CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT
OBJECTIVE
To enable children to make their cultural heritage their own and to grow through the (re)discovery of traditions and arts.
PROGRAM
From the very beginning in the refugee camps, Krousar Thmey set up cultural exhibitions for the general public and initiated traditional art courses for children: music, dances and shadow theater were to continue to live beyond their old masters. Nowadays, the program is divided into two parts: the School of Khmer Arts and Culture open all year, and music and dance classes in the protection structures for all children in care.

TESTIMONY
Sophan, member of the school of arts’ permanent troupe
Sophan, 17 years old, is an 11th Grade student at Samdech High School in Serey Sophon and a 3-year member of the School of Khmer Arts and Culture’s permanent troupe. He plays the Roneat Ek, a traditional Khmer instrument resembling a large wooden xylophone in the shape of a curved rectangular-shaped boat. Sophan has travelled to Battambang, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap for troupe performances in the past and looks forward to travelling abroad one day.
Read his story
Today, the young man works part-time in a car-repair shop but still finds the time to practice music. Before Covid times, he would come to the school every evening after school. “The teachers care a lot about the students. They advise us not to be lazy but to be dedicated to our studies.”
Sophan wishes to become a Khmer language teacher in Serey Sophon. “Even when I become a teacher, I will still practice music at the school of arts” he says confidently. He is grateful to all the teachers and Krousar Thmey for creating the school for children to study and practice music. A message to the future generations of students: “Please continue to preserve and popularize Khmer music!”
DISCOVER THE PROJECTS OF THIS PROGRAM

SCHOOL OF KHMER
ARTS AND CULTURE
To offer a quality teaching of traditional khmers arts for children of the sector, and give access to Cambodian culture for population living in remote areas.

DANCE AND MUSIC FOR DEAF,
BLIND OR DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN
To use arts as a therapy, in order to develop self confidence and provide a mean of expression to children with disabilities or victims of difficult family situations.
#NEWS
An Evening of Hope: CIA First International School Raises Funds and Awareness for Krousar Thmey
On May 9, 2025, Krousar Thmey had the heartfelt honor of being chosen as the beneficiary of CIA First International School’s for their charity concert: “Concert for a Cause”. This inspiring event was more than a celebration of music—it was a celebration of inclusion,...
Psychological Support for Children and Adolescents
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...
Breaking Down Barriers
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....