see the tangible difference it makes every day in Steung Meanchey. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to CCF’s efforts to improve the lives of children and their families.
If you are considering supporting or volunteering with CCF, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. The work is impactful, the community is welcoming, and the experience is truly life-changing.

Fantastic foundation! I worked here for quite a while as a volunteer at the AROM Station (psychiatric department). It's wonderful to see how well and smoothly everything is organized here, and that the children are given the freedom and space to grow up in such a beautiful environment!

My journey into volunteering began when I realized the power of education in shaping lives. I decided to share my knowledge of HTML and CSS, starting with a small group of students eager to learn web development so i decide to join CFF. In there i met a lot of good people that sharing their experience to me due to i never experiencing teaching before. My volunteer work was when I taught a class of young students who had never coded before. Watching them transform from complete beginners to creating their own web pages by the end of the course was inspiring. The experience taught me as much as it taught them—about patience, creativity, and the importance of fostering a supportive learning environment. I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of CFF, an organization dedicated to providing education to young and underprivileged children. It’s an honor to contribute to such a meaningful cause.

I have been a supporter of CCF since 2013. Initially as a child sponsor and then as a general donor. I have visited the schools and other facilities on a number of occasions over the years and with every visit I am so impressed with the breadth of the programs. CCF doesn’t just educate the children of Stung Meanchey, but extends much needed support into the community and addresses the challenges that might prevent a child from receiving an education. Their programs include childcare services, medical, dental and ante-natal facilities, a food program, support for grannies, provision of housing, and child protection.

More recently I had the great privilege of volunteering as an English Classroom Assistant at a CCF primary school for 2 months at the end of 2024. The volunteer program is very well structured, and I felt completely supported from the moment I landed in Phnom Penh.

I was warmly and enthusiastically welcomed into the classroom by the students who are keen to practice their spoken English. The teachers were inclusive and very patient with me as the “newbie”. I was able to observe first-hand the amazing commitment of the teachers, and all involved in bringing the CCF mission to life. In addition to a formal education, there is a large focus on fostering leadership capabilities in the students. I saw this in action when I observed the senior students delivering the evening food program. It’s an experience that will stay with me for life. I was also fortunate enough to accompany Scott, the founder, on one of his nightly walks through the community and see just how much he is loved for the difference he has made in the lives of many children and their families.

At the end of my assignment, I was inspired to once again become a sponsor of a student who was in one of my classes. I look forward to continuing our relationship through emails and video calls and watching her learn and develop under the capable guidance of her CCF teachers.

I volunteered as a primary classroom assistant for Cambodian Children's Fund in 2024. The organization was excellent in communication with me as I applied for volunteering as well as answering questions and providing information during my time with CCF.
In my daily classroom work I was so impressed to see the genuine compassion, kindness and commitment between each staff member and student. I am familiar with trauma work and this provision of safety, physically and emotionally, is what impressed me the most. The students were encouraged to be children, a fundamental human right and developmental need, which sadly isn't offered to many in the areas these children live in. As these children become adults and parents, they will be able to draw on these experiences, which will ensure that the poverty cycle is reset into healthy, successful relationships and individual achievements.
Hats off to CCF and each and every staff and supporting person! I value the time spent with them and whole heartedly recommend them to volunteers, sponsors and donors. If you spend time with CCF you will always smile when thinking of them!

I recently had the privilege of attending the 20th Anniversary festivities held in Phnom Penh to celebrate the founding of this special charity, and to say I was overwhelmed by its ongoing impact within the Steung Meanchey community is a true understatement. Over the four-day festivities, I had the opportunity to tour the Primary & Secondary school facilities, the Girls to Grannies village, the recently constructed Child Protection Unit, along with join in the games & events for the street parade hosted by the students and their teachers. The children's enthusiasm in presenting their work was infectious, with an obvious pride in both their school and their increasing knowledge. Although I never experienced the community prior to CCF's involvement, from the stories of those involved and the photos I have seen, I believe the transformation has been monumental. I am pleased to be supporting this ongoing work in a small way through our sponsorship of a young teenage girl, and enjoy receiving the updates regarding her school, hobbies and positive outlook. The CCF team appear committed in encouraging a firm bond between sponsors and their children, while also ensuring that the students themselves are held accountable for their choices and actions . The team's dedication to Scott's original vision is apparent, and their hard work in uplifting this community is truly inspiring. I would encourage those that are looking for a worthwhile charity to reach out, to see how you can make the most valuable impact within this community.

I had a pleasant opportunity to complete a 3-month volunteer programme at CCF. It was a remarkable experience as a young individual striving to be more involved in community work. I am grateful to be a part of the MCP and Healthy Lifestyle Change project, as it allowed me to interact with people in the community who are struggling with health issues and encouraged me to help improve their lifestyles. I was able to gain a better understanding of the real-life struggles my society is facing and what it means to lead a healthy lifestyle.
In all my time at CCF, I felt truly welcomed by everyone at work as well as people within the community. It is heartwarming to feel like I am also a part of this wonderful journey. First-hand witnessing the help and undivided attention CCF provides to everyone in the organisation makes me admire their vision even more. It inspires me to do the same for the people around me who are in need. I am glad I made my own contribution to the CCF mission. Although it was only for a short 3 months, this is an experience that will continue to stay with me for a very long time.

We spend a month volunteering at CCF. We had an amazing time and we met so many lovely people. We felt very welcome. We got the oppurtunity to see all the thing CCF does. We were amazed by this. We think that all the work they do, really can help a lot of people. They help not only the children by giving them the oppurtunity to go to school, but they also help the family wich is very important. We talked with a lot of people who live in the community or got help from CCF and they were all so very greatfull. CCF really changed their lives and we hope that they can continue doing this for a very long time. We all think CCF is one of the best organisation we ever met.

The work Cambodian Children's Fund does for the Stung Meanchey community is truly incredible. The families living in this area survive in extreme poverty, but, through CCF, have access to clean water, housing, reliable food, and good education. There are a lot of non profits in Cambodia, but this is one that truly makes a difference at the ground level.

From a volunteer's standpoint, it is also a well-structured organization. The volunteer team is helpful, the employees are friendly, and everyone is eager to share their culture with you. As long as you're open-minded and ready for new experiences, it's easy to integrate into the Phnom Penh lifestyle. Further, volunteering itself is extremely rewarding. My work was mostly in the English program in the primary school. In spite of their tough lives at home, the students have such beautiful, vibrant personalities and it's impossible not to look forward to teaching them every day. They are excited to learn and practice their English with you; not to mention, they'll teach you a little Khmer while you're at it!

Working with CCF is a unique experience that I would highly recommend for anyone already familiar with Cambodia and looking to make a personal and positive impact.

This was one of the most transformative periods of my entire life.

It has been truly remarkable volunteering with this incredible NGO, and grateful for all I have been exposed to.

It’s never easy arriving in a foreign country for the first time, but all the CCF staff and co-volunteers helped make my time here even more exceptional.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this volunteer experience was getting to mentor the students. It was special teaching them how to write social media posts, which is something I didn’t learn until I was in university.

I’ll never forget interviewing Granny Samean at the World Housing complex and being gifted with an excessive amount of food as a thank you for taking the time to hear about her story. The kindness displayed from her and everyone else during this period is unmatched and they have made me feel as if I’m one of them.

I was extremely touched to feel so included in all the activities and games, and invited to attend many events and activities inside and outside of CCF.

I now feel as if I’m a member of a large family and it’s phenomenal seeing how my presence here has positively changed the lives of so many people.

I know this will not be it.

This isn’t goodbye, this is see you later.

Thank you for everything CCF.

Cambodian Children’s fund is a genuine, unique and truly caring charity organisation. I very much admire the complex and well thought-through concept of CCF: It focuses on the appropriate elements to sustainably improve the lives of the impoverished locals, such as housing, education, leadership or basic nutrition. CCF cares for its work quality-not quantity. This way, each child is of great importance and receives individual support. As a volunteer, I was able to first-hand experience in what an amazing way the staff treats the children and encourages their competences. It was beautiful to see how the staff dealt with issues relating the kids‘ living conditions in such a sympathetic and sensitive manner. The kids really seemed to feel safe and comfortable in their learning environment. Finally, I would like to mention how certain values were emphasised in the classroom. For example, the teacher motivated the students to help each other out, share materials and look out for their friends. This, to me, is a very important lesson. To sum up, CCF is a very special and, in my opinion, all-round perfect NGO. It is still growing and learning as well as continuously reflecting their work and effects. I cannot only recommend volunteering together with CCF, but also supporting its mission to fundamentally change the lives of the unfortunate in Cambodia.

I had the pleasure to complete the Miles For Smile Bike Ride with CCF in January this year. The trip itself was great, with the highlight being seeing first hand the amazing work that CCF do on the ground in Cambodia in the life of Children and the Wider Community.

It is comforting to know that funds raised are going to this organisation and that so much goes to the Children and community and is not absorbed in administration.

Further all staff at the organisation were lovely and really helpful!

I have just completed my second trip to Cambodia for CCF, riding with a troop of wonderful people, all with a giving spirit, and pleased that we were able to raise over $100 000 for the expansion and upkeep of the schools for the most impoverished children of Phnom Penh.
I felt a little embarassed to ask friends and family to sponsor me in my pursuit to raise money for the trip....until I got there and saw the results of the crew that work there every day and the children who benefit from the chance of gaining an education.
I personally sponsor an 11 year old, who I was fortunate enough to meet on this trip, and the sheer joy it provided me to think that I am able to give something as valuable as an education, and hopefully a path out of poverty for somebody with' no strings attached' was just great.
I shared the trip, for a second time with my sister and brother in law, and met their sponsor child aas well, and I know there joy was equal to mine.
Seeing the improvements in the facilities and the involvements of the locals (especially the grandmothers) in the process was further reassuring of the value in the organisation.

I've just returned from my third visit to Cambodia and my first visit to Cambodian Children's Fund in Phnom Penh. Although I have sponsored (a young person and now a Granny) through CCF for about a decade, this time I was fortunate to see their work first hand. My visit as part of a cycling fundraiser to support the establishment and ongoing costs of running a pre-school was heartwarming, and just a little humbling. Fantastic staff and happy, growing children.

CCF supports all aspects of people's lives to achieve positive outcomes for young people and their families, through education, healthcare, housing, food, and social support, while allowing people to live autonomous and dignified lives. Their work is ethical, respectful, and evidence-based.

They are able to do this through donations, the majority of which goes to the people they serve. I can't recommend them highly enough.

Who knew that a decision to sponsor a child with CCF back in 2012 would take me on this amazing journey, where I have now visited Cambodia twice and seen how effectively the organisation works on the ground. The very nature of CCF's work in Phnom Penh, to provide quality education and support community in one of the most impoverished areas, was what drew me to supporting them as a child sponsor 11 years ago. All of what I believed CCF to be about was displayed on the charity bike rides I participated in during 2019 and 2023. The sense of community, the educational opportunities and resources available to students and the pride that each student showed in their uniform was inspirational. I am proud to say I've been a supporter for over 10 years.

I have supported Cambodian Children's Fund since 2012. CCF is an authentic organisation which shows genuine care for the Cambodian people. Recently, I participated in a charity bike ride to raise funds for the running of a kindergarten there. I could not have taken on a more worthwhile venture. The ride culminated in a visit to CCF, where we could see the once vulnerable children now safe, clean, fed and beginning their educational journey. As a teacher myself, it was wonderful to see these little people having a new start in life and being able to break the poverty cycle.

CCF provides support in every area, from the Child Protection Unit and quality education, to enabling the elderly to have fulfilling lives and everything in between. It provides clean water, medical support and the list goes on. I am definitely a long-term supporter, CCF is impressive!!!

I have been involved with CCF for 4 years now and have visited the site twice after doing the charity ride through Cambodia. It brings such joy to me to finish the ride and come into CCF to all these little faces that are so excited to see us.
I have been around the facilities twice and have seen a big difference in 4 years. More support to more individuals and that is what we raise the money for and what giving is all about, Improving the lives of others.

I went out to Phnom Penh to volunteer for 3 months offering Speech and Language Therapy training to NGOs and schools. Myself and two colleagues volunteered at CCF and I cannot rate it highly enough. We delivered training to the nursery staff on fun language learning for the nursery aged children. CCF provided a Culture training and Child Protection Training to us prior to our direct involvement. The volunteer coordinators, Claudia and Len were outstanding in their support. They worked with us to ensure that the training we provided was culturally appropriate. They also went above and beyond to ensure that we were settled in the city and provided lots of great advice and recommendations for things to do in our down time.

As you will read in the other statements, CCF really do care for the community and the people living in Stueng Meanchey. They provide support and focus on upskilling members of the community (especially children) so that it makes a difference long term for generations to come. This makes all the difference as a volunteer as you can see how you are contributing to something that is lasting and meaningful.

They consider all aspects of people's lives and how to support them to achieve, from education to healthcare to social support and much more. They make a real difference and consider all contributing factors that help people succeed. They are able to do this due to the donations that they receive. Most (almost all) of the donations go directly to the people that they serve. They employ mostly Khmer people, ensuring that they are delivering appropriate support as well as providing a business for Cambodian people to work in.

For me, they are an excellent example of how NGOs and charities should operate, and I hope that I can one day go back to volunteer with them again.

I recently had the pleasure of taking a tour of Cambodian Children’s Fund in Cambodia over the summer. It was an eye opening and humbling experience to see a different lifestyle that I have never been exposed to.

We started the tour by journeying through the primary school. I was touched by how friendly and happy the kids were when I was here. Many kids smiled at me and introduced themselves as they were walking into and out of their classrooms. The classrooms were not over populated with kids so the teachers can give them proper attention.

After primary school the children are exposed to a wide range of subject matters to focus where they would like to take their careers. We journeyed to the Neeson Cripps Academy where I was in awe of an amazing hand carved mural in stone that told the story of the history of rural Cambodian life. The mural tells the story of humble generational beginnings of life in the country, to children graduating college and entering their chosen career path. In this building I was shown all the tools for teaching kids a wide range of subject matter from science, computers, technology, art, photography and more.

I was also shown the garbage dump where the children in previous years had to search through to find recyclable material to help make money for their families. The garbage dump has since been covered and grown over with grass and plants. I saw the hill as a metaphor for the transition that CCF has helped create a better life for these families. Overall I was very touched by the passionate caring staff as well as the friendly children's faces I saw on this tour.

The work of CCF was a wonder to see in person. This project of transforming a city garbage dump, "home" to multitudes of destitute individuals and families, into a humane community with running water, housing, food, medical care, and education, is one of the most inspiring sights I've ever witnessed. The high school in particular has a palpable & irresistible energy emanating from the students, warm and bright and joyful. In each face I saw hope and a future. The staff are cultivating something truly beautiful there.

CCF is truly doing amazing work for the future of Cambodian children. Working in all aspects of daily life, it was truly moving to see their "ground up" mission in action. The entire team is so accommodating and focused, it was an experience I will not soon forget.

We have a mixed foreign/local business in Phnom Penh called the Kinin collective. We have a history of working with the community to move towards zero waste and were looking for ways to tie that in with giving back to the community financially in a sustainable way. CCF approached us, as we had worked with some of their staff before in our green waste removal, to pitch their community garden project in Steung Meanchey. Our team went out for a tour and were genuinely amazed and delighted to see what they had achieved in housing for the community as well as the garden. We are now signed on to an ongoing partnership with CCF finding ways to engage individuals and businesses in the community to help raise funds for certain projects but also to ensure the financial sustainability of the garden by purchasing produce and promoting it to other restaurants. CCF perfectly aligns with our personal values of environmental sustainability and community support without religious, cultural or financial motives. Working with their staff and interacting with the families involved in their projects has been both rewarding and inspiring for us. We genuinely hope our partnership can be a long and meaningful one.

