A Powerful Initiative

In a community where access to basic healthcare is a distant dream and where survival often means collecting garbage, the village of Tuol Pongro in Poipet province, on the border with Thailand, is an example of resilience in the face of adversity. Aware of the urgent need for intervention, Krousar Thmey, with the loyal support of the Amicale des Étudiants en Pharmacie et des Pharmaciens Khmers (AEPK), launched an unprecedented health and hygiene awareness campaign, offering hope and care to a long-neglected region. The initiative was made possible through collaboration with the Banteay Meanchey provincial health department and local authorities. The campaign aimed to provide immediate medical aid and educational resources to over 500 beneficiaries, including monks, children, schoolchildren, teachers, the elderly, and families in difficulty in the region.

The program prioritized early detection of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which are often neglected in poor communities. Participants received medical consultations, medication and advice on how to manage these pathologies. To ensure safety, two ambulances were stationed on site to deal with requests for emergency assistance in serious cases. The event also included interactive health education workshops focusing on practical topics such as dental care, sleep and food hygiene. Although concise, these sessions captivated participants, who actively participated by asking questions and sharing personal stories. Their enthusiasm demonstrated their deep desire to improve their health and well-being.

Krousar Thmey also provided essential goods such as basic food items (rice, oil, canned goods, etc.) and school supplies. Hygiene kits and over 1,000 educational posters were distributed to help families adopt healthier practices. Many participants showed a keen interest in these materials, requesting additional copies to share with their neighbors and relatives.

Going a step further, this event not only addressed immediate health concerns but also gave the entire community the knowledge and tools to improve their well-being over the long term. It also allowed some to confide: “This is the first time we’ve had something like this. It’s not just about receiving, but knowing that someone cares about us,” said one participant, whose gratitude reflected both the help he had received and the feeling of being seen, listened to and, ultimately, existing in the eyes of others, despite his difficulties.

The success of this initiative has demonstrated its profound impact on disadvantaged populations. Your support and that of our partners is helping to transform lives, bringing health, hope, and dignity to communities like Tuol Pongro.

As many of the stories told over the 34 years of our existence testify, we’re particularly proud of our young people’s successes, just like the story of Tola.

A WEALTH OF DEVELOPMENTS AND COLLABORATIONS FOR KROUSAR THMEY

2024 was a significant year for Krousar Thmey, in terms of visibility and action, thanks to the development of new partnerships and the enhancement of our image. We were fortunate to work closely with one of Cambodia’s leading sports organizations: Susu Running Team. Thanks to their recognized commitment to various social causes, we were able to combine our respective expertise to organize a charity race and raise funds to support Krousar Thmey’s actions.

The event, held in Phnom Penh on December 15, 2024, brought together 2,000 runners and several local partners and stakeholders. More than 40 Krousar Thmey staff members, accompanied by children from our protection centers, took part in the event, underlining our shared dedication to the cause. At our stand, we were able to interact with participants and present our specialized educational programs for the deaf and blind. In collaboration with the National Institute for Special Education (NISE), we offered workshops to runners demonstrating our efforts to provide accessible education for students with disabilities.

The event raised $16,161 for Krousar Thmey, an important contribution to our work. This remarkable event also put Krousar Thmey in the spotlight thanks to effective communication on the race’s equipment and infrastructure: communication panels, start and finish line ribbons, a photobooth, and messages delivered by the event’s host.

This race marks the start of a partnership between the Krousar Thmey and Susu Running teams. We will be working together for a year on sports training for our social workers in the northern region of Cambodia. This partnership illustrates Susu Running’s commitment to the health and well-being of disadvantaged communities, which resonates particularly with our mission.

Krousar Thmey’s reach continued to expand thanks to the initiatives and support of local partners such as Musica Felice, which raised $5,000, and the “À l’Art-rencontre de l’Autre” performance at the Lycée Descartes, which attracted over 400 students and raised $2,502 in donations. In addition, a social networking campaign highlighted Cambodians’ growing awareness of Krousar Thmey’s issues and their increasing willingness to support us.

All in all, 2024 was a year of extraordinary achievements for Krousar Thmey. These impactful partnerships and events not only raised funds but also broadened our outreach established meaningful connections, and intensified our mission. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us, and we look forward to continuing our collective efforts to create lasting change for the children and communities we support.

This year, 2024, Krousar Thmey is collaborating with its partner Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) to launch a new training program for its teams. This week-long workshop, designed for all Krousar Thmey employees, provided essential skills and knowledge to meet unique challenges. Indeed, Krousar Thmey’s teams are in daily contact with traumatized teenagers and children in the Protection Centers and need to be trained to provide them with the best possible support.

The workshop focused on understanding the emotional trauma faced by young people. The Krousar Thmey teams were given keys to creating a supportive environment that fosters children’s healthy development and encourages their resilience. The training also emphasized the importance of self-care for staff members, recognizing the emotional demands of daily work with vulnerable children and young people. Activities such as meditation, physical exercises, and group dynamics were integrated to help participants recharge their batteries and maintain a good work-life balance. One of the key learnings was the development of new practical skills. Krousar Thmey teams learned how to create and effectively manage adolescent groups, recognize the stages of psychological and physical development, and implement appropriate strategies to manage mental health issues. The training also emphasized the need to put in place internal policies that support staff well-being and encourage personal wellness practices.

These sessions, held twice a year in Kampot province, have fostered a sense of calm, enabling participants to engage fully in learning and leisure activities. Since the training began, over 70 staff members have benefited from this comprehensive program, contributing to positive changes in both staff well-being and adolescent behavior, with two counseling rooms set up. Krousar Thmey’s ongoing partnership with TPO is key to supporting Cambodia’s vulnerable young people by providing those who care for them with the tools and support they need to succeed.

From a rural Cambodian village to the world stage of the United Nations, Sophalleng’s remarkable journey is a testament to the resilience, determination, and transformative power of education. Blinded at the age of four by measles, Sophalleng had a difficult start. Tragically, he lost his mother when he was 10, leaving his future uncertain. However, at the age of 13, he regained hope by joining the Krousar Thmey Special School for Blind Children in Siem Reap. It was here that he distinguished himself by his determination and willingness to learn. Not only did he excel in his studies, but he also became a mentor to his peers, tutoring other students and volunteering to guide and teach other visually impaired children.

In 2021, still supported by Krousar Thmey, Sophalleng graduated in Business Administration from the University of Southeast Asia (USEA) in Siem Reap, marking an important milestone in his educational journey. The following year, he joined Krousar Thmey’s head office in Phnom Penh as a project manager, managing projects for disabled children and taking part in national and international conferences.

In October 2024, he reached a historic milestone by becoming the first blind Cambodian to work for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). As a technical assistant specializing in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning, Sophalleng’s responsibilities are manifold: coordinating schedules, reviewing and analyzing projects with his counterparts, and integrating data into advanced monitoring and evaluation tools. Beyond these responsibilities, he is now the UN focal point for people with disabilities in Cambodia. He makes their voices heard and holds the position of vice-chairman of the working group on education and disabilities, where he promotes digital accessibility.

Sophalleng’s success is not just a personal achievement, but a beacon of hope for the visually impaired community. His life illustrates that with access to education, unwavering perseverance, and the right support systems, barriers can be broken down and anything becomes possible.

Today, Sophalleng is a role model, demonstrating that despite adversity, extraordinary success is possible. His journey inspires countless others, proving that no dream is too big with the support of Krousar Thmey.