Building hope in Mlu Prey: a new boarding house underway

The construction of a new boarding house in Mlu Prey, in northern Cambodia, will give students from remote villages the chance to continue their education, despite living far from secondary schools. It will provide a safe and supportive place to live, with teachers present each day to support them in their studies and daily life. 

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A boarding house is being built in Mlu Prey, in the Preah Vihear region of northern Cambodia, one of the poorest areas in the country. School drop-out rates remain high among children, mainly because secondary schools are far away and transport is expensive. 

The building will be divided into three separate areas: one for girls, one for boys, and one for teachers, with separate accommodation for men and women. Each area will include sleeping quarters, a kitchen, and bathroom facilities. 

Supervision will be provided by 8 teachers living on site, and the boarding house will accommodate 32 students, giving them the opportunity to complete their education under the care and guidance of the teaching team. 

HOW THE PROJECT IS TAKING SHAPE

ADJUSTING AND MOVING FORWARD 

Following an initial preparation phase, the project was reviewed on the ground to ensure it continued to meet local needs. Working closely with the secondary school, the teams refined the plans, confirmed the location, and reassessed the feasibility of the build. This stage also helped strengthen relationships with local partners. 

The regional context then led to a temporary pause, as renewed tensions between Thailand and Cambodia required a precautionary halt for several weeks. Once the situation stabilised, the project resumed, and the construction contract was signed in early 2026. 

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY 

Construction began with the preparation of the site, including draining the area where the building will stand. Foundations were then laid, followed by the gradual raising of the pillars and interior walls. 

The main structure is now in place, with steady progress supported by monthly monitoring by the teams on site. The next phase will focus on the roof, sanitation facilities, and interior works. 

The aim is for the building to be ready in time for students to move in at the beginning of the next school year.

The project will support 32 students from remote villages in the Mlu Prey area, where access to secondary education is often limited by distance and transport. Many face difficult living conditions and risk dropping out of school due to the lack of suitable accommodation. The boarding house will enable them to live closer to their school in a safe and supportive environment, allowing them to continue their studies in better conditions. 

Eight teachers will also be based on site, providing daily support and closely following students’ progress. This will help create an environment where students can focus fully on their learning and development.