January 2026 Project
Prior to the start of the project we rely on our partners in Cambodia to prepare for the work that we will undertake. Thanks to Kim Bunthann, Sun Veasna, Dyna and Et Kosal who helped the project run smoothly once we arrived.
Kindergarten: 9th, 12th and 14th January.
In January, 2024 ACC painted both the inside and outside of the kindergarten to create a beautiful space for the children to learn. Ros and Charlotte painted the first mural and we donated some money for the kindergarten to build a flagpole.
This year we were asked to build on those improvements by expanding the mural and constructing a play area for the children using recycled tyres.
Health Project, Takeo: 10th January.
We all headed off early to the kindergarten at Takeo. The Principal at The Learning Lab asked us to visit this rural school which was actually his home town. We thought we were checking and treating headlice for about 80 children however we are not sure how many we actually treated as many children from the primary school came down and joined the queue! It was chaotic but we managed with the help of Herseth, Risa and Dina, all students who we support from Ratanakiri.
After we finished, we had lunch and took the opportunity to see how the smart board that Technology Core donated are being utilised. (In July, Ros and Jacqui saw the class presenting an app that they had developed). The IT teacher said that the board is a valuable asset to the classroom particularly for the senior years students.
Health Project, Kampot Province: 11th January.
Another early morning departure for the team. Today we headed off to Sambath's home village in Kampot to conduct health checks and deliver some stationery supplies for his after-school English classes. We were joined by more of our students and alumni from UNACAS, Dyna, Makara and Chita.
Landfill community and Blind Association: 15th January.
Today we went to visit both the Landfill Community and the Blind Association.
We have been supporting the Landfill community by providing medical and nursing services on a weekly basis. We met with the village leader and discussed how we could provide ongoing support for the families there. We also donated 180 pairs of shoes for the children given that there is a lot of glass and rubbish on the ground at the site.
We also visited the Blind Association to check in on the residents. We donate a monthly food allowance because the organisation is not funded by the government. We also discussed ways in which the residents could earn money by providing massages and singing, such as a stall in Walk Street, Phnom Penh.
Other things we did in Phnom Penh......
* Visited the Cemetery Community and agreed to donate money for a meeting shelter and children's library.
* Visited the newly built classrooms at the Holy Church at Bek Chan and helped with the English classes in the evening. Distributed second-hand computers for the IT classes.
* Went to Peter and Sopheap's wedding.
* Went for a boat ride on the Mekong.
* Visited Horais Dorm to visit the students that ACC are supporting.
Ou Kranlanh Kindergarten Project: 17th, 19th and 20th January.
The second part of our project was located at Kranlanh. When Jacqu and Ros visited in July, Bunthann showed them that the old building was derelict and was in urgent need of repair. We contributed money to completely renovate the building, paint inside and out and provide desks and whiteboards for the new classrooms. A new flagpole was also added. We were joined by Ethan and Lavinia who are travelling around SE Asia. Their energy (and height) was just what we needed.
See the before and after photographs:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Nimol's Village School Craft Project: 21st January.
Today was our final day of the project. Paul and Ros designed an art project for the students incorporating English language with some art. We were amazed at the children's fine motor skills and their creativity.
After lunch in a nearby village, we finished the project with some well earned (self funded) tourism. A trip to the floating village and a final night dinner.
Support of Lom Village Ratanakiri: We have donated money for two families to build more suitable housing. The wood has been delivered and the houses will commence now that the wet season is over.
Update re Ratanakiri:
Houses are almost complete and were officially handed over to the families by committee member Jacqui. See photos below:
 The official presentation to the family. |  The new house of this family of 5 children who were previously living in the jungle. |
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 Saying thank you to ACC. |  The official presentation of the house with village elders and local government authorities present. |
 Interior of the new house. |  Ping Ping and family. When we visited in July, she had lost one of the twins. The new baby is thriving and they have a new house for him. |