Supporting a family monthly with a bag of rice

One of the challenges we faced with the English program in Cambodia was maintaining consistent attendance. Many of the kids had to help at home or on the farm just to ensure their families could survive day to day. For these families, learning English was often seen as a luxury, and with the immediate needs so overwhelming, it was hard to convince them of the long-term value on the advancement of education.

Among the students were two sisters, who lived with their grandmother in a small, one-room house shared with their uncle, aunt, and their children. The family was struggling to meet even the most basic needs, and we knew we had to do something to help. We made a commitment to sponsor the family, providing them with a 50kg bag of rice each month, delivered by the local teacher. This small act of kindness helped ensure they could focus on more than just survival.

The sisters also faced another challenge - they could only travel to the English program on foot, and as classes ended in the evening, it was unsafe for them to return home in the dark. To help, we purchased a bike for them, so they could safely commute to and from the lessons. Every time we visited Cambodia, we would bring additional groceries to support the family. (Sadly, the grandmother passed away, but we continued our support until 2020.)

Then there was a second family...

Through our teacher, we learned of another family living in basic shacks not far from the English school we built. Recognizing their need, we expanded our monthly rice support to that family as well. One of their children eventually joined the English program, a small but meaningful step toward our vision.