Between 1975 and 1979, an estimated two million people (a quarter of the population at the time) were killed in Cambodia through starvation, torture, execution, disease and overwork under the ruling of the Khmer Rouge. Intellectuals were targeted, and as a result, Cambodia lost most of their educated population. 

Over the past five years, Human and Hope Association, a grassroots NGO based in Siem Reap, Cambodia, has been providing training, education, and support to marginalised villagers. With 20% of Cambodians living below the poverty line, skills and knowledge are essential tools to helping them move out of the poverty bracket. 

In order to fund their education programs for 2017, the team at Human and Hope are asking for your help by purchasing an elephant for education. These elephants are made by graduated sewing students from Human and Hope Association, who make them for a fair wage at their homes. By purchasing an elephant, you are providing an income to these women so they can support their families with shelter, education, and healthcare. You are also contributing toward the education of over 150 Cambodian children. 

•    English language classes teach children the basics so it is easier for them to develop further English skills that are needed for university education and jobs in tourism later in life. 

•    Weekly Living values classes aim to improve our student’s attitude and behavior

•    Khmer class helps illiterate children learn their native language so they can catch up at public school

•    Preschool classes for five year olds teach Khmer language skills and also ensure they have a good start to their life of education by creating crafts and playing games

•    Art class is held once a week to promote creativity, a trait that is often stifled at public school

•    The Library is open daily so the students can improve their knowledge, play games, and practice their English

There is a family of 10 elephants waiting to be adopted, each providing access to vital services at Human and Hope Association.

•    Amao Jr – Provides a month of clean drinking water for the students at HHA, keeping them healthy

•    Bopha Jr – Provides students with access to a library for a day so they can increase their knowledge

•    Sangha Jr – Provides an art lesson to a class of students, promoting creativity which is often stifled at public school

•    Somlei Jr – Provides a child protection workshop to empower our students to stand up to abuse

•    Srey Jr – Provides four living values lessons to address social issues and improve the behaviour of our students

•    Amao – Provides a month of language education to an illiterate child, enabling them to read and write in their native language

•    Bopha – Provides a month of English classes to a child so they can increase their future job and study opportunities 

•    Sangha – Provides a month of preschool education to a five-year-old, putting them on the right track to an educated life 

•    Srey – Provides a child with a scholarship and study resources, ensuring poverty does not stop them from being educated

The campaign is now live, with the aim of raising $15,000 by August 25th. Check out the campaign at https://www.chuffed.org/project/elephantsforeducation and keep your eyes peeled for exclusive giveaways! 

Learn more: www.humanandhopeassociation.org

All photos courtesy and copyright The Human and Hope Association, Cambodia