I am from Italy an during my time in Cambodia I had the amazing opportunity to spend some time with the teens I mentor as well as to be accompanied by some lovely staff members to see some of CCF projects on the ground. I honestly didn't know CCF is doing so much not only for the children but for the whole community in general. I have visited some schools, a health center, some places where families are allowed to stay for a small amount of money and they also explained to me about their program to support the grannies, which I find so important. I then spent lunchtime with the two teenagers I mentor and with Sophea from CCF. Everyone from the staff has been so lovely, they all took time to show me around. I never felt a burden, on the contrary, they donated me their time and knowledge. They also helped with some minor issues I had with money exchange and were kind enough to pick an Italian restaurant for our lunch together. I encourage everyone to approach this organization in whatever way they can because I honestly think the work they are doing is so important and the chances they give to these youngsters are simply amazing. I am so honored to be a small part of this amazing community and to have the chance to keep in touch with the two teenagers, see them grow up and hopefully visit them, and CCF, again and again in the future.

I've been hugely impressed by the efforts of Cambodian Children's Fund. Having worked with the organisation in Phnom Penh over a number of weeks, I've witnessed first-hand the enthusiasm that the team bring to everything they do.

I've also thoroughly enjoyed spending time with students of the Neeson Cripps Academy. Their energy is contagious, and hearing about their plans for the future has been a truly inspiring experience. I feel optimistic that these young people will be well-placed to participate in the rapid change that is happening in Cambodia and around the SE Asia region.

My thanks to all the staff and students of CCF and the NCA, it has been a real pleasure to work with all of you, and I'm very much looking forward to future projects.

I have been a volunteer with CCF’s West Coast team for two summers (pre-pandemic) and am astonished to see how much of a great impact CCF makes on the people of Cambodia. From the grandmas, to the families and the children, CCF is truly a non profit organization whose core values and mission statement is always upheld. CCF ensures complete transparency by informing donors of the works and benefits their financial contributions make to the organization and those who directly benefit from it.

I cannot say enough about this wonderful organization and their impact through education, assistance, support and so many other channels. Getting to know the kids, getting high fives and seeing their smiles brought so much joy. The CCF staff are wonderful kind people who put great care and purpose into what they do. They are working hard toward genuine change that the world needs more of. Thank you Cambodian Children's Fund and sponsors for all that you do.

It's such an amazing experience to witness how much changes CCF has been impacting the lives of many impoverish children and their families, and thus Cambodian society.

Deeply grateful and appreciate for everyone who has contributed in any ways they have done so far.

I have known of CCF in my country for 7 years and is the best at caring for the poorest children.
Amazing work in one of the hardest communities.

This organization changes the life of many children

My husband and I have been donating to the Children’s Cambodian Fund for several years and corresponding with a wonderful young man attending their school and living with his family in the CCF built community. We were very impressed with entire organization and the scope of their engagement in the entire community: education, nutrition, homes, encouraging the Cambodian culture, and family support. The staff and volunteers are very involved in the educational programs for each student from preschool to high school graduation with an astonishing percentage of students continuing on to college and trade school. Families are having their lives changed for the better through their children’s involvement in CCF even the grannies are trained and involved in caring for and encouraging the children. We feel strongly that donations to this worthy charity are the best use of our funds we have found. It makes us very proud to be associated with CCF.

CCF has always been one of my most favorite and admirable organizations in Cambodia. I’m truly grateful with all the great efforts of CCF in helping vulnerable kids in the communities.

I’ve been sponsoring a smart, curious and caring child for almost three years. On the flight home from a trip to Cambodia in 2019, I made a commitment to find the best way possible to help a child build a better future in Cambodia. I found my answer in CCF. Through a lot of research, I learned that CCF is exceptionally run, committed to transparency and has a proven track record of positively impacting lives. It’s also an organization with vision and heart and an ethos that resonates with me.

Sponsorship gives me the opportunity to help support the well-being of a community in addition to the incredible chance to develop a one-on-one relationship with a child. I’m impressed with CCF’s holistic approach to creating a pathway out of poverty through education, which also includes tackling the barriers that keep children from attending and staying in school: nutrition, healthcare, housing and a supportive and safe environment.

With each communication from the child whom I sponsor, I see how she’s growing, becoming more confident and coming into her own as an individual under the care of CCF. The CCF teams in Phnom Penh and the U.S. are exceptional. Every person that I have the pleasure to interact with is professional, responsive, kind and passionately driven to improving lives in Cambodia. Being part of the CCF community has become an integral part of my life.

The granny sponsorship program is amazing. Not only is CCF jump starting a generational change for the children in Cambodia, but the granny program ensures the Khmer history and heritage will not be forgotten.

Spare a minute? Please hear me out.

CCF is by far the most transparent NGO I've ever worked for. I had the pleasure to work there for almost 3 years. It was the most rewarding 3 years in my career. I had to the chance to work directly with the impoverished community through helping them get back on their feet and empower them. The sole purpose of CCF is to help those who can't help themselves. It exists to transform the most impoverished kids and provide them with a life-changing education. I really appreciate the role CCF plays in transforming the most impoverished community of Steung Meanchey, known as the former biggest dumpsite in southeast Asia.

Personally, it was an utter pleasure to serve at CCF and be part of a mission to alleviate poverty and bring change to the slum community. I would not hesitate for a minute to recommend CCF to those who wish to donate. Please check it out. You might not believe it but you'll be amazed and touched by the journey CCF has made so far. It's INSPIRING.

Every donation counts, no matter big or small. It will greatly help build a better future for those who need it most. Your donation will help shape a better livelihood for a kid from a destitute and poverty-stricken community; changing his/her life forever.

Why not be a part of this exciting and philanthropic journey while you can?

If you haven’t yet watched any of the YouTube videos about CCF’s founder Scott Neeson, then I highly recommend you at least watch the one called “Cambodia’s Hollywood Dad”. Scott gave up Hollywood to start this organization and I’ve done a Facebook fundraiser for them. Yeah, I know there are good charities here in our country but remember these children are the poorest of the poor. He’s turned their lives around from climbing all over a smoking, stinking garbage dump to getting so many of these kids educated, fed, and given health care. We take for granted what we have here and forget that we are unbelievably privileged. He’s truly one in many, many millions.

Such an important cause and such a caring team working to serve this community. I sponsor one of their Grannies and I get loving, detailed updates about her and news about the community. It’s clear that they conduct their work with honor and passion, and that the people they serve are lovingly grateful.

I had a first had experience and guided tour explaining the incredible work that is going on at CCF. What an incredible organisation.

I first visited Cambodian Children’s Fund from Perth, Australia in 2008. I was visiting my brother, who was a shareholder in an independent newspaper published in Phnom Penh. I had never been to Cambodia before, or heard of CCF. The poverty of the city, with its embedded tortured history, the children begging on the streets, struck me immediately.
I was only there for 3 days, but wanted to help in some way. Visiting CCF, provided my answer. Scott Neeson was overseeing a haven for impoverished children, and the surrounding communities. The children were thriving, happy, very securely cared for,
I left that day, having sponsored 2 children. I had sponsored children before, but this was different. Scott Neeson made it very clear to me, that this was a real responsibility. If I did not write regularly, and truly engage and care for my child, I would be be warned, as unacceptable. The children were vulnerable and needed to gain trust. I must say this impressed me enormously. The system works. I have sponsored many children, and have always regarded them as part of my family. My respect for Scott Neeson, and the completely authentic, ethical non profit he has fought so hard to establish, has only grown In bucketloads over the years. Phnom Penh has become my 2nd home. CCF is not a normal charity. It becomes part of your life, and your involvement enriches, not only the CCF community, but yourself.

We first became involved with CCF in 2017 and have been to Phnom Penh twice to visit the two boys whom we sponsor. On both occasions we witnessed how thoroughly the charity supports the whole community by focussing predominantly on the children while offering additional assistance to extended family as required.

It is a brilliant charity which achieves an enormous amount with limited resources, huge demands and very very little waste. Scott Neeson, the founder of CCF is truly loved and admired by all who know him and the whole body of CCF staff whom we have been lucky enough to meet share his passion and vision to transform the lives of those who are unable to help themselves.

We have seen that the lives of the two boys whom we sponsor plus the other CCF children we have met have been totally transformed by the charity. We are delighted to rate CCF as 5* - it deserves nothing less.

My husband and I made our first visit to Cambodia in 2015. We fell in love with the country and the people and were deeply moved by all that had happened and was still happening there. We came home determined to find a way to help out. At that time, I was the CEO of a not for profit and so I went about the business of consulting people involved in Cambodia in a very structured and deliberate way. It was through this process that I was introduced to the Cambodian Children's Fund (CCF) and its amazing work.

The following year, my husband, a friend and I traveled back to Cambodia, staying in Phnom Penh. We had the wonderful opportunity to witness and engage in the work of the CCF first hand.

CCF takes such a comprehensive and holistic approach to supporting the people of Steung Meanchey, providing education (for young and old), childcare services, medical services, a food program, housing, support for the grannies, training for the next generation of leaders and helping to protect the vulnerable from harm. That first visit was when I met my sponsor child, adding a true loving connection to my deep admiration for the work CCF undertakes.

On that visit and subsequently, we were also able to spend time with the senior CCF team, including founder Scott Neeson. We quickly came to understand that their passion to make a difference was matched by their passion to run an efficient, cost effective and wholly transparent organisation.

My husband now also sponsors a child and we travel annually to CCF, having added three friends to our CCF entourage and sponsorship. Our last visit was in February/March this year. I am a proud donor to the CCF and even prouder to have been asked to join the Australian Board. I have never felt more engaged and I know that the support we give makes a real difference. Every time we return, we see progress and growth at an individual and organisational level. I hope this COVID situation doesn't prevent our return in 2021.

As a sponsor, supporter and ambassador, I have been involved in charitable causes for the last twenty five years. I witnessed the destruction of the tsunami in South East Asia first hand on a field trip with Unicef in 2004 and when I became a mother, I’ve made it my priority to share this engagement with my children.

Our travel agent, Indagare, introduced us to CCF in 2019.
We had planned a two week tour of Cambodia, culminating in a three day visit to CCF in Phnom Penh.
During our first two weeks we toured Siem Reap, the National Parks, the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields. By the time we visited CCF, we were fully immersed in the culture, traditions and history of Khmer society and people.

During our three day visit, we got to meet and spend time with staff, families, children and CCF’s leader and founder Scott Neeson. We toured schools, the community, offices and homes supported by CCF and learned about their core programs. The way CCF is structured and the thought and logic behind their programs are pragmatic and rooted in a unique Cambodian experience. For an organization with such broad reach and depth, it is able to provide a remarkably custom approach to individual needs.
We were especially impressed with the leadership program and the staff’s absolute devotion to the children and grannies. Scott’s very hands on approach permeates the entire operation.

CCF offers many ways in which one can support their mission and benefactors are rewarded with personalized updates and communications.

In my opinion, the organization has the impact and can match the success of any IGO/NPO, yet has the ‘soul’ and feel of a family venture.
We left inspired, energized, hopeful and proud sponsors of five incredibly deserving children.
CCF is not just transforming life and lives in Cambodia. It is giving us all an opportunity to help rebuild the future for this beautiful country.

I have had the privilege and complete JOY of supporting CCF through volunteer teams in the last two years. I have been impressed with their single vision: providing education for children from the most impoverished of Cambodia. Alongside this, I have been inspired by their holistic approach - to go to any and all lengths to keep a child in school. It is clear they understand and honor the local community, seek to make a sustainable change by empowering their beneficiaries, and in the meantime, have not let one child slip through their care. It is evident that young lives are forever changed and a community has been uplifted - all thanks to CCF!

12 months ago I had not even heard of CCF and I am Cambodian by background (though born and raised in Sydney).

In February 2020, I gave up a corporate career and moved from Hong Kong (where I had been living for 6 years) to Phnom Penh to volunteer with CCF full time. In March 2020 I was appointed to the Board of CCF Hong Kong (and am the first Cambodian).

I first visited CCF in August 2019. I saw the amazing work it does by educating children and the community who live in the former rubbish dump area of Steung Meanchey in PP. There are over 1800 students currently supported by CCF, from 45 students, 16 years ago. CCF helps the entire community, by adopting a model that addresses education, career and life skills, childcare, healthcare, community outreach and leadership.

My second visit to CCF was in November 2019. That was it for me. I packed 1 suitcase and moved here in February 2020 to volunteer with CCF full time. My vision is to see CCF's vision come to life, by transforming these children in the most impoverished community, to becoming tomorrow's leaders. A generation of literate children, no longer scavenging to make ends meet. And ending that cyle for their children, and their children's children - in my motherland.

Moving to Cambodia, volunteering with CCF and seeing first hand what is happening with this NGO has been the best decision of my life. I am proud to be a Board Member of CCF HK.

Like many people, my first experience of Cambodia was a trip to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat as part of a longer trip around SE Asia. I immediately fell in love with the country, its culture, and the wonderful people. But I was struck by the level of poverty, and in particular the number of young children begging or sent to work selling magnets to tourists all day instead of going to school. Although I was only in the country for 3 days, the image stayed with me.
When I got back home to the UK I decided to research charities in Cambodia to see what I could do to help. I was shocked to see that the poverty I'd seen around Siem Reap was really the tip of the iceberg, and the conditions of some communities in the capital Phnom Penh were hard to believe.
I found various charities working in Cambodia, from huge multi-national organisations to small community operations. For me, Cambodian Children's Fund stood out by a mile. What impressed me most about CCF was the holistic approach that they take to lift people out of poverty. The charity covers the basic needs of the children, in terms of food, medical care, and shelter, but also goes so much further. They provide world-class education with school facilities which are easily as good as those I attended in the UK. They run leadership programmes and specialist training for older children who show the ambition and drive to go further. And they even go all the way through to university, transforming kids who have started life with nothing into Cambodia's future leaders.
What also impressed me about CCF was the way they focus not only on the children they look after, but also their families and communities. Whenever I've told a friend about CCF for the first time, it's very common for them to assume the children are all orphans. In fact, CCF do everything they can to keep the kids with their families, and also extend their support to them in terms of food, medical care etc. The emphasis is on maintaining the family ties, local communities, and traditional Cambodian culture.
The final thing that made me decide to support CCF was the 1:1 relationship between sponsor and child. While the required monthly contribution for CCF may seem relatively high compared to other charities, this is entirely funding the care of your sponsor child and his or her family. A connection is built between the sponsor and child, and in the 3 years I've been a sponsor I have already found the experience to be incredibly rewarding.
Around one year after becoming a sponsor, I visited Phnom Penh for my sponsor child's fourth birthday and spent an hour in his school class meeting and playing with the kids. Walking into the classroom full of happy, healthy children, laughing and playing, was an amazing experience. The kids love to play with new visitors, and understand (in some way) about sponsors, and after a little initial shyness my sponsor child would not leave my side. If I had any doubts about what a wonderful charity CCF is, they would have been removed in an instant by walking into any of their facilities in Phnom Penh.
Another year later, I visited Phnom Penh for the 2nd time. By then I had been lucky enough to briefly meet the founder, Scott Neeson, at a charity event in London. CCF were amazing and arranged a 3 day itinerary for me to get involved in all aspects of their work and see first hand the amazing things they do. Scott was very generous with his time, and I spent around 3 or 4 hours touring some of the charities schools and the local communities with him. Scott knows every one of the roughly 2,000 children by name, and clearly lives and breathes the charity. His passion and commitment are easy to see and explain how the charity have done such amazing things in a short period of time.
During my tour with Scott, we happened to go to one of the charity sites where my sponsor child was playing with his friends. This wasn't planned, and I wasn't expecting to see him until the next day. One of the most beautiful experiences of my life was when he saw me across the playground, immediately recognised me, and came running across the playground to jump into my arms. I hadn't been sure if he would even remember me, but this experience really drove home to me how important sponsors are to the kids. The fact that someone external cares about them individually means so much, and the child-sponsor relationship is an amazing thing. As long as I'm able to, I'll be visiting CCF every year to see my sponsor child and I'm excited to see how he progresses.
I cannot recommend CCF highly enough. Everyone I met at the charity was wonderful, friendly and welcoming. They are highly professional and organised and I have every confidence that the money I donate is used in the best possible ways. The 1:1 child-sponsor model is incredibly rewarding and makes CCF not just a line on my bank statement every month, but an important part of my life. Please check out their website and consider sponsoring one of their amazing kids, or just making a one-off donation. I can't think of many better ways to use your money.

