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  Our Vision, Mission and Commitment:
Our vision is that all children fulfill their human potential.
CFI serves marginalized and vulnerable children through access to quality education and well-being programs. Our mission is to help break the cycle of poverty by developing educated, self-reliant and compassionate individuals who become positive role models and have the potential to grow into future community leaders. Our commitment Every child is born with inherent, inalienable rights, as outlined by the UN in their Universal Declaration of Human Rights Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Among these, the right to life, the right to freedom from physical, emotional and psychological harm and neglect, and the right to education. Children’s Future International is a US-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are also recognized as an international non-governmental organization (NGO) through the Kingdom of Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. CFI has no religious or political affiliations. CFI’s Founders:
Jenny Ciucci, Co-Founder and In-Country Director
In 2006, Jenny left Switzerland and headed to a small rural village in one of the poorest areas of Thailand. Jenny immersed herself in the local culture and began teaching. During her time in Thailand, Jenny saw the dire consequences of the unmet needs of children in poor areas without access to education. Inspired by Loung Ung's autobiographical book “First They Killed My Father,” which tells the story of one Cambodian family during the Khmer Rouge's genocidal reign in the 1970's, Jenny moved to Cambodia.
Together with Andrew, she started working at a local NGO (non-governmental organization), again teaching English to poor and vulnerable children. Originally intending to stay one month, her life was transformed and she now sees herself in Cambodia indefinitely. She has spent over three years building more efficient ways to support and educate the children in the surrounding areas of Battambang. With her positive energy and genuine altruistic love for children, Jenny is the heart and soul of CFI. Jenny loves to write, read, draw, and play the violin, sharing these passions with the children wherever possible. She is fluent in Swiss German, English, Italian, French and German and proficient in both Thai and Khmer. Andrew Wolff, Co-Founder and Executive Director 
Andrew is first and foremost a teacher with a passion for adventure, new challenges, and intercultural immersion. He believes that access to quality education is a critical component of breaking the vicious cycle of poverty. He has taught English as a second language, math, leadership, sports, and computer skills to disadvantaged children in both the United States and internationally, including South America, Europe and Southeast Asia. Andrew has a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from the University of Rochester and a Master's Degree in ESL and Multicultural Education from the University of Colorado.
Andrew co-founded Children's Future International to give CFI's children the tools to lift themselves out of poverty and achieve their potential. As Executive Director, Andrew spends his time advocating on behalf of the families and children CFI serves, as well as raising the essential funds needed to keep CFI operating. While in Cambodia, Andrew also focuses on the administrative needs of the organization, ensuring that CFI's children have a safe place to live, learn and grow. He enjoys spending time with CFI's older students and staff, teaching them leadership and computer skills. Andrew's work with CFI combines his experience in both business and education with his passion and commitment towards serving the less fortunate. Local Staff:
Seang, Facility Manager 
Seang lives with his family about 15 kilometers from CFI's learning center. When Seang met Jenny and Andrew in the fall of 2009, their vision, determination and sincerity spoke directly to his passion for serving his community. Seang is CFI's Renaissance man. He coordinates construction, organizes building equipment, takes care of daily maintenance, etc. His responsibility, hard work, and kindness make him a great role model. In his spare time, he enjoys painting and playing soccer. Seang loves fixing and building things, like the new tire swing he made for the children. He loves traveling, which has included the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bali, and New Zealand, and would love the opportunity to one day live in another country. CFI is grateful for Seang and the leadership he brings to the center everyday.
Chhorn, Social Worker  Chhorn's amazing ability to find and reconnect with transient families has made him a vital asset to our team. He loves singing, dancing, playing volleyball and football with the kids. To maintain his optimistic outlook despite the abuse and dire poverty he witnesses while doing his outreach, Chhorn immerses himself in nature's beauty--sitting on thick grass, listening to waterfalls, and visiting pnom (mountains). On weekends, Chhorn attends the Institute of New Khmer, where he studies science. In the future, Chhorn wants to set up a property for homeless families where they can live together, grow rice, and go to school. Chhorn wants to see Cambodian children happy and successful. He believes a strong education and vocational training program will allow children to earn a living and grow into responsible adults. Chhorn loves all children and wants to have two of his own one day.
