A project brought to life! Happy Life School for children with special needs in Cambodia
The Happy Life School has now opened its doors, welcoming around thirty students in a safe, supportive learning environment.
Supporting University Students at the Sisophon Centre in Cambodia in 2026
Funds raised so far: 30%
What Is the Project About?
The aim of the Children of the Mekong centre in Sisophon is to support university students so that they can become the men and women of tomorrow, capable of helping their country by contributing actively to its development. The goal is for each student to find their place in Cambodian society, according to their aspirations, abilities and the vocational training opportunities available to them.
The local teams guide sponsored children towards qualifying training programmes and help them move into the job market. Alongside their university studies, it is essential for Children of the Mekong to provide a well-rounded human education so that these young people can become balanced and capable professionals.
Thank you for your help and support!
How Does the Project Support University Students?
We offer a well-rounded human education that supports students’ academic and language development, as well as their intellectual, emotional and moral growth, within a healthy and secure living environment.
Academic education
- Development of knowledge in languages including English, Thai, Chinese and French. Opening up to the wider world and to intercultural understanding. Raising awareness of working life. Developing job-seeking skills. Building practical skills such as agriculture and gardening.
- Training sessions include the A+B=3 financial management programme, as well as the Karol and Setha programme.
Human development
- A healthy and secure living environment and study setting, enabling students to succeed in their education.
- Developing talents through sport, including volleyball and football, as well as gardening, access to the library, traditional Khmer dance and drawing.
- Emotional development through sessions on relationships with oneself, with others, including friendships and romantic relationships, and within group settings such as family and community.
Why is the centre necessary?
The school system in Cambodia is somewhat biased. Teachers often provide basic education based on repetition rather than reflection. Although the quality of teaching and education in state schools is not always up to standard, it is improving!
How does the centre help University students and what impact can you have?
The Sisophon centre welcomes more than 140 students into its homes to provide them with access to quality education. The centre goes beyond material resources by building strong human bonds, thereby helping to shape informed and responsible citizens. In addition to academic instruction, the Sisophon centre offers extracurricular programmes such as artistic, sporting and cultural activities. These activities aim to stimulate the children’s overall development, strengthening their social, creative and physical skills. By supporting the Sisophon centre, you are offering a bright future to more than 1,500 poor students in Cambodia.
How is education changing in Cambodia?
Alternative university courses are developing, particularly in the provinces, and vocational training courses are multiplying. Partly organised by the government, they are becoming increasingly attractive and opening up increasingly rich and varied prospects.
How Does the Programme Support Students?
Our priority is to enable motivated students from very poor families to continue their education and gain access to higher education. To support them in making informed choices about their future and preparing for working life, we have developed a holistic programme built around four key educational stages.
Academic support
Developing knowledge and skills:
- Languages, including English, Thai, Chinese and French
- Opening up to the wider world and to intercultural understanding
- Raising awareness of working life
- Developing job-seeking skills
- Building practical skills such as agriculture and gardening
Training sessions:
- The Karol and Setha programme
- The A+B=3 financial management programme
Personal development
We aim to provide students with a well-rounded personal formation, helping them grow intellectually, emotionally and morally, with the goal of achieving human excellence.
We also provide a healthy, safe and supportive living environment, as well as the study conditions they need to succeed in their education.
Students are encouraged to develop their talents through activities such as sport, including volleyball and football, as well as gardening, reading, traditional Khmer dance and drawing.
Who will benefit?
The aim is to promote student autonomy and independence. The project is being implemented directly in two student residences at the Centre and one student residence outside the Centre.
Phanna
Boarding student at the Centre (final year of secondary school)
I have been living at the Sisophon Centre since I was 13 years old. I arrived in 2017, when I was in Grade 8, the equivalent of Year 10. My father died when I was only 6. It was very difficult for my mother. We were already living in great poverty. I have two younger sisters: one is in Grade 11, equivalent to Year 12, and the other is in Grade 2, equivalent to Year 3. The youngest still lives in our home village with our grandmother, who is very elderly.
My mother and stepfather work in Thailand as labourers. So you can imagine how happy I am to live at the Sisophon Centre. Children of the Mekong has become my second family. It is a home where I can study in good conditions and, above all, build strong friendships. In my free time, I enjoy attending Khmer dance classes. I also like badminton. I am not a fan of football, but I do enjoy volleyball.
I am currently in my second year of Public Administration at MNU, Sisophon University. I really enjoy my studies and find them very interesting. I am still living at the centre’s residence. I share my home with 10 other female students, and it is a really lovely environment. My career goal is to work in administration in Phnom Penh. I would really like to discover life in a big city.
My dream is to earn enough money through my work to help my family and support my sisters in their studies. On a more personal note, I dream of skiing in the Swiss mountains. Maybe one day.
Sreyrath
Head of a girls’ residence since 2019
I am also there to guide them.
Help underprivileged children radically improve their life chances with us.
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