Cambodia

Between 2015 and 2016, Mr. Yamane and I had the privilege of living and working alongside communities in remote regions of Cambodia. What we encountered was both inspiring and deeply concerning.

Decades after the internal conflict that affected the country from the 1970s through the early 1990s, vast areas of Cambodia’s rich archaeological and cultural heritage remained underdeveloped and largely untouched. As stability returned, the tourism sector experienced rapid growth between 2013 and 2018, particularly around major heritage sites. While this brought economic opportunity, it also created unintended consequences for vulnerable communities.

In response to expanding tourism infrastructure, many local families were relocated from central areas to remote settlements with limited access to transport, employment, healthcare, and education. Numerous households not only lost their homes, but also their primary sources of income. Some of these informal settlements were established along floodplains and riverbanks, areas highly susceptible to seasonal flooding. As a result, children’s access to education became inconsistent—schooling was often only possible during dry periods when floodwaters had receded and the land was accessible.

Recognising the urgent need for support, we began working directly within these communities. We provided grassroots teaching support and collaborated with local leaders to coordinate the delivery of educational resources to hard-to-reach areas. Our approach prioritised partnership, cultural sensitivity, and sustainable capacity-building, ensuring that support was community-led and responsive to local needs.

This project reflects our commitment to standing alongside underserved communities in Cambodia—supporting equitable access to education and advocating for infrastructure solutions that protect both livelihoods and futures.