Siyean, House Mother  Siyean is originally from the neighboring commune. Now, she lives at the Children's home where she cares for fifteen kids, including one of her brothers. While managing the daily tasks of the home, she takes the time to know each individual child and connect with them personally. She wishes happiness and a good future for her kids, because they are her new family. Siyean is studying English with CFI and learns with the children and her sister, Sitha. For fun, Siyean likes to laugh, listen to music, eat fruit, and go for walks with friends and family. In the future, she wants to design and sew modern clothes. It is her dream to show and sell her fashions in a big store.
Sitha, House Mother, Khmer teacher Sitha started studying English with Andrew and Jenny three years ago. She attended class regularly for two years, but started missing class to care for her mother, who was suffering from breast cancer. Sitha showed an amazing strength in caring for her mother and taking responsibility of her family after her mother's death. At the Children's Center, Sitha has proven to be an excellent housemother--gentle, insightful, and patient. In addition to taking care of 15 children and running the household, Sitha teaches the youngest children, many of whom have never been to public school. On the weekends, Sitha studies at University in Battambang. Her favorite subject is science. Sitha wants to one day own a flower shop and a big garden where she can sell both flowers and her paintings. Khorm, Girls' Home House Mother  Originally from a small village a couple hours outside of Phnom Penh, Khorm moved to Battambang with her husband and son in 1999. Khorm's husband teaches Classic Khmer music and her son, also a musician, studies art. Khorm's protective and caring motherly nature makes her the perfect person to care for the children at the Girls' Home. When she is not playing with the girls, and keeping them on schedule, she likes to keep the house clean and in order. Although she loves the girls like her own, she misses seeing her family everyday and aims to find a balance between work and family.
Borita - Khmer Teacher  Borita lives with her parents, brother and sister in Smrong-Knog village, five kilometers from CFI’s Learning Center. She started teaching math and Khmer literacy for CFI in February, 2010. In addition to teaching, Borita studies Finance and Banking at University in Battambang. She plans to continue pursuing academia so that she can become a university teacher. In her free time, Borita likes to cook, read books and magazines, and watch TV to keep current with world affairs. She wishes that her students grow up with knowledge and develop character.
Genev, English Teacher  Genev has four brothers and three sisters and lives with her family in a simple house in Battambang. She knows that teaching is not an easy job, but she loves working with kids because it gives her life meaning. Genev is a wonderful teacher; she is patient and enthusiastic, and makes sure that all her kids participate as she coaches them to think for themselves. On the weekends, Genev studies Organizational Behavior at University in Battambang. She wants to be a good wife for her husband and a good teacher for her students. When asked about her students, she says, "I would like to see all the kids in CFI have a good future. I want to see them grow and become good people. They can help their families and they can help people in this country. I would like to see people in the world live in peace."
Sineath, Librarian  Sineath (17) and her sister ride their bicycles to CFI each day. Sinaeth studies basic English and works in the CFI library five days a week. She has started learning to use a computer. She likes playing badminton and listening to Khmer pop music on the old CD player her grandmother gave her. She wants to continue caring for and reading Khmer and English to small children. Sineath hates fighting, crying and mean words. One day, Sineath will see the ocean.
Fong, Volunteer 
Before Fong's mother passed away, she told him to study hard - advice which guides Fong everyday. Fong started studying with Jenny, Andrew, and Genev in 2007 at their old facility in his village. Currently, he attends public school in Battambang in the morning, and in the afternoon travels another 8 kilometer to the CFI center. Fong works at CFI nearly every day, helping to build projects, translate ideas, solve problems, and supervise the children. He is CFI’s superstar: bright, energetic, curious, honest, and responsible. Although Fong excels in school, his true genius and passion can be found on the tip of his paintbrush. He wants to travel and show the world his art.