CCF is an outstanding Charity. I have sponsored children through CCF for 10 years now and there is little comparison with other programmes. Regular contact with the child is essential to being a CCF child sponsor and the whole family and community are supported so that the child can free up time to go to school while still helping the family to thrive. The fundraising and admin costs of the charity are tiny compared to others in the sector and CCF receive top-audits from a variety of external sources

After watching a video about the organization and meeting Claudia and Len as a tourist last summer, I knew this volunteer placement was for me. As a literacy coach back in the States, I was asked to investigate what a literacy coach would look like at CCF. My volunteer journey began with meeting the Teacher Development Team who welcomed and supported me. As I visited teachers in their classrooms and observed their teaching style, I realized my calling was not to change the entire primary school but to empower one teacher at a time. We worked together as a team and focused on student learning. We agreed that the students are eager to learn to read and are ready to go beyond the English Language textbook. Therefore, my workshops for the teams focused on phonics to enhance reading. Jo Mahoney, a return volunteer, and I planned a phonics workshop with activities that the teachers could use in their classrooms to support reading. The activities ranged from hopping over footprints to throwing balls. The teachers were lively and engaged ; they were appreciative of our time in organizing the workshop. The staff, volunteers, teachers, and drivers all have a heart of gold. They are truly part of this organization to serve and share their amazing gifts! As a volunteer, you will feel part of a very special family. love to all
Libby Paul

I first learned of CCF after watching Australian Story which was about CCF's founder - Scott Neeson - and have recently returned to Australia after a 4 month volunteer position, as Buddy Teacher, at CCF's Rice Academy.
What an amazing organisation, to say the least. As a volunteer I was given all of the help and advice necessary to make my stay as smooth sailing as possible.
From recommendations of where to eat, have my hair cut, have photos printed, buy whatever I needed, to being taken out on a cultural evening and invitations to other CCF activities, all of my needs were met.
I worked at The Rice Academy with a team of young, amazing, dedicated and caring English and Maths teachers who made me feel very welcome and useful. The children came to school every day with the warmest of smiles and made me smile every single day. CCF cares not only for the children but for the wider community too. It is an holistic organisation with many programmes such as the Granny programme, Thoms' shoes, Food programme, Leadership programme and a Medical Centre to name a few. The children's well being is first and foremost. I feel blessed to have spent time with the staff and families of CCF and hope to return in the not too distant future.

I highly recommend CCF, and I always rave about it to family and friends. I volunteered at CCF for three months at one of their primary schools as a buddy teacher. I felt entirely comfortable and the staff, volunteers, and students were so welcoming. I also received incredible support from the the volunteer support team, and I felt like I could approach them with any concern I might have had. I also got to witness the amazing programs CCF run. In addition to the high quality education and leadership programs, they address pretty much any barrier a child may have in attending school. A free medical clinic, food program, sponsorship program, foster program, granny program, housing support and community programs are just a few of the wonderful programs they run. The whole time I was volunteering at CCF, I felt like the needs of the children and community members were always put first, and that was clear every time I was in the thriving community. I would definitely recommend that everyone considers sponsoring, donating, volunteering, or working with this incredible charity.

I volunteered at the Cambodia Children’s Fund (CCF) for 3 months as a buddy teacher after I finished school. During my 3 months with the CCF I was blown away by their support to all the children, the families and the community. You can really see the positive impact the CCF is having on thousands within the community. The level of education and support each child receives is incredible. They are providing some of the worlds most impoverished children with life changing opportunities and are making a whole new generation of leaders. They are transforming lives. The CCF is a happy environment where everyone feels safe which allows the children to focus on their studies.

During my 3 months at the CCF I was given lots support and was made to feel very welcome. Whilst my volunteer role was based in the classrooms I also got to spend time at the food program and the Granny program. The CCF also provided me with workshops, such as; the cross cultural communications workshop and Child protection. Both of these workshops taught me valuable skills to use throughout my 3 months with the CCF.

Words cannot describe my admiration towards the Cambodian Children’s Fund, it is a truly remarkable place !

I only had the proviledge of working with CCF for a few months, but a really enjoyed my experience. For the children in their program, they really go above and beyond to help them. I only wish more children would be able to qualify.

I have nothing but amazing things to say about my time spent volunteering at CCF. I worked in the medical clinic assisting and learning from the excellent doctors and nurses working there for almost two months. I was amazed at how much each physician truly cares about every individual patient. From handling trauma injuries to a simple health check up, each patient is given the best care possible with what is available for them at CCF. As a volunteer, I felt honored to contribute to the CCF team in whatever ways I could. I would not trade my time spent at CCF or the experience I gained there for anything. CCF is a special place to be and I feel blessed to be able to say that I was part of it even in a small way.

I recently spent two weeks in Phnom Penh volunteering as a teaching assistant at one of the CCF satellite schools, CCF 5. I assisted Teacher Sreylen Yeat in teaching 6 - 8 year olds. The children are all incredibly loving and friendly, and the teachers are all so hardworking, inclusive and intelligent. During my time there, I met some of the most inspirational and dedicated people I've ever met; everyone from Teacher Len to our tuk tuk driver Lina to the NCA students who led the Granny Programme and the Evening Food Service. My experience at CCF was, though short, very touching, enriching and intense. I'm so grateful to have been able to have gotten involved with such an amazing organisation, and to have learned all I did about CCF as well as Cambodia.

I spent two weeks volunteering at Cambodian Children's Fund this summer and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Firstly, the staff at CCF were incredibly supportive - from the teachers at the satellite schools to our friendly tuk tuk driver, everyone was attentive and went above and beyond to ensure that we settled into the CCF family comfortably. At the satellite school that I volunteered at, I taught two classes of children from 10-12 under the supervision of my teacher. Despite only being there for 2 weeks, the close bonds I developed with my kids were my favorite part of this entire experience, and I'm so thankful for everyone from CCF who made this possible.

A lot of what makes CCF special is the effort they put into making everyone feel like a part of a family. Their kindness and relentless effort to make me feel like a part of their community was touching. I had the pleasure of working at 4 separate CCF schools for 3 months and was met by unwavering support and love from every staff, volunteer and student. Every detail of this organization seems meticulously thought out and every person working here plays a fundamental role in the upkeep of the community built. It was nothing short of a pleasure getting the chance to work amongst such brilliant people. Thank you!!

Cambodian Children's Fund exceeded every expectation I had in a nonprofit. I have spend time over the past 2 years volunteering with CCF and have nothing but great things to say about them. Every program and service is thought out to every detail. All of the staff have so much love, experience and expertise to bring to the children and communities. As a volunteer I was supported in every possible way. CCF offered extra training, personal support and I always felt so accepted and appreciated. Cambodian Children's Fund really is doing amazing things out there and they'll forever hold a piece of my heart.

In June I had an amazing chance to be able to do a weeks volunteering in the Marketing Department at CCF. They allowed me to go into the community with them and come up with new marketing strategy ideas. They are all lovely people and felt very welcome around them the first day. They made sure that I was ok and got me involved in everything that they were working on. Will definitely be going back

In January 2019 I had the pleasure of starting 3 months volunteering at Cambodian Children’s Fund in the role of Kindergarten Teacher Training and Development Advisor.
I had become a sponsor for a child at CCF two years previously and had done my homework to make sure this organisation was the best use of my money and time. Previously I had been a sponsor with other charities and also made donations but it felt like dropping money in a bucket with no real engagement.
Initially I was impressed at the CCF commitment to frequent interaction between sponsor and child so that real relationships are formed. I was also impressed by the fact CCF works with the whole community based on need and not just for the children who are lucky enough to have sponsors.
When I was accepted as a volunteer I was delighted to have the opportunity to bring my skills into a very different teaching context.
CCFs commitment throughout the whole community is inspirational.
The respect, bordering on reverence, that is shown to Scott Neeson by the community is clear and authentic.
My experience of living in Cambodia and working for this amazing organisation has bought about both professional and personal fulfilment. It has been life changing in the fact that it fascinated and challenged me professionally. I was able to reflect on, adapt and mentor aspects of my teaching experience and practice and share with very responsive teachers.
I was able to participate fully throughout the whole organisation, from getting to work with the engaging children and kind and hardworking teachers in the kindergarten section daily, through to participation in professional meetings with the Education Management Team and Head of Education I was able to submit reports and plans, introduce new teaching resources, run teacher workshops and engage input and support from other organisations including the International School of Phnom Penh and UWC from Singapore.
I was also able to take part with the Granny, food and distribution of shoes programs.
The volunteers are well supported by Claudia and Len who made sure our experience was as full, fun and as rewarding as possible. I have no hesitation in recommending CCF for anyone looking to donate, sponsor or share valuable skills that the people of Cambodia so desperately need.

I worked as a volunteer with CCF for 3 months, teaching yoga to the children, staff and “grannies”. I loved my experience with CCF. The staff is committed and caring and supported me in every way possible during my stay. The children are even more inspiring in person. based on my experience, I would give CCF a 10 out of 10 for excellence in regards to creating a safe, caring, effective and sustainable organization.

I've just come back from a trip to PP where I visited CCF and saw the amazing work that they do. I was really impressed with their philosophy and the fact they help the entire family unit, and not just a child - this is so important, as everyone benefits. The level of education that the students get is amazing and the schools are of a very high level. I was given the opportunity to be involved with the dinner preparation at CCF, and it was truly a humbling experience.
However, the real eye opener was when I went for the community walk! The obstacles and barriers the children and their families overcome on a daily basis is mind boggling. I happened to go on a very rainy day, and just walking through the community where the "road" was pretty much a small river by the time I was there, and to see the houses that CCF provides and the food that they give the community so that the families can function as "normal" is amazing. I truly felt that this was a charity where the money donated is directly benefiting the people it's for.

CCF initially came across our radar through the wonderful profile piece on founder, Scott Neeson, which aired on Australian Story (ABC TV, Australia - a must watch and it's on the CCF website!) and reports from friends about this incredible charity.
Our family started sponsoring children and we loved the fact that the sponsorship required, apart from finance, a commitment on our part to support these children and communicate with them on a regular basis by email i.e. the children, who are amongst the most impoverished in the world, are the absolute focus of the organisation.
CCF provides these gorgeous children an education and opportunity to overcome the enormous odds that have been stacked against them by circumstances of birth and a devastating national history.
We have visited CCF twice over the past few years and remain even more committed to this wonderful charity each time. CCF programmes wrap their arms around the children and families of Steung Meanchey to support them in a holistic way; providing 'rice rewards' for children whose parents support their attendance at school (making up for the meagre, lost wages that a child might contribute picking through toxic rubbish for recyclables); food programmes so that no child goes hungry (even those in the community but not enrolled in CCF); a community medical centre providing vaccinations, maternal health programmes and access to life saving care for the community; wonderful practical and emotional support for the elders of the community', and most importantly a firmly entrenched leadership programme which encourages and ensures that the students benefitting from the programmes CCF offers are engaged and committed to give back to their community in a multitude of ways.
It is the most beautiful thing to watch CCF teenagers voluntarily help serve en masse dinners to young children during the early evening in school yards and see young people visiting the 'grannies' who lost so much and so many during the Pol Pot years.
Every person in this organisation, from the founder, and the CEO, to the incredible group of locals, ex-pats and volunteers who are drawn in by the amazingly successful model this charity has created must be utterly commended for the real difference they are making.
While I can never quite capture everything this NGO is offering and achieving without writing an essay, in short, what CCF is doing works. This charity is making a real difference where it counts - in so many ways.
Any donations to CCF have a real impact. It is a locally based and incredibly efficient NGO with a very big heart and real focus and purpose - and proven track record of 'results'.
The smiles on the faces of the children you encounter there, given an opportunity to go to school and even on to higher education, something that so many of us take for granted, says it all.

These guys really are the best. They are uniquely able to turn almost 100 cents in the dollar into pure change for children who need it the most.

I have visited the Cambodian Children's Fund
It is the most incredible charity I have ever encountered
They have taken women men and children who have lived on the garbage dump of Siem Rep and created homes education and health care for them
They will go on to have a productive life and change through one generation of having the basic necessities of life brought to them
I am grateful that I can help these children and their families
Every dollar given is a step forward for these people. I saw it with my own eyes...From babies to Grandmas...!!
I hope anyone who reads this will read about Scott Neeson (who I think is a Holy Man) and his great contribution
We must all help him continue to do God's work
shirley stamen jaffe

I've been a supporter of CCF for the past few years and have volunteered at one of their events. From everything I've seen, CCF's programs have a profound impact on the lives of the families they assist, and its staff are honest, dedicated, and resourceful. I have every confidence that my donations are put to good use, and I'd love to volunteer with CCF again in the future.

I had the pleasure of volunteering for CCF for three months, over that period I was welcomed as member of the CCF team and I was given a unique insight into the amazing work they do. I was particularly pleased to see that the volunteer roles steer away from 'voluntourism', and instead focus on capacity building for local staff.
Seeing the impact CCF has on the communities in Steung Meanchey is almost unbelievable. The opportunities that CCF provides are truly life changing, and it is inspiring to be involved. It is exciting to meet students at CCF, knowing that they will go on to do amazing things in life. By investing in CCF, either through volunteering or becoming a donor, you are helping to build a sustainable model that will have a lasting positive impact.
I have loved being a part of CCF and it is an experience I will carry me in life.

I volunteered with CCF for 3 weeks with the education team. CCF is an amazing organization that has made a tremendous impact on the community.

CCF is the best not for profit organisation I have worked with in regards to their wholistic and sustainable approach.

I have been working with them for about 6 years, I visited them 6 years ago while taking a one month trip to Cambodia. Since that visit I have kept in contact with the team in Sydney and ran 4 fundraisers for CCF from Melbourne. Most recently I have visited the CCF office, schools and hospitals and worked in the Sponsership Department for 2 weeks. It was a great experience, they were very welcoming and transparent. I worked on a number of projects that were associated with my skill set and my professional background, it was great to feel that I really added value to the team.

I will go back again and visit in a heartbeat!

Thanks again!!

