Partnering to connect a world where all children are able to access education.
Salariin Kampuchea is built on a belief in the universal right to education, and its power to improve the lives of people in our community. Our mission is motivated by the hope that our children and young people will grow up to enjoy the life prospects denied to their parents.
We operate an education and youth empowerment center offering supplementary classes, learning support, and career counselling to vulnerable children and youth in Siem Reap, Cambodia. We serve over 300 young beneficiaries with the goal of equipping them with the skills they need to build their own future and thrive in Siem Reap’s burgeoning economy.
Our staff and volunteers provide high-quality, foreign languages and computing classes, life skills courses and local internships for young adults, and learning support for students at risk of falling behind at school. Our center is equipped with a cherished community library and study space, and hosts a range of popular sporting and extracurricular activities.
Establishing Salariin Kampuchea
In 2003, two Swiss individuals founded Salariin with a vision to improve educational opportunities in the rural areas of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Recognizing the limited access to quality schooling, they wanted to create a space where children and young people could learn, grow, and build a better future. What began as a small initiative soon turned to a great and very much needed project.
First Computer Classes
In 2008 we launched our IT classes. Back then, it was not that popular and obvious to teach computing skills. We saw a potential in this as ever since, it was our goal to equip students with skills that are useful on the job market.
Partnership with Donabate Portran Education Together National School (DPETNS) from Ireland
Our English teachers have been provided a teacher training. During several workshops our staff learnt how to improve teaching strategies and techniques at the school. These topics included classroom management, student motivation and encouragement, having fun in the lessons, providing meaningfull feedback, how to teach kids and adults effectively, how to use various resources wisely.
Moving to our current place
In 2016, Salariin moved to a new location, marking another important step in its development. The transition provided greater flexibility, allowing us to conduct lessons during hours that are convenient for our students. It has also helped us deliver wider range of activities. With more space and improved facilities, the organization could better accommodate students, ensuring they had a supportive environment for both learning and personal growth.
Collaboration with Bookbridge
In 2017 the school faced difficulties with acquiring funds to operate. Relying on donations with a goal to provide education to children from disadvantaged families, the budget has always been tight. Together with the team of Bookbridge, an organization that helps NGOs grow, we developed a business plan to make the school financially sustainable. Today, Salariin Kampuchea School serves 290 students a month and has been operating profitably since 2019.
Library Opening
The opening of the library transformed Salariin from a simple educational initiative into a true community hub. Students have an access to books, safe space in which tehy can wait for the classes or simply hang out with their friend. For many, it provided not only knowledge but also comfort, stability, and a sense of belonging.
Educating despite the pandemic
Even though Cambodia was heavily impacted by the covid-19 pandemic, we stayed strong and focused on pursuing our goal, which is helping others achieve their full potential and providing educational care. Despite challenges, we kept organizing online lessons on Zoom and Telegram. We ran a program to offer food to disadvantaged families as well.