In late 2022, I discovered an interesting international project called The Cambodia Academy, a rural school providing hope and education to over 350 students in the Banteay Meanchey province of Cambodia. Aside from the great work that this charity performs in a very underserved part of Asia, I learned that this school was founded, funded and often led by Rotarians from all over the world.
Being born in Cambodia myself and having emigrated to the United States as a child following the collapse of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979, I was strongly drawn to the school, its mission and the how the personal stories of the local Cambodians intersected with my own.
I immediately engaged members of the Board of Directors of the Academy to better understand how I could make a lasting difference to the organization. Coincidentally, the school had significant capital needs, starting with critical repairs of some of the foundations and sidewalks. Through my home club, Allen Sunrise, I immediately requested and received funding to contribute to this project. In fact, through the joint efforts of the club and our personal networks, we raised the full amount of $25,000.
I am more committed than ever to assist this worthy organization, especially given its Rotarian heritage. To continue shoring up the aging infrastructure of the school, the Board has embarked on an ambitious program to raise $60,000 to fill and reclaim land that will be used to fully replace aging and unhygienic restroom facilities. Early stages of the renovation have already begun, and Allen Sunrise Rotary is committed to assist in raising the remaining funds on behalf of this critical infrastructure improvement.
Partially due to our new affiliation with the Cambodia Academy and the stories of its people, I was moved to return to Cambodia for the first time since 1979. Despite deep trepidation, I returned to a country still deeply impacted by the Khmer genocide but equally renewed with hope and happiness. I found the visit difficult, cathartic and exhilarating, serving as a bridge to reconnecting with family that had been long cutoff by distance. During that visit, I visited the school in person. I saw firsthand the incredible work being done there and the outsized impact of our donations. My connection to Cambodia is deep and personal, but the work we choose to do on behalf of the Cambodia Academy can be appreciated by Rotarians everywhere.