I've just come back from volunteering with CCF for 8 months as a yoga teacher to the staff and kids. It was lovely teaching and being able to assist in providing a space for wellbeing and mindfulness for them. The volunteer staff were so helpful and supportive throughout the time. During my stay I was able to see the work that CCF does and am so impressed with the hard working staff who provide amazing services to the kids, their families and communities to lift them out of poverty - and in such a holistic and integrated way - from education, housing, medical care, food program, granny program etc . There is such a big emphasis on education and supporting the kids to stay in school. I'm so grateful to have contributed to an organisation which is making such a positive impact to the next generation of Cambodia's children.

Wow. What an incredible day. I loved how CCF run an integrated model where they are not only supporting the children but the entire community and looking after all the needs to ensure families are stable and children can attend school. Amazing work and they are creating a huge impact. Felt so privileged to see it first hand.

CCF is doing an amazing job changing the life of so many children and their families

I volunteered at CCF as a teacher trainer in February 2017. I was amazed by the number of programs that CCF offered the people of Steung Meanchey such as the granny program, Toms shoes distribution to neighbouring communities, food programs, youth camps and many more. I thought they were run very well by the staff, student leaders, EO's, management team and volunteers.

I really liked the way the students at CCF were encouraged to become leaders and lead the programs themselves contributing to their education but also their community. This gives the students responsibilities, empowers them and gives them the support and foundations to help build their communities from a local level. Furthermore the staff were very dedicated to their students and most appeared to love working with CCF to empower the children towards a brighter future.

My experience within the classrooms helping the teachers, demonstrated to me the passion and care the staff had for their students. I believe this supportive and caring environment encouraged the students to come to school and build a love of learning. The students were playful and friendly and loved seeing their friends. At my time at CCF I saw lots of happy, smiling children.

CCF has had a huge influence on the people of Steung Meanchey, not just the students but the community as well. CCF as well as Scott Neeson have created programs that pull the people out of poverty through education, which in my opinion, is the most important thing that you can offer someone. Although there are pitfalls and issues that arise in the community, Scott is committed to the people and finds ways to help support them and I believe this makes a great leader.

CCF is committed to distributing donations and funds effectively and this was shown through sponsorship donations by Tom's shoes to cloth local children, resources like books and iPads to build up the library centres as well as leftover foods from bakeries and cafes to feed the children during school times.

I just wanted to say how welcomed I felt at CCF from the first day I arrived. The organisation and everyone that works within it are very friendly and this sets a lovely tone and makes someone new feel very welcome. It is also very nice to feel like you are giving back to the community and are valued for your time and presence within it. Thank you CCF!

I've been visiting and watching this foundation grow for the past decade now and what they have accomplished is remarkable. The level at which they operate and the scale of their their reach is like no other non profit I've seen. They are making a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families in Cambodia.

CCF has made a tremendous impact on the children and families they support and we were privileged to spend some time with their staff and children in the facilities they have built over the years. we were particularly happy to finally personally meet our sponsor child and her friend for a day out with CCF. a truly professional dedicated organization

I've been volunteering for children's NGOs for over a decade, and have never seen an organisation with the sheer positive impact of CCF. Their work truly has transformed one of the most poverty stricken areas in SE Asia, and their students are incredible - they're going to be the next generation of leaders in Cambodia.

I can't speak highly enough of CCF.

We were fortunate enough to first get introduced to CCF at an event they had in Hong Kong where we met a couple of the current students who are benefitting from CCF's programs. We were impressed with the way these students carried themselves and were moved by the personal stories they shared. More recently, we visited Phnom Penh, toured a few of their campuses and met with our sponsor child, Sophea who is a 7-year old boy with a bright future ahead of him now. I'm impressed with the incentivization programs CCF has in place for the children to "want" to do well in school and for the families to feel comfortable sending their child to CCF. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting all of the children and can see from the smiles on their faces how much they appreciate Scott Neeson's and his teams efforts.

Thank you CCF!
Jessica & Marty Duff

Through our business, Larsen Jewellery, we decided to support three charities just over a year ago. After much research, CCF became one of them. In addition, my wife and I became a sponsor for one of the children in their program.

I have just had the opportunity to visit CCF in Cambodia to see their programs in action and to visit our sponsored child. In short, I could not have been more impressed. Apart from Scott who is an inspiration, CCF has a very dedicated and professional team on the ground. The model that CCF operates is incredibly effective, partly because the programs are carried out in close cooperation with the local community.

Not only are kids being lifted out of extreme poverty, but CCF is also creating a generation of future leaders who want to give back to their community and change Cambodia for the better. The long term impact of what CCF is doing will be profound.

When I heard about CCF, their community ethos and focus on empowering children through education, love & care I was instantly hooked!

I'd spent months looking for a voluntary project I felt had a holistic & community focus and found that within CCF.

Actually seeing children's desperate situations within Cambodia, really moved me. Then hearing about Scotts brilliant aim to take children & their families out of such awful poverty assured me that their are really kind people in this world to help overcome misfortunes bestowed on people due to inequality!!

As a volunteer with a lot of experience in child development & an holistic approach I wanted to share insights to compliment within the team, and so I feel it was definitely a worthwhile experience.

volunteering alongside teacher Srey Sor was my highlight as she showed absolute compassion & attentiveness to each child she taught.
Whilst the focus was on teaching them English and maths to enhance their skills, I felt the real lessons were in teachers like Srey Sor promoting a 'you can do it' attitude!!

I liked that local Khmer staff are employed & CCF are looking into even more ways to promote equality & inclusion within Cambodia.

For instance by supporting schools in village areas, so children can remain within family structure whilst getting n education & health needs met.

That's definitely got my five star vote!

I'd just done some volunteering teaching in Thailand with Primary School children and as part of my trip back to the UK, I was visiting Phonm Phenn in Cambodia and had the opportunity to visit CCF and see the amazing work that was being done there.
It was truly inspirational work.
Whilst visiting it was heartbreaking to hear (and see) the desperate conditions that these poor children were growing up in. Their village was based on and around a city dump, a dump that not only contained household rubbish, but toxic and hazardous waste too!, families for a wide variety of often unfortunate and heartbreaking reasons found themselves salvaging a living on this waste site. Children were needed to work in order to earn money to survive - education and going to school for these children was previously not an option.
How amazing that CCF can help these children and families out to not only provide education, health, a future and hope but to give them the opportunity of a happier and more prosperous life.
We heard several hearbreaking stories of children and how they were malnourished, living off the dump with no future and no hope. I heard about a very young boy, who would find dead babies abandoned amongst the rubbish tip and he would take them away from this atrocisity and give them a decent burial.

CCF however has managed to turn many young children's lives around with a good solid education, an excellent and very fluent command in the English language (which will enable them to get a decent job in Cambodia) but I particularly admired the fact that these children are expected to be involved in CCF, become team leaders themselves, help, mentor and be inspirations for the younger children.

When going around the facilities (classrooms, playgrounds, a community area, a place where children were fed and showered and in desperate situations a residential place for children who could not live at home). There was a vibrancy in these areas, a happiness, a willingness to learn, children allowed to be children, and a great sense of optimism.

I didn't visit the really bad areas, but what I saw of where some of these people live and the facilities that CCF provide it made me realise how important CCF are in this community and what a real, positive difference CCF are making.

Please keep up the amazing (literally) life saving work.

I volunteered at CCF for 3 months earlier this year and have returned for another 2 months now. I am a UK children's social workers and social work manager and have been working with CCF on their child care programme. I have been very impressed by the extent to which CCF are open to external review of and input into their programmes - which is a sign of a well run confident organisation.

CCF provide a wide range of community support services within this very deprived community, including community outreach, housing, medical care, nutritional support (feeding programmes) as well as education. This ensures families are supported to care for their children.

I have met some self confident, outgoing young people who have benefited from CCF's programmes many of whom are now at University or in employment. This would not have happened without CCF.

CCF do an amazing job to give seriously disadvantaged youngsters the opportunity to offset the disadvantages of their birth and to achieve their full potential. It is not only about opportunity for the individual but the community as a whole and in the long run gives the community the tools to look after itself.
I particularly like the holistic approach of CCF, recognising that it is not only the issue of school opportunity that the kids are missing, but also factors such as the economic role of kids in the family and the quality of housing that need to be addressed in order to achieve CCF's aims.

I have now been volunteering for 2 years for CCF and it is honestly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. CCF genuinely cares for the kids and their families and assist in making their lives better. They are having a huge impact on the community they provide support for.

The have a holistic approach and a balanced outlook on not just education, but a sustainable approach to the community of Steung Meanchey that helps uplift ethics, welfare, health, education, wellbeing, safety and increasing sustainable living conditions. Community programs intertwine, for example, the students become Junior Leaders in the community and help sustain a Granny Program, helping to promote community, respect and responsibility and care towards each other.

It is incredible to see the transformation from when CCF began until now. I have even seen an incredible transformation since I started volunteering with them in 2014.

It is important that I work with a fund of high integrity and ethics, and I believe CCF to be aligned with this. The organisation stands true to its transparency and accountability.

I feel privileged to have met and taught literally hundreds of CCF students over the last 2 years. I am consistently surprised by the level of genuine joy, respect, integrity and focus these the children have. It is a pure joy to be around and assist them in their growth.

Having heard about the wonderful work that CCF was doing in Steung Meanchey from a close friend and previous volunteer, when an opportunity arose to assist with an IT implementation I was delighted to get involved.

What struck me about this organisation was the efficiency of the services being provided, and the professionalism and dedication of the management and staff. After visiting the schools and interacting with the students, the impact that CCF was having on these young people's lives became clear very quickly.

During a community walk through the Steung Meanchey area, I was somewhat overwhelmed by the living conditions of local families, even after having travelled extensively throughout SE Asia and other parts of Cambodia. But after witnessing the lavish praise from the parents, grandparents and students involved with CCF, it was clear that the community had high hopes for the next generation, and simply would not be where it is today without Scott and his team.

I am eternally thankful for the opportunity to assist such a well-run organisation providing these essential services to the Steung Meanchey community, and to have been inspired by the bright sparks that are the thousands of students involved with the many CCF programs.

It was also such a pleasure to spend time with Scott personally to experience the true meaning of selflessness, and the impact one person can have with an unwavering vision, an amazing team and 12 years of personal dedication.

Great charity who work hard to protect very vulnerable children. Thank you for what you do

To all who read the reviews. Please, please ignore the negative rantings of the man ( yes it's the same person despite the different names) who is posting the regular negative reviews on this site. We know who he is and he has just found a new platform for his ongoing deranged views on those who would protect the world from child abusers. He actively supports two UK paedophiles that CCF have assisted in imprisoning for abuse in Cambodia ( one who was on the run from my team for child abuse in the UK). I have been honoured to be involved with the CCF and their Child Protection Unit for the last few years and remain a committed and full supporter of Scott and his team who do so much for the impoverished children of Cambodia. I am a respected professional in the world of child abuse investigation and sex offender management and fully support and trust the CCF. I have previously posted my support on this site.

I have been a donor the the Cambodian Children's Fund for two years now, I have very regular email contact with my sponsor child. He and his siblings have now been repatriated to live with their family, now that their family are in a position to afford to support them - with the help of my donations. CCF keep me regularly updated on his progress and send him messages from me and messages from him to me. I receive cards in the mail and have had little video messages from him and have skyped him in the past. I am also organising to visit him in September and they have been very helpful. I have nothing but good things to say about this charity

I hope the negative comments below get removed - they are obviously from people who have never visited CCF and seen it for themselves. Seems like someone is trying to slander this great organisation. There are 150 glowing reviews from people who have visited the organisation - and then 3 angry reviews? CCF doesn't take children from their families - I sponsor two children, one lives with their aunty and uncle, and the other lives at CCF but goes home every weekend. I have been a donor for many years, and I have never seen an organisation that works with the kind of compassion and delivers programs that changes lives like CCF does. I will continue to support their work for a long time.

CCF does a great job in providing security, health and education to the poorest kids of Steung Meanchey who would otherwise have few hopes for the future. It is great to be able to donate with confidence, and to visit and see exactly how our money is used to help turn so many lives around.

Volunteering at CCF was such an incredible experience. Scott and his staff are extremely passionate about helping the children in Steung Meanchey, and it was inspiring to hear from the children and actually see how they have changed during their time at CCF. I highly recommend this organization to potential donors, sponsors and volunteers!

Last month I had the pleasure of visiting CCF. I was very happy to meet the girl I sponsor. What impressed me about CCF overall was the dedication of the staff who are clearly doing a great job. I got to see the medical surgery that is available free of charge to any member of the local Steung Meanchey community. I also got to see the library and computer facilities available to the kids and learnt about the many outreach programs supporting children and families in the community including the Granny’s program to provide support and dignity to older members of the community who contribute so much to caring for young children. In my opinion CCF is an outstanding organisation.

My family began sponsoring children through CCF about 3 years ago. We started with 3 boys who were all around the same age as my own boys (10 / 8 and 5) then we expanded our Cambodian family about a year ago with the addition of our 14 year old sponsor girl.
In March 2015 we made the trip from Perth to Phnom Penh so we could meet these little wonders who we had been corresponding with for so long. It only took perhaps 10 minutes before my children and our sponsor children became mates. They weren't able to communicate effectively through language but they created their own language. The language of fun! They played for hours at an indoor play centre in Phnom Penh and we all had a lovely meal afterwards with a cake that CCF had organised to celebrate my son's 8th birthday.
The following day we visited one of the CCF community centres. My husband and I were both very emotional and incredibly proud to be associated with this organisation. The facilities that we witnessed in only 1 of the many community centres were exceptional and the much needed health care provided to the people who need it most was comprehensive. Even down to a tap providing fresh water for anyone in the community to access and a playground that children in the area could visit in the evenings to ensure they had a safe place to play. Amazing, amazing, amazing!
Our final visit with our sponsor children was the day we regretfully left Phnom Penh. The children and their chaperone arrived at our hotel for a swim and some lunch. It was Easter Sunday for us so we hid some lollies in the garden and gave each child a basket to collect them. The wonder on their faces I will never forget!
Without a doubt our connection with CCF has been the most rewarding experience of our lives so far. We wish we could sponsor more children and most definitely will visit again in the future.
Scott Neeson and his team have created a magnificent charity.

I have just returned from another trip to visit one of the kids I sponsor at CCF, as with my previous visits this one was really memorable but the thing that stands out this time is the way the whole community gets help and not just the kids.

I visited the World housing project which was fantastic and is helping entire families as well as visiting one of the outreach schools and learnt about the granny program and the subsidised rice scheme. I can't wait for my next trip as I already have an idea of some of the other projects in the pipeline and always look forward to seeing how the entire dump community is being lifted out of poverty by the dedication shown by Scott and his team.

The more I learn about CCF the happier I am to see what my sponsorship money is achieving and would highly recommend that any child sponsors who read this post spend the time to visit their sponsored child and get to learn more about the workings of CCF

Last february I and my family got the opportunity to travel to Cambodia, and it was the great opportunity to meet our sponsored children and the CCF's team member. Coming from France (sorry for my poor english) we were very enthusiastic to see with our own eyes own CCF works and care of the children. It was really a wonderful experience. We could visit the community center and different places, we were warmly welcome and our guide from CCF was very kind and competent.
in the afternoon, we could go to Phnom Penh with our sponsored children, made some shopping together and shared a very nice moment around a refreshing icecream!
Besides that, I just want to give my testimony about my experience : the CCF's action for poor children is very serious, all people work with passion and heart, and we could see how many children and families are helped. Thanks to CCF to handle such difficult work on the long term, their organisation is really great and efficient.
Warm regards to everybody, hope to see you again next year!