Sonthea, Volunteer  When I was twelve years old, my father made me leave school. He said he didn’t have any money to feed me or send me to school, so he sent me to live with the monks at the pagoda. After some time people in the village told me that my father had left to find work and that my mother was working in the rice fields by herself. She was nine months pregnant with my fifth brother. I felt so sorry for her that I ran away from the pagoda and went back home to help her. After some time I asked my teacher to let me re-enter school. With a small stipend from CFI, Sonthea is now studying in public school and earning a diploma in Community Education at Dewey International University. He still worries about his family's future every day. And, he says, "once I have my own family, I don't want to have the same problems my parents have now. I don't want to have to worry about my children like that." Sonthea wants to work with poor people and communities in the future, educating them about how to make wise choices for themselves and their children.
Savin, Volunteer  Savin started studying English with Jenny and Andrew three years ago. She speaks quite well and continually contributes a lot of her own ideas, which is rather unusual in a Cambodian classroom. After she had been studying with CFI for two years, she told Jenny and Andrew that she had dropped out of public school two years prior. She was ashamed that her family did not have enough money to pay the daily fee demanded by public school teachers. In June 2009 Savin reentered public school and is concurrently studying Community Development at Dewey International University. She volunteers for CFI every weekend and in return receives a stipend, which is enough to cover her monthly school expenses. After receiving her diploma, she would like to work with poor families and villages, helping them to create a better future for themselves.
Sopheak, Volunteer  When Sopheak was young, he got very ill and his parents sold everything they had to take him to the hospital. The doctors told him that he was lucky to make it. Sopheak is physically too weak to work in construction like his father, but as the oldest child wants to be able to support his family. He is getting a diploma in Community Education at Dewey International University in order to get a good job to take care of his mother, siblings and aging father. He wants to become a teacher to help children who are as poor as him.
U.S.-based Staff & Volunteers:
Jen Giorgio, Director of U.S. Operations Jen's passion for social programs that empower low-income communities and lift people out of poverty has brought her to work with CFI. She is excited to serve CFI as the Director of U.S. Operations, providing support in the areas of board development, fundraising, and marketing. Jen's professional experience reaches extensively into the non-profit sector, where she has launched numerous fundraising programs and activities. During her five years in New York City, Jen worked for a young non-profit, Fiver Children's Foundation. As Program Director, she supervised year-round programs that served over 500 low-income children. Later, as the Marketing and Development Director at Fiver, Jen cultivated relationships with major donors and board members to optimize fundraising through grants and individual giving. Jen finds it an honor to advocate on behalf of children and young people who are seeking opportunities to improve their lives and their circumstances. Jen is currently working for CFI while pursuing her Masters degree in Public Policy at the University of Denver. Helle Brimhall, Sponsorship Coordinator Helle was born in Denmark and currently lives with her husband in San Luis Valley, Colorado. She has four grown sons and has recently become a grandmother. Helle loves the outdoors, traveling, and has a zest for learning. Her motto is live well, laugh often, and love much. On a flight from L.A. to Bangkok, Helle chatted with Jenny Ciucci, the co-founder of CFI, during the 19 hour journey. The two of them felt a deep connection, and Helle was so impressed with Jenny’s compassion that she felt drawn to offer her support. Helle serves voluntarily as the child sponsorship coordinator. Additionally, she oversees many behind-the-scenes aspects of CFI in the U.S. Helle's dream is to see CFI's children blossom and grow with the unique and powerful opportunities CFI offers them. Her commitment to securing sponsorships for every CFI child has made her an indispensable part of the CFI team. Maya Tucker, Volunteer Born and raised in a conscious community of friends and family in a small town in northern Arizona, Maya's upbringing always incorporated helping others, understanding different cultures and loving all there is to learn. Maya had her first solo traveling experience in Japan when she was thirteen. Since that experience, traveling has been the main drive of her life. Always an advocate for conscious traveling and having a positive impact on the communities of the countries she visits, she believes that volunteering is the best way to immerse oneself into a new culture. She has volunteered for extensive periods in Rio de Janeiro, the West Bank, and Cambodia. While Maya was teaching English for CFI, she fell in love with the work and the kids who smiled every second regardless of their hardships. Of all her experiences abroad, nothing touched her as much as the experience she had in Battambang. Maya returned home to complete her degree and knew she would be back to support the goals of CFI. Maya has her Bachelors in Psychology and wishes to complete a Masters in Humanitarian Assistance in the near future. She is currently volunteering at CFI in Battambang. Board of Directors
