A celebration of education, hope, and the future
Today, the focus is on a very special part of the Fundriding Tour: a visit to the Kandieng Sustainable School (KSS) – a school that has become a beacon of hope in the rural region of Pursat thanks to the long-standing support of Kleine Hilfsaktion. During the emergency aid efforts in the morning, the Fundriders already spent a lot of time getting to know the people and their living conditions. In the afternoon, another equally important chapter follows: education, community, and culture.
Why education is so important here
Although the state school system in Cambodia is theoretically free of charge, the reality is quite different: many teachers are poorly paid or not paid at all. Classes are often canceled, and many families cannot afford to pay for additional lessons. Children from the poorest families are particularly affected by this. Without support, they have little chance of passing exams and developing long-term prospects.
This is precisely where the Kandieng Sustainable School comes in: since 2010, an old building has been converted into a school that offers children from disadvantaged families additional lessons and real opportunities. Today, around 270 children attend KSS and receive help in subjects such as mathematics, Khmer, English, and career and study choices – supported by dedicated teachers, a library, a computer room, water, hygiene, and sanitary facilities.
This school is more than just a place of learning—it is a center of hope that enables children to escape the cycle of educational poverty and lack of prospects.
A celebration that brings people together: Apsara dances, youth moderation, and sky lanterns
The students have prepared an impressive program for the school festival: traditional Apsara dances that showcase their cultural roots and are performed with pride. Songs are sung in English and Khmer with joy and energy. Older students from the Youth Club guide the audience through the program in both Khmer and English – a sign of their confidence and commitment. At the end of the festival, there is a big dance party where everyone – teachers, students, and Fundriders – celebrate together.
At the end, everyone releases sky lanterns: an impressive, silent symbol of hope, carried by light and the desire for a better future. These moments show how important not only learning but also community experience is for children—and how much strength and confidence young people have when they receive support and prospects.
Education as a bridge to the future – and a look ahead
The story of Kandieng Sustainable School is impressive: a project that began in an old school building and now helps hundreds of children overcome life's challenges and realize their dreams.
But this journey is not over yet. In order for the school to continue to exist—with teachers, infrastructure, learning materials, and opportunities for development—it needs support for 2026 as well. The annual budget for 2026 is approximately €26,000 to ensure the long-term future of teaching, equipment, and educational offerings.
Call for donations 2026 – making education possible together
If you would like to support the Kandieng Sustainable School, then please help us—so that education is not a privilege, but a fundamental right:
- With a contribution of just €100, we can provide a child with a whole year of lessons, materials, and support.
- Every other donation—large or small—makes an impact because it goes directly toward education, teachers, infrastructure, and opportunities.
Together, we can ensure that education in Kandieng continues to grow and that children there not only learn—but are also allowed to dream.
Donate now and give the gift of a future: www.fundriding.de/spenden
