In the villages of Siem Reap, Cambodia, a quiet revolution is unfolding. With simple tools and deep community spirit, primary schools are raising their own funds transforming libraries, classrooms, and futures. Led by Keo Somalita and the Kamboo Project, and sparked by a local fundraising course, this grassroots movement proves that lasting change doesn’t always come from outside. Sometimes, it starts with a gate and a spark of belief from within.
In the Cambodian countryside, a quiet transformation is underway: schools are taking the lead in their own development, fostering a sense of ownership and empowering entire communities.
In the rural heart of Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, education often takes place in the shadow of scarcity. Primary schools lack resources. Libraries have empty shelves. Many students arrive without the school supplies they need to learn. But something remarkable is happening: a quiet revolution is taking place, and it starts in the classrooms, driven not by large foreign donations, but by local knowledge, community action, and determination.
The transformation started with Keo Somalita, Country Manager at the Kamboo Project Organization, that joined a Local Fundraising Course conducted by Cooperation Committee for Cambodia (CCC); a moment that would change the course of her organization’s work and empower entire school communities. “We’ve learned that the power to transform our communities is already here; we just needed the tools to unlock it.”, she said. What came next was a cascade of impact.
Armed with new tools and techniques, Somalita and her team launched two pilot initiatives: The Library Project and The School Supplies Project. Through the School Supplies Project, 200 students received much-needed support: $20 each to cover basic materials. Meanwhile, the Library Project helped two school libraries with $1,000 each in funding. But these numbers only tell part of the story.
What came next was even more powerful: Somalita began to share her knowledge with the leadership teams of each school. “After teaching them the necessary techniques, we had them practice and they were successful,” she says proudly.
Schools were encouraged to set their own local fundraising targets, starting with $1,000 each. Some exceeded expectations and reached $2,000. “This highlights the importance of understanding local fundraising. It not only benefits our organization but also empowers the schools and their communities in many ways.”, she said.
A gate opens — Literally and symbolically
Inspired by the success, Somalita extended the training to nine more schools, involving teachers and school committees. The results were tangible. Communities began creating their own fundraising plans and identifying potential donors. “One of our beneficiaries had been trying to build a school gate for years without success. But after learning how to raise funds locally, they finally built it. They were so proud.” This wasn’t just about money. It was about ownership, pride, and possibility.
The Kamboo Project isn’t stopping. Two more fundraising campaigns were scheduled for March and November 2024. The first, in March, is a community forestry campaign, aimed at raising funds for students lacking school supplies. The timing is intentional; schools take a short break in April, so students will return in May ready to learn with the materials they need.
The second initiative, in November, organized a special community fundraising event called Community Festival, in where they invited local villagers with cooking or sales skills to set up food stalls on the school grounds. Food was offered free of charge, but participants were encouraged to make voluntary contributions. The event also featured traditional Khmer games such as leaf grabbing, tug of war, circle dance, and musical chairs, which created a joyful and culturally rich atmosphere.
Altogether, the five schools successfully raised approximately $4,500 through their local efforts. This result highlights both the capacity and willingness of school communities to take initiative when proper guidance and support are provided.
About Kamboo Project
The organization limits its activities to three core areas: drinking water and sanitation, sustainable building and renovation, and education. Kamboo Project follows the principle of “helping people to help themselves”. With its projects they help local people to improve their living conditions themselves in the medium to long term.
To donate: https://kamboo-project.ngo/en/donate/