HELP Cambodia

Assisted by the Rotary Club of Wollundry Wagga Wagga, HELP Cambodia has transformed a local dream into lasting educational opportunities for Cambodian children.

When Kathy Wallace joined a two-week medical mission to Cambodia in 2010, she had no idea it would spark a life-changing journey – not just for herself, but for hundreds of Cambodian children striving for a better future.

That trip opened Kathy’s eyes to the harsh realities of life in Cambodia – where access to food, clean water and basic healthcare can mean the difference between life and death. One moment in particular has stayed with her: syringe-feeding water to a severely dehydrated baby while the mother waited to see a doctor. Hours later, the medical team told Kathy she had likely saved the child’s life.

Returning home to Wagga Wagga, NSW, Kathy shared her experiences with friends and soon discovered she wasn’t alone in wanting to make a difference. Others who had travelled to Cambodia had been deeply moved by the kindness and resilience of the people they met, despite the extreme poverty. They all agreed: these children had dreams, a hunger to learn and an undeniable spark – they just needed a helping hand.

Turning a dream into reality

In 2014, a trip to Phnom Penh introduced the Wagga team to Bophal Chuon, a dedicated Cambodian teacher with a vision: to provide English and IT education to children in Steung Meanchey, one of the poorest areas of the city, located beside a massive rubbish dump. Families in this community survive by collecting recyclables, and education is often out of reach.

Bophal was already making a difference – teaching children in his own home – but he dreamed of creating a formal school to reach even more students. The relationship between Bophal and the Wagga team grew into a deep and trusted partnership, built on mutual respect and a shared goal of breaking the cycle of poverty through education. Bophal’s local knowledge, cultural understanding and commitment to his community were essential in making the dream a reality.

Without his leadership, HELP Cambodia’s efforts would not have been possible.

Determined to help, the Wagga team formed HELP Cambodia Inc. in 2015, an Australian-registered charity dedicated to supporting Bophal’s vision and expanding educational opportunities for Cambodian children. Their goal was clear: build a school where children could learn the skills they needed to create a better future. Thanks to tireless fundraising efforts, culminating with a black-tie ball in 2016, Bophal’s dream became a reality with the opening of the DCC School.

The DCC School: A beacon of hope

Today, the DCC School is a thriving hub of learning, welcoming more than 120 students each evening for English, IT and traditional Khmer dance classes. It’s not a replacement for public school but a vital supplement, offering the skills that state schools lack. The students find hope, purpose and community at DCC.

A sponsorship program launched in 2017 has been pivotal in sustaining the school. For just $40 a month, sponsors help fund the school’s operations, including teacher salaries, school materials and essential resources. A university scholarship program was launched in 2019 and, thanks to this initiative, six DCC students have already graduated from university, with four more currently enrolled – an incredible achievement in a country where higher education is often unattainable for the poor.

Beyond the classroom, former students return to DCC to help teach and mentor younger students, creating a powerful cycle of giving back. The school isn’t just a place to learn – it’s a family, a safe haven and a springboard for a brighter future.

A partnership with Rotary

The DCC School received endorsement from Rotary as a RAWCS project in 2016 (Project 69-2016-17), sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wollundry Wagga Wagga, NSW. The club has been a long-time supporter of HELP Cambodia, funding essential school projects such as new computers, office equipment, learning materials and building insulation.

HELP Cambodia, with the support of Rotary and the Wagga community, are not just providing education, they’re creating opportunities, empowering communities and changing lives.

Supporting other charities in Cambodia

HELP Cambodia also supports other Australian charities making a difference in Cambodia. One such organisation is Heartprint, an Australian charity based in Siem Reap focused on improving living standards for underprivileged families. HELP Cambodia funds half of its manager’s salary, ensuring this incredible grassroots charity can continue its vital work. Heartprint exemplifies what is possible when passionate Australians live in Cambodia, fully embracing and connecting with local culture to drive meaningful change.

Join the annual Cambodia immersion trip

Each year, HELP Cambodia organises an immersion trip for Australians who want to see first-hand the impact of the organisation’s work. This is far more than a sightseeing tour – it’s an eye-opening experience that takes participants beyond the tourist routes to visit village families, small schools and grassroots projects.

Meeting the students and communities who benefit from the work of HELP Cambodia and the other charities they support is a truly lifechanging experience. This year’s trip runs from 1-13 November. For more information contact Darren Wallace on 0409 120 108 or Kathy Wallace on 0411 453 016 or email help@helpcambodia.com.au

How You Can Help

• Sponsor a student: $40 a month can change a child’s future.
• Join the 2025 Cambodia Immersion Trip: Experience first-hand the impact of HELP Cambodia’s work.
• Follow and share: Follow the HELP Cambodia Facebook and Instagram pages (search ‘Help Cambodia Wagga’) and share their story.
• Donate or volunteer: Every contribution helps keep the school running and supports university scholarships.

For more information on HELP Cambodia:

• Contact Darren Wallace on 0409 120 108 or Kathy Wallace on 0411 453 016
• Email help@helpcambodia.com.au or visit www.helpcambodia.com.au