Volunteering with CCF in early 2015 gave me the chance to see first-hand the amazing work being done by CCF in the Steung Meanchey community. As well as educating and caring for more than 2,200 children, CCF operates a broad spectrum of community services that support the families to keep the kids in school. The staff really do ‘work from the heart’, with an underlying belief that CCF children can be the next generation of Cambodian leaders. It is clear that CCF's work with these kids is truly life changing - breaking the cycle of poverty and providing them with the opportunities they deserve.

CCF not only changes the lives of children in Cambodia, but the lives of everyone that come into contact with this amazing NGO. I was inspired by the founder's story and the positive impact of this charity. I've just finished 6 months volunteering in Phnom Penh; everyday was a bonus. My life has been enriched by meeting and working with wonderful, beautiful children, teachers and volunteers. To be able not only to witness, but to be part of this team was a dream come true. At times, I used to stand in awe, hope being restored and communities rebuilt.

I recently spent 6 weeks volunteering with CCF and was most impressed by the broad and diverse range of services they offer to the whole community in the Steung Meanchey area of Phnom Penh. The staff are incredibly dedicated and hard working and have a real dedication to changing the lives of those they work with. I believe CCF is bringing real change to the lives of many families and individuals and are providing an opportunity for many children to break out of the poverty cycle and have hope for the future.

On my recent visit (Feb 2015), I was continually impressed by CCF and can say that CCF definitely 'far exceeded my expections!' I was impressed by what I knew about CCF and by their top ratings as a charity before going to Phnom Penh. Now I am more impressed than I thought possible having seen CCF in action. Anyone donating or sponsoring through CCF should be confident their funds are being put to the best use possible and should be proud to be a part of such an incredible program making a huge difference! I feel like sponsorship with CCF not only helps the child but also will have a positive impact for the country of Cambodia. CCF provides the best chance for the child to grow into an educated, socially aware adult who can become a positive contributor to society with great potential to help improve life for other Cambodians. CCF has created a burgeoning ecosystem of stewardship that seems constantly expanding due to the ceaseless perseverance of Scott Neeson and luckily the amazing team of CCF employees, which includes some of the first CCF graduates, which I also think is wonderful! I love the interaction via email and Skype with my sponsored child. He is a part of our family and it is great to watch him growing and learning right along with my daughter. CCF helps tons of children that do not have sponsors so I love that my donation goes to help them all. I could not be happier with my choice to be a sponsor/donor to CCF!

Several years ago I first visited CCF with a skeptical mind. I had read a lot about the orphanage business in Cambodia and was determined to ensure that any organisation I was supporting actually helped children and didn't seek to exploit the poor. After my first tour, I was blown away by the wholistic nature of CCF, its many facilities including education, healthcare, vocational programs and much more, and most of all its happy, well looked after kids. I was so impressed I not only sponsored a child, but applied to volunteer. Having just returned from 3 months at CCF, I can say my skeptical mind has been put to rest. CCF is truly life changing for the kids that are fortunate enough to be looked after by its selfless and hardworking staff. The greatest testament to CCF's model are the first generation of children who have been raised at CCF and are now graduating into the real world. They are smart, confident and eloquent young people who speak fluent English and have a desire to give back to the organisation that helped them become the people they are. I can see the cycle of poverty being broken and vision of a sustainable NGO coming into fruition. These children are Cambodia's future, a cause truly worth supporting.

My husband and I have been CCF sponsors of a child for seven years. We have been able to make two visits to see our beautiful, sponsored daughter. On our most recent visit, we were fortunate to tour several classrooms with children learning English, the day care, and the bakery training facility for CCF teens interested in learning a trade. We also spent wonderful time with our child and her friends. CCF is a model-run non-profit which gives hope and a future to the children it serves.

I have sponsored a child at CCF for 3 years. When my schedule allowed, I flew over to volunteer. I have just completed 5 months volunteering In Phnom Penh. This has been a life-changing experience... it is such a special place and organization. There are millions of non-profits out there. I think it is possible that a few may be as good as CCF. However, I can promise you that it is impossible for one to be better. Impossible! The kids are so inspirational. Scott Neeson talks the talk and walks the walk (every night).

I am absolutely in awe of everything Cambodian Children's Fund manages to accomplish with such limited resources. It's biggest success, however, is the confidence, security and hope its programs give an incredibly marginalized group of children. Congratulations and keep up the good work!

On my third trip to Cambodia I was lucky enough to visit the head office, co-sponsored world housing project, and new Rice Academy school. The thing that makes CCF stand out above similar non-profits is the holistic and focused nature of their intervention. They are lifting whole communities out of their distressing poverty through a mix of education, health, nutrition and employment. They do not over extend but ensure they have a genuinely trans formative impact on those they serve. If you are looking for a Cambodian charity to support then I highly recommend this one.

I have been a child sponsor with Cambodian Children's Fund for 2 years. I am sponsoring beautiful 9 year old girl Srey Vy. Since I am currently living in Singapore I was able to manage visit my sponsored child 3 times. On the first visit I have been shown CCF facilities, introduced to program structure and I witnessed with my own eyes how things work and everything they describe on their website, Facebook posts, Twitter etc is true. I met the children in CFF facilities and I was in awe with positive aura all around. Later I met my sponsored child for the first time. If you are interested about my experiences I wrote an article here http://richardsimko.com/archive/visiting-cambodian-childrens-fund
Few months later I visited second time and again we had great time with my sponsored child again. Third visit happened in December 2014. I surprised Srey Vy with a birthday cake. She turned 9. CFF staff was very helpful in organizing this little surprise.
Generally being a sponsor with CFF is very rewarding experience. I have regular email communication with Srey Vy so I always know what is going on. A new email always brightens my day. I know I am making a difference here. Small one but difference it is. If you add lot of small contributions together then you really have power to make a change. And change there is. I am looking forward for more visits and continuing my support of Cambodian Children's Fund. I think it is one of the best charities out there.

I visited CCF this morning as part of my Cambodia holiday. As a donor I was keen to see how my donations are being managed on the ground. I left feeling that CCF provides excellent value for money, that my donations are being well spent. The CCF HQ is modest, with the tuktuk driver having to point it out to me on arrival (this compares favourably with a similar charity back home housed in its own large, ostentatious building). I was guided by a friendly and professional member of staff to three CCF sites, being a playground, school, and community centre. All three had good security, were well maintained, and were full of happy and friendly staff and children. The facilities are basic but functional, with good computer access for students. As part of the tour we briefly stopped at CCF’s housing project. These houses, built on stilts, are located behind a fence. I observed that while outside the fence is filth, inside is neat and tidy – these tenants take pride in their homes. Overall, I was very impressed with CCF; the visit confirmed what I have read previously on websites such as this. I will continue supporting this excellent charity. Thank you for a great day.

We've been sponsors for 6 years and have visited CCF in Phnom Penh on several occasions.
One cannot begin to describe the impact this organisation has on the lifes of thousands of people. Whether it is the personal "mentoring" sponsors have with their kids, or the societal impact from the medical and vocational centres. CCF is an example of dedication, professionalism and transparency.

We have been sponsors of a young girl at the Cambodian Children's' Fund for the past 8 years and visited her and the school 4 years ago. It is an amazing organization that changes the lives of every child involved, along with their families. We receive frequent email updates and photos from our sponsored child as well as from the school which reports on her academic progress. Sponsoring and visiting this young girl has been truly one of the most satisfying and worthwhile experiences we have had working with a nonprofit organization. I highly recommend considering sponsorship.

I recently visited the CCF with my twin 10-year old girls. I was looking to expand their world perspective, try to show them the extreme and varying levels of social and economic living conditions outside of our very comfortable suburban life in the United States. The result is hard to put in words as the CCF is a forever life-changing experience. We came away with empathy, hope and the realization that we can make a difference! We sponsor a child now, will do school projects based on raising funds to help sponsor the CCF and will spread the word on this wonderful organization in Cambodia that is changing the future of a nation! Scott Neeson has been and inspiration to us all!

I recently travelled to cambodia to teach PE with ACPE (Australian College of Physical Education). I believe that this organisation succeeds in their mission to assist children and provide them with education , food and clothing in hopes that they will be the change in the future generation of Cambodia. Where suffering, inequality are seen throughout the country it is good to see these children given a chance at life. My 3rd year teaching i have fallen in love with these children and can see that CCF has changed the outlook on lives with smiles that can light up darkness. I am grateful that i have been a part of this organisation and i can't imagine what would be of these children if it wasn't there. As Nelson Mandella quotes ; education is the most powerful weapon to change the world and in this case educating these children will hopefully one day turn Cambodia into a equal and bright country. My world has changed by working with CCF and i can only imagine half of what it has done with the children.

I just spent a few days volunteering with CCF. I could see the money going directly to help the community. The children were absolutely beautiful and it was obvious that CCF was well known and respected throughout the area.

I first heard about the Cambodian Children's Fund after a spontaneous visit to Cambodia. I had seen the poverty first hand and was thinking through ways I could make some difference there, having decided to return as soon as I was able.

That was in October 2011.
I am now the Vice-Projects Coordinator/Operations Director for another organisation working within Cambodia, and it has been my great honour to have been able to work alongside Scott and his fantastic team at CCF. Their work is of the highest ethical and professional standard, and whilst we have, many of us, become somewhat cynical towards NGO's over the years, it can only be said that they, CCF, are worthy of all the accolades given them. Their work is invaluable. So many desperate lives have been changed in the most positive and enduring ways. It is almost inconveivable that the vision and determination of one man to do good could have survived let alone flourish in the face of such odds against success. Hats off to you guys. I'm proud to know you and to able to lend a hand in some small way to your incredible works.

I am a 65 year old divorced woman and as a mother, and a former psychiatric nurse and middle school science teacher, I believe almost nothing at first glance. When I saw the documentary regarding Cambodian Children's Fund, I paused and then decided to investigate the organization. I studied the financials and read every article written about CCF. I was impressed: most of the money goes to the children. Initially, I was going to give a one time small donation because I have limited means. When I saw the faces of the numerous children who needed a sponsor, I knew I could tighten my belt and make it work. One of the qualities of this organization that I like best is the emphasis on the children. If I could not write to my sponsor child on a regular basis, then they discouraged sponsorship. Children need consistency, no matter where or whatever their station in life. I made a silent commitment to Rachna, my sponsor child, and to myself: I would not let her down. Little did I know where that path would lead me.

Rachna and I have been writing by email to one another for over two years. Since I am a teacher, I have given her small assignments and she has given me assignments as well. One assignment was for me to learn about Angkor Wat, a World Heritage in Cambodia. She wanted me to learn about different Cambodia holidays and I did. She told me about school and her love for dancing. I told her about my dogs. Her emails became the light in my day. I felt such pride!!!

It occurred to me last January that I was not getting any younger and if I was going to meet Rachna, I'd better start making plans. I would be traveling alone half way around the world. I contacted CCF for guidance and then made my travel arrangements. I found a small boutique hotel in Phnom Penh (I later found out the owner sponsors two CCF children). I wrote Rachna in March 2014 and we both began the countdown until October when we would meet.

There are moments in life that you feel like you are walking in slow motion and you know you are memorizing every sound and sight. I felt like that when Rachna stood up to greet me for the first time. I thought my heart would burst. She also brought a friend and a translator from CCF.
The four of us went shopping as previously planned (what fun!!!! we laughed and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the young people as they made their choices at the market). We later had lunch together and made plans to see each other at the school the following day.

The translator took me to two schools, the clinic and nursery. The students were engaged in their studies. I saw happy, healthy, courteous children. I looked at some of their notes: neat writing (that's the teacher in me). I spoke to a class of about 15 teenage students. I was surprised by their ease of speaking English. They learn Khmer, French and English. How many American public schools can boast two required languages? Almost none. The schools were modest and orderly. The children give direct eye contact and there is a quick smile on their faces. If you know anything about students, that speaks volumes.

There are almost 2000 students who attend school through CCF and 10,000 thru their outreach program. Through the vision of Scott Neeson who visited Cambodia in 2003 and began the school in 2004, this is an organization that works! There are no Fat Cats living off donations and going to fancy retreats. This is the real deal. I feel thankful that I have been able to play a small part in keeping this organization alive.

CCF does so much for so many people. They NEED more help. No one asked me to write that statement. Do you need that pedicure, another outfit or that fancy bottle of wine? If you cannot commit to being a sponsor, send the money to CCF. Your donation DOES matter. It feeds and educates children. It gives them a meaningful future. You'll never regret it. Take it from old woman who went half way round the world by herself, who looked into those young intelligent eyes.

Patricia S Gross,
RN, BSN, Masters of Education

I first came to know about this wonderful organization through an article in reader's digest. I immediately decided to contact them and become a Sponsor. This was an act which I have never regretted. I was very fortunate that I ended having the honour and privilege to Sponsor Meth Chan Mouy 5 years ago. Her emails to me have brighten up my day and whenever I meet her in Cambodia, she brings much joy to my heart.

I can see that this organization does great work and my sponsored child has really benefited through the years and it heartens me to see her blossom into a young lady and improve her self through her schooling and experiences with Cambodian Children's Fund.

Christopher Bridges
Singapore

Cambodian Childern's Fund is a wonderful organisation which makes a hiuge difference to the lives of thousands of Children and their families, with all resources going directly to those who need them. I visited our sponsored child some months ago, and it was heartwarming to spend time with her and to see how much CCF has enriched her life. We keep in regular contact with her via email, and it is exciting to see how she is developing , and using the opportunies she is given. Her future is certainly a bright one, thanks to CCF.

Cambodian Children's Fund is an amazing organisation on every level. The CEO Scott Neeson and, Country Manager and all others who work in a paid or voluntary capacity truly 'work from the heart'. The generosity of spirit, the commitment to the children, families and the community and the highly ethical way of doing things cannot fail to leave one in awe. I had the enormous privilege of working with CCF for a year and the experience was life-changing. I have the greatest of respect for all CCF staff and intend to go back as the experience of working with such an impressive team is incredible. The way the children are respected, supported and nurtured in every way results in real changes in their lives and really enables them to have a realistic vision of themselves as tomorrow's leaders. The joy I experienced when celebrating with the children at the monthly 'community party night' was just priceless . Scott and the leadership team are highly accountable and very conscious of the need to use donor funds efficiently to get real outcomes for the children - it is a very well managed organisation where there is constant striving to improve and build on the great systems in place. Once you experience it, remains as an important part of your life forever.

CCF is a wholistic NFP organisation which blows me away. Every day I follow their news on Facebook and am always in awe of the achievements of everyone involved. Love the grandparent program that is so lovingly implemented through the young Cambodian leaders. Culture awareness, care giving, medical care, tools and food to negate the less desirable aspects of Cambodia - so well set up and managed. Love that the 'at risk' families and/or children are given the opportunity to grow and give back to their culture. Love that CCF is striving to be sustainable financially and emotionally. So much happiness in Camodia. I just love all those smiling faces, young and old.

I have recently been to Phnom Penh to visit my 2 sponsored children.... I took tissues thinking I would need them, the only tears I shed were tears of joy. The CCF children and the children in the CCF community are the happiest children I have seen.
They have so little material things, but have so much in the way of love thanks to Scott and all the staff.
CCF has provided so much not only for the children but the whole community. The health care, the community centre, fresh water, the English classes, the cups of milk and meals for the kids off the streets...really what don't CCF do!
We are so privileged in the Western World, we have running water, electricity, flush toilets and our children want for nothing.
I drive a BMW X3, I wish I didn't and when I trade this car in, I will not be getting a prestige car... I will buying a car for half the price and giving the balance between a BMW and Subaru to CCF!
Scott, you are one out of the box!
ps I have just sponsored my 3rd child and have promised my other children I will be at their graduations!