· Andrew Wolff, Co-Founder · Jenny Ciucci, Co-Founder · Beth Van Hoeven, President · David Asseoff, Vice President
David was born and raised in Queens, NY, but decided his calling was away from the Big Apple and moved with his wife Aliza to Denver in 1998. David graduated from SUNY Binghamton and, after two years working in Manhattan, decided to start his own company, Memolink (now Adperio). Sixteen years later, Adperio employs 50 people and is a leading Interactive Advertising Agency with headquarters in Denver and a new office in London. David was a camp counselor when he met Andrew Wolff at Camp Equinunk, and several years later, recruited Andrew to Colorado to join his company. After three successful years, Andrew left the company to pursue his teaching career and begin his journey towards CFI. During a Colorado visit several years later, almost in passing, Andrew mentioned his CFI program to David, and it was, at that moment, that David knew he had to get involved with Andrew and this amazing organization. David and Aliza have two beautiful children, Jesse (9) and Samantha (7). In his spare time, David enjoys hanging with the family, playing softball, travel and watching the Jets and Mets embarrass themselves.
· William Gould, Treasurer
William (Bill) Gould is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Darkstar Capital Group, a private investment firm in New York. He received a B.A. in Public Policy from Duke University and an M.B.A. from the Stern School of Business at New York University.
· Alice Parekh, Secretary
Originally from Great Neck, NY, Alice graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in French Literature. She started out as an investment banking analyst at Merrill Lynch and was more recently a member of the merchandising team for Barney's NY and Victoria's Secret.
In 2006, Alice relocated to Mumbai, India, where she has dedicated her time to organizations that support underprivileged children. Her incredible commitment to philanthropy is evident in her time spent serving impoverished children in India, New York and now serving as a board member for CFI. Alice's attention to detail and her passion for social change make her a huge asset to the CFI board of directors. Alice currently serves as the chairperson for CFI's event committee. · Andrew Bourne · Rory Hersch
Combining his passion for technology and giving back, Rory recently launched DishOut, a real-time communication tool between merchants and consumers that provides discounts for consumers. The partnership between consumers and merchants has now evolved into philanthropy, with a portion of every sale eligible for donation to a cause of each entities' choosing. During a three year hiatus in Denver, Rory met and worked with Andrew Wolff, who went on to found CFI. Always inspired by Andrew's vision to make the world a better place, Rory enthusiastically joined the CFI Board of Directors. Rory continues to contribute his creativity, entrepreneurship and talents to advance CFI and its mission. Rory currently lives in New York City with his fiancée Kira.
· Nancy Visconti · Peter Vogel
Born in the US mid-west, Peter has worked in the Internet marketing and advertising industry for more than a decade. Peter met Andrew Wolff while working together at Adperio in 2000. Peter currently serves as Senior Director of Marketing and Industry Scout for Adperio. Peter also loves to travel and has spent time living in many parts of the world including Prague, Buenos Aires and Tallin, Estonia. Currently he is stationed in London and is leading his company’s expansion into Europe.
Our Partners
Salt Academy gives Cambodian kids, youth mentors, and local coaches from all different backgrounds the opportunity to enjoy playing sports while building leadership, communication and community development.
ISF provides the poorest children in Cambodia with the opportunity to continue their education at public school and university and to coach youth soccer leagues and become community leaders.
Adperio is an on-line marketing agency that has volunteered its time and energy in building CFI’s website, assisting with administrative needs, as well as assisting with other operational needs.
See Beyond Borders' mission is to effectively and sustainably empower communities living in developing countries by supporting specific Partners and Projects.
Dewey International University
(DIU) is committed to providing knowledge, wisdom, and skills relevant to employment opportunities to the youth of Northwest Cambodia.
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