About CDO
We're passionate about positively impacting the lives of children in Cambodia. Our mission is to provide basic to intermediate English education to children of disadvantaged villages in Chreav Commune, near Siem Reap.
Our Story
CDO’s journey started in July 2010 when Savoun Morn (Mom), recognised the urgent need of education for the children of Leab Chass village, about 40 kilometrs north of Siem Reap. Witnessing their struggles, lacking access to education and basic government services, she founded the organisation in Siem Reap to provide them acess to government schools and social activities not available in the village. They were housed, fed and clothed in a safe environment Many of these children have since gained senior high school qualifications and positions in the workforce.
COVID arrived not long after the new school in Chreav Commune opened – made possible by an international Advisory Board and generous donors – but the combination of the pandemic and changing government policy demanded a new direction.
Today, CDO operates as a free school teaching basic to intermediate English lessons for more than 50 students. CDO also supports the Leab Chass village government school, providing materials and infrastruture assistance when possible.
Since the pandemic, Cambodia has struggled to get back on its feet. Visitor and volunteer numbers remain low and this has put huge financial strain on NGO fundraising. If CDO is to survive for another decade, it will need a strong donor support network.
Our Mission
At CDO, our mission is simple yet profound: to empower children through education. We believe that teaching English – not provided free in government schools – is a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation of poor children.
History
When Mom first visited Leap Chass Village more than 11 years ago, she knew she had to do something to help.
Mom could see that the potential for malnutrition and disease was huge. The depth of poverty and desperation was confronting. Mom set up CDO to give up to 25 children better access to education in a safe environment while finding sponsors to help the community at Leab Chass develop their village. .