I have been involved with the Cambodian Children's Fund for close to five years, initially as a donor and sponsor of two children, and later as a volunteer as well. I first became a donor because, from my research, I felt CCF did not waste its funds, but used its resources to directly impact children's lives through education, food programs and outreach to the families in the community as a whole. But I wanted to know more and see for myself - so I went to Phnom Penh to witness every aspect of the operation, visiting the classrooms, medical facility, residences and the children's families in the community. I then became involved in volunteer work, which has taken me back to CCF many times over the past two years. I feel I have gotten to know the staff and operations well and can definitely say that this is truly a hands-on organization where no resources are wasted, and each child is treated as an individual who deserves to be given every opportunity possible to effectively take charge of his or her life. The kids are so eager for a chance at education and to see them growing year after year into eductated, motivated young adults makes it undeniably clear that CCF is achieving its goals.

I had the opportunity to visit the Cambodian Children's Fund last month (September 2014) and meet my sponsored child. It was clear that CCF has done and continues to do incredible things for the children of a country where people exude so much joy and spirit despite their hard lives.

While spending the day with my sponsored child was the highlight of my trip, it was wonderful to visit the facilities in Phnom Penh and witness first hand the transformative work that is being done. The trip solidified my commitment to CCF and I would encourage anyone to get involved in any capacity that they can.

My husband and I sponsor a CCF child and through CCF translators we can keep in regular contact. It is great to get to know the child and hear the education, activities and opportunities which CCF provide. We were fortunate enough to visit Phnom Penh earlier in the year and were delighted to see a range of initiatives which provide support, jobs and even housing for families of CCF children.

Working with CCF was one of the most significant experiences of my life. I hope to get back there in some capacity in the future. They are a pivotal organization in the region and it is imperative that they be a lasting resource for the community they serve. All who work there should be so proud of the work they do with these amazing resiliant young people. Keep up your great work!!!

I first read an article about CCF in our Sunday newspaper. My son then volunteered with them for six months and came back to Scotland with nothing but praise for the way this NGO was run. As a family we sponsor a child now and the wonders of email mean that we are in regular touch with him personally and the charity in general. We visited in 2012 and were overawed by the scale of work done and the dedication of the staff. In a country with so much corruption CCF is an oasis of hope.

We sponsor a child at CCF and have nothing but praise for what they are doing and the way they go about it. We are in regular contact with 'our boy' via email and hope we are helping with his language development and general encouragement around schoolwork and sport. We also visited CCF ourselves during a recent visit to Cambodia and could see for ourselves the way the charity was run. They deserve full credit for their work, which seems to be expanding all the time.

I volunteered at CCF for two months in 2014 and have nothing but glowing praise and admiration for their approach to serving the people of Phnom Penh. My time at their headquarters was spent working closely with all levels of the organisation, from direct beneficiaries to the director. From this experience I have to say that beyond the obvious sophistication and thoroughness of the CCF's approach to the work being done, it was the palpable organisation-wide dedication to the core mission of creating brighter futures for the children of Cambodia - above and beyond standard job tasks, obligations and day-to-days - that really struck me as the secret ingredient to the success of a special group of people.

I first visited CCF in 2012 and was so blown away by the incredible work the team does I went back in 2013 to work with them for 4 months. Even in the space of a year CCF had developed and continued to expand helping even more children in need of a safe and reliable environment. Not only does CCF help children in need but it is one of the only organizations that facilitates families as well, emphasizing the need for a strong family foundation. CCF continues to amaze me and my time working there will forever be cherished.

I have just had the privilege of visiting CCF for the second time. I organise an overseas study tour each year for students each year which has, as an integral part, a community project component. For the past 2 years CCF has been one of our groups that we support - through sponsorship and other activities. The tour group spends time with CCF students and accompanies them on a tour of the various facilities. This day is always a highlight for the students and almost all of them say it changes their lives and gives them the incentive to continue supporting such organisations as they enter post school life. For me personally, it restores my faith in humanity and I am in absolute awe of the work Scott and the CCF team do, but more importantly I am in awe of the students themselves. Their resilience and dignity is astonishing.

I had the life changing experience of visiting CCF last month. One of my dear friends was moving to Phnom Penh and volunteering for 6 months with this NPO, so I went out with her before she started work and toured the Country. My lasting impression of Cambodia is not Angkor Wat or the coastline but the amazing work that this organisation is doing. I often hear people say "what difference can one person make" well Mr Neeson you have made an amazing difference to a great many people.
It was a real pleasure to meet the child that I sponsor and her brother and see at first hand how CCF helps her whole family and indeed the community. I am looking forward to following their progress. Many people have asked me about my trip and I find myself talking for 1 minute about the places i visited and 20 minutes about this organisation. If I can pass on your enthusiasm and passion about your work to one person that then becomes a Donor I will feel that I have enriched not only the life of the child they sponsor but the Donor's too, just as the experience has enriched mine.

I had the great joy of visiting Cambodian Children's Fund for the second time in September this year. I was taken on a tour of a number of the facilities. Having worked in the social work field for 10 years + myself, I have the greatest admiration for what CCF continues to achieve. CCF has grown over time to meet the complex needs of the community it serves. It meets basic needs such as daily nutrition and medical care but its long term focus is on educating the children so that they are the leaders of tomorrow. A truly noble pursuit. You have no doubt when you have visited that the children and families are in great hands with CCF. My sincere thanks to Scott and his team for all that they do! Tess Q

I was given a very detailed tour around the CCF center 1 and 5. I am very impressed with the facilities CCF have provided for the children. This NPO helps some of the needy families in Phnom Penh by providing them basic needs and education for the children. The kids have chances to learn computer skills, learn from volunteers all over the world and get themselves expose to the outside world thru internet and word of mouth from the voulunteers. I will continue to give my support and wish CCF to continue reaching out the other families in need.

I recently had the pleasure and honor to volunteer with CCF for 6 weeks. CCF is an amazing organization that is committed to the Cambodian people and ensuring their basic needs are met. CCF goes above and beyond to ensure the safety and security of the families served by CCF. The staff I worked with during my time at CCF are compassionate and dedicated to CCF and the families they serve. I was welcomed with warmth and respect. The staff were amazing! I gained so much from my experience with CCF and plan to return to volunteer again!

I was a volunteer at CCF during January and February of 2014. My position was to work with the teachers and children in the nursery school. Sometimes it was hot and dusty, sometimes the children were sick, sometimes the activities felt challenging, but ALWAYS the smiling faces of the children and their eagerness to learn, more than made up for the occasional inconvenience. It was a humbling and enriching experience.

I have volunteered at CCF on four seperate occassions over four years. CCF provides wonderful opportunities for those that they look after. What is most impressive, is their focus on helping the whole family, not just the children enrolled in school. This may include, providing an older child skills to cook in the bakery or for the mother to work in the garment factory or in the daycare centre.

CCF provides a supportive and nurturing environment where children that are born into poverty, are provided with opportunities to break that cycle and through access to education and improved health are equipped with the skills to take control of their lives and create a new path that can include completing school, going to university and working in a job.

CCF children are fantastic leaders. I have observed first hand the importance and connection that the older children at CCF have with the younger children. They are able to remember what it was like for them to start at CCF when they were young and in turn they provide support and care to the new children. This self-sustaining community is one of CCF's greatest strengths.

I am so glad that I have the opportunity to volunteer at CCF and observe the development of all individuals in their care and the improvement in their quality of life thanks to the hard work of CCF.

We were introduced to CCF by friends when we traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia. When visiting CCF we were completely shocked by the living condition of the children and their families, if they even had a family. Living on the Stung Meanchey dump was probably the single most disgusting thing I have ever witnessed. Scott Neeson had the same impression and he then turned his disgust into what is, in my opinion, the best charitable organization I have know. We immediately began supporting several children and last year applied for and were accepted as volunteer teachers. We spent two months volunteering and for me it was the most rewarding experience I think I have had (and I am 70). I still communicate with the teachers, a group of the most dedicated people I have ever met.

If a charitable organization deserves 5 stars (is 10 possible!) CCF is it. What Scott Neeson and his staff have done, what the volunteers continue to do, what the dedicated teachers do every day, is almost beyond comprehension.

This a truly a class organization and when you see the smiles on the children's faces, children who have next to nothing, you can't help but want to help in any way, large or small, that you can.

A terrific charity!

Jim Huning

CCF was recommended to me by a friend who volunteered with them a couple of years ago. I volunteered with CCF from June to end of August 2013.

I was attracted to CCF largely because of the way it deals with volunteers. CCF usually will not accept volunteers for less than three months, and coordinators do their best to place volunteers in areas best suited to their skills. The second thing that appealed to me about CCF is its lack of religious or political affiliations. CCF has no hidden agenda – it is completely focused on caring for the children in its programs and making sure they have the best futures possible.

Scott Neeson has created a really remarkable organisation that is enabling impoverished Cambodian children to fulfill their potential. I wish Scott and CCF the best of luck for the future. I feel very privileged to have been able to be a small part of an incredible team!

I am currently volunteering at CCF as an assistant English teacher. It is an incredible organisation made up of amazing people - kids, staff and volunteers alike. There is never a slow day!

My wife & I learned about CCF through the 2008 documentary film, Small Voices, & have had the privilege of sponsoring 2 children for the past year. Being health professionals with experience abroad, we were very impressed by not only the obvious passion & drive of Scott & his team, but also their careful thought in designing a multi-modal intervention to break the cycle of poverty, disease, abuse & lack of education in Cambodia.

Our visit to CCF's facilities earlier this year only confirmed first-hand what we inferred from the documentary & from the sponsor orientation package - it was incredibly humbling & gratifying to see how proud the staff & kids were of their amazing achievements, & we came away feeling that it would be hard to imagine making a bigger difference with our ongoing donations. We plan to continue our support of CCF, & hope that you'll consider joining us!

Just last week I had the wonderful opportunity of having a personal tour of the Cambodian Children's Fund (CCF) set up in Phnom Penh with Scott Neeson the founder of CCF. The following day I had a further 5-hour tour with one of the staff of the great many sectors that make up the amazing work that CCF is doing. Whilst there I saw the smiles on the children's faces. The magical way Scott and the staff interact with the children and I saw kids holding their shoulders back and their heads high. Kids who had self-esteem, knew they had a place in the world and had purpose and goals. It was a beautiful sight to see and though I was already a fan of CCF I had never actually walked around and seen the operations in action before. So as a result of two-days of touring and seeing Scott Neeson himself so hands-on, on the ground, talking to the kids, checking in on them and building their self-esteems I am now even more a fan of the amazing work of CCF. I took on a sponsor child whilst there and am looking forward to many good years of being part of her life and the story and magical work that is that of CCF. If you have a dollar or more to spare to a very well run NGO that is really making huge changes for the next generation of Cambodia, spend it here.

I have been lucky to visit CCF 3 times now, once to make a donation and visit CCF1 the second time with a friend who had become a new child sponsor and my last visit on 22nd July I had great privilege of accompanying Scott on his night rounds. I was visiting with a friend who had recently fundraised and donated enough money for CCF to buy a School bus. Scott has amazing vision for CCF but he is also very personable and knows every single child's name, birthday and story, constantly reaching for his phone to show us the before photos of the children.

The daily situations that he and his staff at CCF are dealing with would bring most of us living a very easy western life to our knees. Child abuse, violence, death, starvation and just general neglect and despair. He appears to take all of this in his stride as he picks up or bends down to talk to each child wanting his attention, of which there are many. He listens intently to requests from grannies, parents and children alike, motioning to his staff and instructing in Khmer what needs to be done in each particular situation.

He is a true hero and "Pa" to these most beautiful Cambodia children who deserve a better life then they have been deal. I have been coming to Cambodia for many years and work with Cambodian Artisans, purchasing craft under fair trade practices, educating Australian's about Fair Trade and Fair living wages. I also give talks to raise awareness of the issues in Cambodian, encourage ethical travel and plant many seeds on the benefits of having a social and global conscience to giving.

After this last and recent visit, I can not speak highly enough about the work of CCF and the total and undeniably evident love that Scott has for these children and his tireless efforts to improve their lives.

I have been sponsor to two kids at CCF over the last several years and finally had time to visit Phnom Penh this week to see the operation on the ground and meet the kids... I knew already that CCF was a first rate organization but there's nothing as powerful as witnessing it in action. I saw four or five of CCF's facilities and several hundred children of all ages at play, in classes, working on their language and computer skills, eating dinner and, importantly, receiving prizes for their efforts and achievements in school. I spent several hours with Scott, who is a ball of energy with big ideas and an incredible grasp of detail -- including, it seemed, the names, stories and achievements of all the more than 2,000 children CCF supports. Inspirational and moving. On top of that, I spent a morning with the kids I sponsor -- a treat for them and me and another reason why I will be back.

I've come across CCF through the Panda Paddlers in Hong Kong. I've had the honour to meet the kids and staff at CCF two years ago and it is amazing to see the positive impacts CCF is bringing to the local community. The story behind this charity is simply extraordinary!

Great charity with Very Honest, Very caring and dedication.

Mckenney

I think the most amazing part of My story probably is the Changes this Great place has made in Me ! I want Everyone to know that I am 56 Years old Worked in Rock n Roll for Over 30 Years and been Overpaid the Entire Time ! This Business while being a Job that I would do for Free is also a Very Self-Indulgent and Ego Driven proposition !

Some 7 or 8 Years ago while at Home for a few Weeks I ran across the movie "Heaven and Earth" for Whatever reason it was a Lightning Bolt Moment , These Beautiful Kids know a Poverty that NONE of us know here in the US , The truth is , Many of these Families would think they died and went to Heaven just to live at a Dumpster Behind ANY Resturant here in L.A.!


For the next 5 Years I became a supporter of this Organization and pretty much followed and watched their Growth . It is startling to watch a Young Child with a Very Tited Eyes staring off into some other World that perhaps was a kinder place to Live , these children Expect Nothing they know No better . And I could also relate to Scott's Story ,

Finally in My seventh Year I Sponcered a Family , For much less that a Nice lunch with a Friend I can Give and Actually IMPROVE the Lives of a Family and while I do this I have a Counselor in Phnom Penh that really Knows what's going On ! I'm THAT Guy that would Send a Pallete full of Snickers Bars while forgetting the Need for Diapers ! I have ALWAYS believed that to be Successful You need to Surround Yourself with Very Capable People and the ENTIRE STAFF at CCF is Nothing Short of that .

So in short ... I am given the Pivledge of Giving to Some Families that not only Deserve it but HONESTLY Understand Your help and could not appreciate it More . Without throwing it in Your Face these Staff Members instill a Sense of Competance and True Concern for the families . A couple of bumper Sticker Quotes are coming Your way only because it is a FACT. !
:" I give to these Families but it is I that receives the Greater Gift ".


In Closing I need to Say that as I Mentioned. , I have worked with and Around Creative and Artistic People My Entire Life , I also Pride Myself in knowing that I can see BS coming down the Road before most See it , this is the real Deal . Scott Neesons Genius is a Mixture of Concern and Love tied in with a Creative twist that WORKS : ) Brilliant Leadershit and True Love and Dedication from the Staff make EVERYONE a Winner .

