Farm School students in Sala Kanseng, Cambodia
A Tale of Two Seam Rieps
In 2001, Angelina Jolie transported us to the temples of Angkor, Cambodia, as Lara Croft. She climbed ancient walls and ducked through shadowy corridors in search of a powerful clock hidden in a tomb. Audiences worldwide spent $274 million to witness the breathtaking grandeur of Siem Reap's ancient ruins in the blockbuster "Tomb Raider."
Not far from where the action scenes were filmed—about 50 minutes away by tuk-tuk (a local two-wheeled carriage)—something different is happening. In a village called Sala Kanseng near Siem Reap, 100 children meet every afternoon under the shelter of a traditional stilted house and they aren't looking for ancient treasure. They are here for English lessons and a hot meal—prepared by their teacher, Sohing.
Sophorn — From Rice Fields to Physics Dreams
18-year-old aspiring physics teacher, Sophorn Chhum
In rural Cambodia, rice paddies stretch as far as the eye can see, and dreams often wither under the harsh sun of poverty. For 18-year-old Sophorn Chhum, there's hope. "My family couldn't afford my education. Thanks to K.I.D.S. Farm School, I've completed primary and high school."
For 24 years, K.I.D.S. (Kids in Development Society) has led transformative development projects in education, healthcare, clean water, and family support in communities like this. Like many in her village, Sophorn's father struggles to grow enough rice on their small plot to feed the family. "At home, we often don't have enough to eat,” she explains. "Getting a good meal at the Farm School helps me focus on my studies and not worry about home."
Sophorn dreams of becoming a physics teacher and going to university. Thanks to the Farm School Program, she and her friends can aim high, despite their challenging circumstances.
MEet Sohing — The Heart of the Farm School
Chouett Sohing and her students at the Farm School
Chhouet Sohing's journey is as inspiring as her students’. She grew up poor and wanted to be a teacher, but couldn't get formal training. Instead, she learned English while working in Siem Reap and started teaching kids in her home. She used money from her waitress job to buy supplies and food for her students.
Now, Sohing leads the Farm School Program with unwavering dedication. She and her sisters prepare meals for the 100 children who gather at her house from late afternoon until about 9pm. Sohing teaches them in groups, tailoring her approach to their ages and abilities. "I love the kids and my work so much," she says, "and the most rewarding part is knowing that education can give them better lives."
Sohing’s Ripple Effect
Meal time at the Farm School
Perhaps no story better illustrates Sohing's impact than that of Nara. Orphaned at 12 and supported by neighbors and the school, he received food and post-secondary education and now teaches English at a private school—breaking a cycle of poverty.
K.I.D.S. — Creating Joy Beyond the Classroom
In 2000, Adrianne Dartnall and Rick Lennert lost their only child—twenty-one-year-old Danielle, who aspired to be a teacher and loved children. In her honor, they founded K.I.D.S.
For them, the Farm School is more than just a place for the children to learn English—it's also a pathway to explore new experiences. "Once a year, K.I.D.S. funds a field trip for us to places like Angkor Wat or a swimming pool." says Sophorn.
Building a Stronger Community
The impact of the K.I.D.S. Farm School reaches far beyond the classroom. It addresses critical needs in a community where many families struggle to make ends meet by providing daily meals, clean drinking water, and lessons in health and hygiene.
Giving Tuesday 2024: CEF Partners with K.I.D.S.
Snapshot of Sohing and the students at the Farm School
❤️✨ We want Sophorn and her friends to have a future filled with countless bright Tuesdays!
This Giving Tuesday, we're joining forces with our friends at K.I.D.S. to match donations up to 4,500 CAD for the Farm School Education Program. Your support will keep this important work going as every dollar you give becomes two dollars of impact. Your donation means:
✅ More children receiving daily nutritious meals
✅ Extended educational support and resources
✅ Continued community health initiatives
✅ Life-changing experiences beyond the classroom
Stay tuned for updates on how you can donate.