The middle child of five siblings, 16-year-old Sida has been coming to Anjali House since she was in the fourth grade, following in the footsteps of her older sister, Thida, an Anjali House alumna who is now studying veterinary medicine. Her 25-year-old eldest brother had to leave school when he was 11 to find work to help support the family – a situation that is sadly not uncommon in Cambodia. 

“When I go to Anjali House, I feel relaxed.”

Growing up in a simple wooden house in the countryside on the outskirts of Siem Reap, Sidaturns to drawing and listening to her favorite K-Pop artists to relax. Her parents are farmers who grow crops like cabbage and herbs, but due to the extended rains this year (which can cause rot in the crops) , they have yet to be able to begin planting for the next harvest. 

‘My favorite things about Anjali House are the teachers and my friends. I am happiest when playing and dancing with my friends. I am unhappy when my family doesn’t have enough money.’

Here at Anjali House, we empower children from low-income families to continue their studies to college and university, becoming future leaders in their community.

‘My prized possession is my family. When I grow up, I want to help them by getting a good job.’

Your donation will help Anjali House give Sida the best possible chance of realizing her potential.

Help us keep the lights on here at Anjali House. With your support, we can ensure a bright future for some of Cambodia’s most vulnerable children.

Note: All names have been changed to protect the identity of our students