I feel please to be a member of big CCF family, And dump-site is a misery crevasse existed thousand of people living in. CCF is a machine to destroy poverty through providing education health care and community development. CCF is a great nonprofit organization to help Cambodia, thank you very much !

This organization has transformed not only my life but the life of some many young children in Phnom Penh. I was blessed to hear about this organization by accident through the documentary Small Voices and since then I can only say that it has transformed my life. Since becoming a part of this organization I have seen such a change in the kids and have also gained a personal fulfillment in receiving so much love from my sponsor child. I routinely receive letters, pictures and do Skype phone calls making the experience well worth it. There is no better feeling than knowing you are transforming someone's life and in the return you will receive nothing but gratitude love and the fulfillment of knowing that you are helping a young life who will grow up to transform the world. I look forward to meeting my sponsor child within the next year and can only say that will be such a wonderful moment that I will hardly have words to explain it. I can only say good things about this organization and hope that other nonprofit organizations seek to provide the same fulfilling experience to their donors as I have received through the Cambodian Children's Fund.

I wanted to spend my 4 months long service leave in Cambodia instead of volunteering in Europe but when I accidently saw Scotts story on ABC Australian Story I did what he did except I didn't sell the house..... and spent my time in Siem Reap... TUK TUK MADAM????

I have been to Phnom Penh now three times and before first going I was introduced to CCF so I decided to go there. Forget that downtown tourist Phnom Penh is transforming itself and go to Steung Meanchey and see what Scott Neeson is doing............or should I say what isnt he doing.
Scott is indefatigable and nonstop he is coming up with programs that further differentiates CCF from other organizations. There are hundreds of kids from the most disenfranchised backgrounds who are being saved by CCF from abuse,violence and predators.
As of Xmas 2013 there were 1750 kids directly being served by CCF, most of whom were living at CCF and being cared for by a committed staff. I immediately sponsored two young girls there and have watched the transformation from shy nervous frightened kids to happy well nourished teenagers with friends and now even family members with them at CCF.
I think of it this way............one less Starbucks coffee a hundred days a year and you can directly save two children and give them a real chance - and I have met kids who will go to University and will have a direct impact on policy and simply because CCF was there.

CCF is the most inspiring and efficient organizations I have ever seen. The impact CCF has on Phnom Penh is undeniable. The growth and the vast amount of people they are able to touch is incredible. More organizations would benefit from following their plan. We continued to be amazed as we toured each facility and learned more about the various programs. The staff is wonderful and the children beautiful. Our faces hurt from smiling.

CCF is an organisation you have to see yourself to truly understand the impact it has on the people living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. In December last year I was lucky enough to be able to volunteer at the CCF with 22 other students. It truly was life changing. These children ooze vitality. They have so much enthusiasm and motivation it is infectious, yet they come from some of the worlds most impoverished communities. Their resilience is like none I have ever seen and it was absolutely amazing to get to work with these children and be a part of the CCF for a short amount of time. I know I will maintain a connection with CCF, I hope to be able to go back for a few months once I have finished my undergraduate degree. I believe there is no other organisation in the world that could possibly top the CCF, it has all bases covered and has completely transformed the lives of many children and their families and will continue to do so for years to come.

I first visited Cambodia in 2000 and was greatly struck by the poverty and lack of industry in the Country, especially in contrast to Thailand and Vietnam on either side. Phnom Penh, even then, was still largely in ruins except for the front street along the river. To even begin to understand what had happened in Cambodia during the Pol Pot years one book to read is Loung Ung's 'First They Killed My Father'. Anyone over 40 in Cambodia now was there during the Khmer Rouge years - and that legacy lives on. So to me it is important to sponsor a child and give this person any small chance I can to have a leg up in life. I have been very impressed by what I have seen of CCF, and all communications I have had with them. I believe the cause is excellent, and my money is making it to where it needs to be, which you often don't know for sure with other charities. I think the focus on education, leadership, looking after grannies and mums is spot on. And I get to share email exchanges with my sponsor child and see her grow - love that!

before I tell my story, I ask readers this….
With the many choices people have today to embrace charity causes, why choose CCF, and why choose an organization that's not close to your home region and in a location where most people will never have the opportunity to visit in their lifetime…Phnom Penh, Cambodia? For 3 vital reasons:

1) the NEED of the children and their families in Phnom Penh is far beyond anything you could ever imagine, and the history of the country would move even the most hardened humans to tears…(it did me after visiting CCF for the first time and while standing on The Killing Field grounds outside the city. Google it, you will understand. Cambodia historically has been one of the most poverish and corrupt countries in the world, and the people specially its children, deserve better)...

2) the lives of these children would never change or simply end without INTERVENTION from CCF, and..

3) YOUR DONATIONS actually make it directly to the organization and are used as YOU identified to create meaningful change (child sponsorships, general donations, most needed, etc.)

So, how do I know this? As a Donor and Child Sponsor, I have visited CCF approximately 2-3 times per year since 2011 and have walked the communities, observed CCF on the ground operations, walked with the CCF Founder Scott Neeson through the villages/dump areas during the day and during the more dangerous evening walks, and visited the families and homes of people touched and impacted by CCF. Whether it was the grandmother who walked up to Scott in the village with an extremely sick (and dying) newborn baby in her arms (her granddaughter had left the baby at the dump site because it was too sick to be cared for as the mother had no money), the children who have been physically abused, sold or trafficked, or the 11 year old girl who walked BY HERSELF from Northern Cambodia to seek out CCF for better education, development and healthcare, Scott and his team work endlessly against the needs of the children, their families, and community, and are there 24/7 to respond and provide immediate help through the infrastructure that has become CCF. It is truly a remarkable operation with endless stories of selflessness aid by staff members at all levels, and is a very special place that has evolved based on one mans' vision and receipt of donations from individuals and corporations over the past 9 years or so.

If you are thinking about finding a cause and giving, I encourage you to check out CCF. I am sure you will find as I did, that the most wonderful gift of all is that which you give up for someone else who is significantly less fortunate than yourself.

DougCAtlantaUSA

I've known Scott Neeson, who launched CCF, for many years. His commitment to make a difference is unparalleled. CCF is an extraordinary organization which is changing lives and leading thousands of kids into a new, hopeful, life.

i have a sponsored a kid for many years and couldn't be happier about how he's progressing and seeing how CCF is broadening its scope with new projects

To me, ever since I learned about CCF, it was not only a challenge, but also a commitment to help in what I could to make this project a success. I wish I could do more, than just donate money.

Monde par la main/ Give a Hand Canada had the opportunity in the past to work in partnership with CCF for sponsoring the construction of a satelitte school in one of the communities. Our general experience with CCF was just great! We certainly value all the work that Scott and his team does for these children and their families in Phnom Penh. The world needs more initiative and passion to help others.
Thanks again Scott and team, let's hope we join forces again in the near future.
Sincerely
Daniel Lalande
Pres. Monde par la main/ Give a Hand
Canada

The two children I am at present sponsoring through CCF-I wouldn't trade this experience for the world.
Taking children from such squalor and pain, as seeing what emerges through an unveering commitment to giving these beautiful lives the love and nuturing they so desperately need>this is the essence of charity.

I have sponsored 2 girls at CCF for about 7 years now, we communicate by email and I have been to Phnom Penh to see them twice.
I am most impressed by CCF's commitment to education, not a hand out but a chance for a future for so many of Cambodia's neediest, the youngest. I'm also impressed with the maternity clinic where so many babies survive and their mothers assisted. Help for the entire family is the only way out of the cycle of poverty that is inflicted on most Cambodians.
I am thrilled that ongoing education is available to the older CCF children, either college or a trade school, with these the children can help their own families.
I am beyond impressed with that Scott Neeson has accomplished, his hard work and dedication have helped hundreds of children an families. I am proud to be part of CCF.

I've been following CCF for many years now. My family is from Cambodia and when I heard Scott's story when he decided to start CCF, it inspired me and encouraged me to be a contributor. I recently went to visit my family in Cambodia in early 2014 and wondered if there was any way to visit CCF. Kindly, they offered to take me on a tour to over 4 locations and visit the facilities and see all of the children! It was such a memorable experience. CCF is genuine, caring, and stays true to their original mission and values.

The great value of CCF is the way bringing individual children into a caring, loving and supportive environment creates small miracles every day. Scott and his supporters act from the heart. CCF reminds us what is important and how each individual act of "rescue" emphasises that truth.

During a trip to Angor Wat last year, I was struck by the large number of malnourished children that worked at the temple collecting trash for cash and selling homemade goods to help out the family. Of particular sadness were the very young children in that area sporting boa constrictors around their necks for the dollar that the tourists would give for a photo op. I vowed that when I returned to the states
I would find a charity that helped these children towards self-sufficiency and ensured a healthier life style.
I was delighted to find the CCB and am impressed with its good works.
I have lived in SE Asia and worked with refugee resettlement in both Thailand and the US since the early 80's. I have seen first hand what a few dollars and an education can do for a society that was decimated by the Khmer Rouge. I believe that this organization is making a difference and applaud its good works.

Great organisation, focused on getting things done - seem highly effective at what they do. I feel confident the money I have donated has been put to wherever they need it most at the time. They primarily use (efficient and cheap) social media to communicate with donors, supporters and the community - this ensures money + resources aren't wasted on costly hard copy mail-outs which I really resent from some NGOs/NFPs.

I first read about Scott Neeson in "The Readers Digest " in 2009, an article by Robert Kiener. Impressed, I got onto the website. My Wife and I sponsored 1 lovely little waif, then an older girl as well, then a third. The last two have left CCF now, but the first is still there, and I have taken on another two, a boy and a girl. We have visited twice over the years, and I will visit again soon. (My beloved wife passed away last week).
Contact with the kids by email, skype etc cannot match actually meeting them, and being able to take them shopping and having fun, while escorted by a chaperone and translator. CCF are very wary of the pedophiles who flock to poor countries to take advantage of desperate people , and protect the kids well.
Having a tour of the facilities is a given, and they are most impressive, and great value for money.
A good way to help also is to leave a legacy in your will. I have done that.
I nominated Scott Neeson for Australian of the year, but although it made the finals, he missed out.
I have not yet met him, but hope to next trip, if he is not off fundraising somewhere. In my book, he is a true hero. Born in Scotland, raised in Australia, lived in USA, a multinational hero at that.
CCF's dedicated staff, mostly Cambodians, are wonderful people. Very friendly, helpful, and caring.
If you get a chance, go see for yourself.

Cambodian Children's Fund help a lot of poor families in Cambodia. I like this organization so much. I also would like to say thanks to Scott Neeson, the founder of this organization, who provide the good opportunity to Cambodian's kids to get the right education, which can lead them to be leaders in the future.

I started sponsoring a child last August. It has been a wonderful enriching experience. I visited Cambodia in January and was able to visit their facilities and schools, at which time I decided to sponsor a second child. I am very much part of their lives now, have regular email contact and Skype calls from time to time. I am returning end of the year to work for 3 months as a volunteer buddy teacher. I am honored to be part of this organisation and proud to be an important part of my sponsored children's lives.

We have been sponsoring a child now for a year, and it started as a gift for my husband's 40th birthday. We collected funds from our friends attending the party and then matched it, so it will allow us to sponsor a child for the next 5-years. Ultimately we wanna help the little girl we sponsor to be completely independent. It is for such a good cause, and we often communicate with emails and photographs making it an intimate relationship despite the distance. We are blessed to know her, and feel that she is blessed by us too. It is such a great way to give. We hope we can help to raise more money and perhaps sponsor a few other children, so they too can benefit from us. The best charity we have come across! Well done.

My association with CCF began in July 2013 when I was introduced to the extraordinary achievements of Scott Neeson and his team. I am now very pleased to be the Head of Teaching and Learning at CCF with an exciting role to provide the highest quality educational programs for the children of Steung Meanchey. As Nelson Mandela once said - Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. It is happening here at CCF!

THIS CHARITY WAS SUGGESTED TO ME BY A PAL WHO KNOWS THE GUY WHO SET IT UP - SHE SAID HE WAS A ROCK SOLID ROCK STAR AND ALL THE RESEARCH I'VE DONE SUGGESTS SHE IS RIGHT - I THINK THIS CHARITY GENUINELY CHANGES LIVES AND IS EDUCATING CHILDREN WHICH IS PROBABLY A DECENT WAY OF BREAKING THE CYCLE. I'M A FAN.

The key and solutions for most of the worlds problems lies in the word - balance.
Simply, nothing will ever work - if it is out of balance, be that in the economy, religions, health etc.

As long as there is this appalling gap between the richest and the poorest nations, mainly because the rich nations are not willing to really help or share their riches. Therefor there will always be problems arising from it , not only for the poorest - but for the richest countries as well.

So, we would all do much, much better, if we would adopt a more global viewpoint and see ourselves as one, as one human family - not as different tribes.

The Cambodian Children's Fund (and others) doing just that and are helping in creating a more balanced world. I am happy to do my little part in that with them as a donor.

Hartmut Jager,

I've been sponsoring children and various non profits for decades and Cambodian Childrens Fund is by far one of the most impressive charitable foundations I've had the pleasure of being associated with. They operate with integrity and core values. They offer wonderful opportunites to get involved on all levels and seem to have an open book philosophy in being a highly accountable and transparent organization. I'm thrilled to be included in the CCF family and looking forward to becoming even more involved in the future.

The best financial decision I have ever made. Supporting my CCF child and family makes great financial sense. The DONATION IS Tax Deductible. The joy of giving and helping another family is invaluable.

In recent times I have become somewhat skeptical of some Not For Profit Organisations because of their size. They leave me wondering how much of my donation gets to the the problem solution.
As I became more aware of the Cambodian Children's Fund and the job it was doing and the way in which it was run I have come to be full of admiration for the hands on involvement of everyone involved from Scott downwards. I am fully convinced that the vast majority of our donation is going to achieve the education of our donor child. I an further very impressed by the professionalism together with the caring approach of the C.C.F. staff.
The amount of the donation from my wife and I is modest but we are happy the it does make a significant contribution to the life of one child.

I work at a University called ACPE and since 2011 we have been travelling to Phnom Penh once a year to conduct PE programs with the children for 3 weeks at a time in all the facilities at CCF. We have had some amazing and wonderful experiences with the children and staff at CCF. We love that all involved are just so keen to learn.
You can see the difference in the children from when they are new to CCF and to come back a year or two later to see them again and see how well adjusted they are, how amazing their English is and most of all how confident they are. They all just love CCF and are so appreciative of the opportunities they have been given and so take every chance they can to learn something new. The staff are certainly there for the children and put them first always. We are proud to be associated with CCF and can with confidence promote the good work to our family and friends.

I've been a donor and a sponsor since at least 2008.
They do treat work taking some of the most impoverished children and they provide them food security, education security, health security etc. so that they can excel in school and so they do.
This charity provides help to struggling children over the course of their lives. It isn't hit and run. The children can count on CCF being there over the course of their lives. They aren't merely helped and then abandoned.

In addition to my other donations, I also sponsor two children, and enjoy hearing about their struggles and successes.

I first visited Phnom Penh in 2008 and visited the rubbish tip that changed Scott's perspective on life. It also changed mine. The work CCF does is fundamental to efforts to rebuild Cambodia. Health, education, shelter, food and a safe haven. Amazing and sustainable programmes.

The experience I had at CCF was to me one of the most amazing experiences ever. But I also think that through the organisation of the company, impacted the children too, along with the help of the other volunteered that i was with. I would definitely want to volunteer again and I have and will continue, to recommend CCF to people to volunteer at

I was fortunate enough to be one of the students from Perth that worked in the CCF education centres in December. The experience was remarkable. The children and teachers I worked with were so eager to learn and so resilient. CCF provides these children with an opportunity to thrive of education, an opportunity that would have been limited otherwise.
One afternoon my peers and I taught a class of twelve year olds the hokey pokey to help them to learn body parts. After the lesson they came streaming out of class and recited it back to us. It was a truly amazing feeling to know that they absorbed what you taught, even If it was as simple as the hokey pokey.
Language does not classify as a barrier and the bonds you form with the children and the people that you meet are so special. My friends and I certainly hope to return to CCF one day in the future.

I first heard Scott speak at a luncheon, with no prior knowledge or interest in CCF. His story (& the story of the children, of course) touched me so much that I decided to sponsor a family. I am very hesitant about supporting organizations before doing due diligence, CCF passed with flying colors. CCF is unique - all its resources are put to helping the children. No fancy offices or marketing. Scott lives his values everyday.
After several years of corresponding and following the work of CCF, last December we decided to visit CCF. Cambodia was never a place I imagined I would go. My family including my husband, daughter, brother and niece all went. They had no expectations at all. We toured CCF and got the opportunity to meet our sponsored child and her family. It was amazing. Yes visiting the famous places in Cambodia like Ankgor Wat was beautiful, but nothing compared to CCF. We never thought we ould go to Cambodia but now we can't wait to go back again to see CCF. And without any asking or even hints during our visit, we have increased our donations.
It's hard to imagine a better nonprofit.

I lead a team of year 11 and 12 school students from Perth Western Australia to work for 10 days in the CCF education centres in December each year. We are exposed to most aspects of the organisation. I find it to be an amazing NGO that brings life and hope to literally 1000's of disadvantaged Cambodian children AND their families through education, safe housing, food programs, medical support and dozens of other programs. The children i take report back that their experience is life changing and that CCF is the most remarkable agency they have ever heard about or had contact with. Many of them seek to return as volunteers in adulthood.

All starts from the founder of the organization and the founder of this charity, Scott Neeson, who has pure compassionate heart, his intentions are utterly sincere and that's why this charity, on my opinion, should be a model how to run a charity. His selfless work produces life-changing and world-changing results, because when you help children not just with food and shelter, although that is already a lot, but help them develop their mind, shape their attitudes and expand their view, you raise the whole generation of educated and kind people who are willing to make a positive change in their country and the world. This charity lifts kids from literally dirt and garbage to the heights of opportunities and proper human life. I am very grateful that this charity exists.

Cambodian Children's Fund is the first charity I have seen that puts all its' resources on the ground. No grand offices in far-off cities - just hardworking, impassioned CCF staff working for and within the communities. Very much into openness and transparency and the result of their work is like nothing else I have seen.
The founder and workaholic Scott Neeson walks the talk and should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Great to see an organization of people that are so fortunate looking after less fortunate people so well. All of the help I see you giving has made me stop in my tracks and think 'what can I do that makes me be a better person'

I met Scott Neeson in Los Angeles several years ago and he impressed me with his vision and passion. I became a sponsor of Pean Sophy, a delightful little girl, and our correspondence has become an important part of my life. A couple of years ago I went to visit Sophy in Phnom Penh and was blown away by the incredible work that CCF is doing there. Meeting the team and some of the children in person brought Scott's vision to life for me. CCF sees a need - maternal health for example - and then does something about it. They are changing whole communities day after day. I am so thankful that I had that lunch with Scott all those yeas ago because it led me to the most meaningful cause to get involved with.

My fiancée and I are fundraisers for CCF in Adelaide, South Australia and we run our own Facebook page (CCF Adelaide) to raise awareness and organise fundraising events. We have recruited several sponsors for CCF children in the last 12 months and this is an area we focus on constantly.

We have visited Cambodia together twice and Lee-Anne separately on two occasions. As a nurse, Lee-Anne has visited CCF to provide clinical care to a child in the recent past. Like many others, our interest was provoked by the Australian Story documentary on Scott Neeson and we have now had the opportunity to meet with him several times.

When we are with Scott, we see the passion in his eyes and hear the spirit in his words. He is consumed by his calling and this is reflected in his productivity. We also see the love he has for these children and their communities and theirs for him in return. This is one of the most professionally run organisations in the world, not just in the NGO community but beyond into the commercial sector. The success that has been achieved across many facets of their work is amazing for a relatively fledgling organisation and it amazes me to see the efforts from close at hand, with such a shoe string budget and limited staffing resources.

In time, Lee-Anne and I will visit more often and our objective is to share our time between Cambodia and Australia, enlisting the help of medical and teaching teams as volunteers. We sponsor a child with a disability and find it very hard to leave this little girl behind when we depart Phnom Penh. The comfort for us is that we know she is in the best possible hands of people with the biggest of hearts and their leader who is becoming one of the greatest role models of our time. It makes us feel so proud that he comes from within our own community here in Adelaide.

I first heard of CCF in 2012 after seeing a program on TV featuring Scott Neeson and the fantastic work he has done in setting up this NGO. I was so impressed and inspired by someone who selflessly gives so much to so many, that I had to do something myself. I am a regular traveler to Thailand from Adelaide, Australia so "calling past" Cambodia was something I had to do. I needed to find out more, donated some money, met some of the friendly staff and find how I can do more. Becoming even more inspired, I promised I would return.
Keeping my promise, I returned in early May this year to be taken on a tour of all the CCF facilities and programs that provide such a professional, structured and wholistic approach to the community. I now sponsor a child and actively spread the word of CCF to my family, friends and work colleagues. Some of whom have donated money and cameras to assist with the Child Protection Unit who do a heartbreaking job with such pride, professionalism, respect and dignity.
Vocational training has a strong focus within CCF which is my area of expertise. I can tell you that the vocational programs being offered are an excellent example of what can be done with likeminded people coming together to provide a strong future for not only individuals and communities, but for an entire country.
After being in Phnom Penh for only 4 days, I found it hard to walk away. Feeling a range of emotions from despair to shock then joy, amazement, pride, admiration, inspiration, etc.
I WILL return and I WILL do more.

My husband I sponsor one of the children at CCF and in March this year we went travelling in Cambodia and visited CCF to have a look first hand at what they do as a charity. We were very impressed by the many different facilities that CCF run and the way the charity is integrated into the community. The facilities at the schools are fantastic and the opportunities that the young people have as a result of CCF was so good to see.
The community centre is a hive of activity and includes medical facilities that are not otherwise available to the people in the community. As a doctor I was very impressed in particular with the maternity programme that they run, providing care to expectant and new mothers, and the reduction in mortality rates as a result.
My husband was particularly interested in the new housing that is currently being put together as he works as an architect. We were both amazed at the simple yet so effective structure of the houses and the team that put them together.
In summary, we both feel that CCF are doing a fantastic thing in the community in Pnhom Pehn and we we are delighted to be supporters of such great work.

I visited the Cambodian Children’s Fund in Februay 2014, and came away feeling very impressed with the organization, and the tremendous work they have done to help lift the kids and family from poverty, provide health care, education, and offer wider community service projects.

I visited different CCF facilities, including schools and child care centers, a garment center, community centers, as well as taken a village walk with founder Scott Neeson.

I am most impressed with the dedicated staff: in every facilities I went to, the teachers were focused and overseeing a variety of activities with the children in each lesson, making learning fun. Mail translating rooms were busy with kids and mail translators working together to keep in touch with the children’s respective sponsors, the kids were most enthusiastic, always with a great smile; kitchen staff, office staff, were all working hard to care for the children in each facility.

In some of the facilities, I was shown around by volunteering children who proudly presented the center to me, telling me how grateful they are to have the opportunity to be under CCF care, how “Papa Scott” transformed their lives from living in a garbage dump a few years ago, to right now striving to do well in school so that they can themselves help more children in the future.

In all the facilities, I could see that CCF has a wonderful leadership program for the youth, the older children learn practical ways to care for the younger ones, from an early age they learn to give back. Leadership can be as simple as older children taking care of younger children in learning, in helping with showers and grooming… in short, everyone happily helps everyone else who is in need.

I was also fortunate enough to have the opportunity of visiting a community center with founder Scott Neeson. Scott’s love and care to the children is clearly genuine and deep. Remarkably, he knows all the children by name, every child runs to him calling him “Papa Scott”, the little ones jumps onto him, they are very happy to see him around. In some cases when the kids have had specific issues, Scott always shows concerns about the issues and the kids, and always makes sure the issues are dealt with.

The village walk was most touching. Scott had the community center built next to a largely overlooked part of the town, so that local children in that area get the opportunity go to school in the center, and clean water is available for the villagers. To encourage school attendence by village kids, an incentive of free bread to take home at the end of the lessons is in place, kids who do well in school are presented with a certificate as well as bags of rice for the families.

New facilities are constantly built in and around where people, particularly children, need. I saw a new sports center under construction, and learned that new satellite schools are being planned and built.

CCF continually develops and finds ways to extend its reach, I came away feeling that CCF is very efficiently run, doing immense good where it is most needed, and I feel CCF deserves to be high on the list of everybody’s philanthropic causes.

My Dad had an epiphany. There has was, sitting on his comfy couch in Melbourne watching the Australia Story on the ABC one night when the phenomenal story of Scott Neeson and the CCF came on. It blew him away. The vision of those innocent children scouring the garbage dump - some of them suffering malnutrition due to their families' horrendous financial situation, and some in even more dire circumstances as they suffered various forms of abuse. He wanted to help, but he also wanted to make sure that this Scott Neeson bloke was the "real deal". And with that, he rang Scott up and arranged to go visit. That was in October 2012.

And guess what? He was the real deal, and even more. My Dad has said on many occasions that Scott is the closest things to a saint he has ever come across. He lives and breathes the CCF. They are housing, clothing, educating and feeding those children in need. For those parents who honestly wish to improve the welfare of their children, CCF provides them with the opportunity to "make good" on their bad debts (financially), and rebuild their pride in themselves. The promotion of a safe and stable family environment I think is key for some of these kids, and allows for the retention of history and traditions that you don't want to lose.

And here we are today. My Dad has been twice, and is arranging his 3rd visit this August. My brother has been twice, and will go for a third time this August. I've been once and will have my second visit this August. We are all sponsoring children. I email my sponsor child almost weekly - he is 12, and is relatively new to CCF. We had a skype chat a month or so ago. He is very focused on improving his English, and I encourage him every way I can. I am so excited to see him in August, and know his hand will be permanently glued to mine for the entire visit - just like the day I met him. I am so proud of him. He has become a member of our family and my kids and husband love hearing updates about what he is up to, and we love seeing photos of him and his family. I am taking my entire family (including my 6 year old and 3 year old kids) to visit next year.

CCF is real. The schools are there. The buildings are there. The teachers are there. The medical center is there. The occupational programs are there. The food program is there. You can visit, and get your hands dirty helping out. I did, and I never felt so good at the end of the day. It is amazing that in the midst of such extreme poverty, I actually found that the last thing I felt like doing was crying. I came out smiling. Smiling so hard my cheeks hurt at the end of the day. I imagine it must be just like those CCF kids - they have seriously got to be the happiest kids in the world!

I have just completed a week long visit to CCF as a representative of my corporation which is partnering with CCF on several efforts. There are not adequate words to describe the amazingly positive impact CCF is having in Phnom Penh. This trip has been life changing and I would not have been nearly as moved as I am had it not been for the dedication, structure and efficacy that drives the amazing work they are doing.

This is the real deal. Everything that they have posted is true, I have seen and felt it. While the pictures are compelling, they only scratch the surface of both the need and the transformation of the children CCF is supporting.

After working with another NGO in Phnom Penh over the past two years, I came across CCF quite by accident. My area is in education (curriculum, ICT, ESL and teacher-training) but my real interest is in finding out how to make a difference in Cambodia. In every regard I saw people doing just this - making a difference: older students who embraced leadership for their younger peers; teaching staff impassioned with their opportunity to help under-served children; exceedingly over-qualified ex-pats working for CCF and who exude vitality and a visible joy. With all these (and numerous others) doing such good work, what really impressed me is the organic way CCF has grown: as a need is discovered, new programs are created. I have to think that Scott Neeson's corporate background is partly responsible for the effective way CCF has grown. If you are interested in making a difference, find some way contribute to CCF. The most obvious is as a sponsor. I have been a sponsor for over 30 years with another NGO and it amazed me how simple and effective CCF's routines are for connecting sponsors with their children - email, easy visits and ongoing support for the life of the child through to university education. I left my short visit at CCF appreciating how heart-warming it was to see real good being achieved in the world. Well done to all who have given over a decade of commitment.

My wife Linda and I made the first of our three visits to CCF in 2008. We had started sponsoring two children in 2007, and wanted to see for ourselves, first, that CCF actually existed and, second, how it was spending our money. We met CCF founder Scott Neeson, toured the Steung Meanchey garbage dump, which was then very much operational, and spent time at each of the CCF facilities where kids lived and learned. The highlights of the visit were meeting “our” kids for the first time and riding along with a young lady on the day she moved from living at the dumpsite to living at CCF4. We were deeply moved by, and shall never forget, the joy on her face. We now proudly sponsor her, too. We came home from that trip 100% confident that our money was being spent as we had hoped: to help give disadvantaged children a safe, clean environment in which to live and access to the education most of them hungered for.

We returned to Phnom Penh in 2011, and, for the third time, in January, of this year. On both occasions, we spent time with our kids and their friends and toured CCF facilities to see what was new. And, we’ve learned there’s always something new at CCF – new buildings, new programs, new staff, and an ever-growing number of Cambodian kids and parents whose daily lives are touched and improved by CCF. The depth and breadth of the expansion since 2008, has been awesome. What has not changed in 6 years is CCF’s commitment to the kids, the kindness and dedication of the staff, and the high standards CCF maintains – all of which we observed first-hand.

Before this last trip, we were worried CCF might be growing too fast. We were pleased, then, to meet staff and volunteers involved in strategic planning, human resource development, accounting, measurement, and other activities that demonstrated to us CCF is building a strong, modern organization to support its program and facility expansions. We think CCF is going to be around doing good work for a very long time, and we’re gratified to be even a small part of that.

I was with CCF for 2 months , February and March 2014. I am still dreaming about the wonderful people I met there!
The volunteers are taken care of well and the practical arrangements made for meeting and maintaining a supportive contact meant so much to me personally as I had never ventured outside Europe before!
It was the most enriching and uplifting experience and I am in awe of Scott and his team who strive relentlessly to provide for these desperately poor families in Steung Meanchey.
Immediately I could witness the diversity of their work which is carried out not only through Education, but pastoral , health and welfare support for families. In fact every week I heard about another project which was being developed.
The children are hugely engaging and clearly delighted to be part of this organisation where they know they are cared for and loved-the key to any child's happiness.
I was placed with 3 classes and really enjoyed working alongside 3 hard-working teachers within a great staff. I felt valued and that I had made some positive contributions.
A I had some management experience as a Deputy Head in UK, I was delighted to be asked to work on the Teacher Development Programme and led English language lessons for the teachers and workshops for the Education Officers. All the Education staff were so welcoming and keen to develop their skills. I felt immediately part of a team committed to supporting the students learning experiences .
CCF is a place where the human spirit is treasured and I left knowing that I wanted to return to be part of its wonderful work.