We offer “catch-up” classes in Khmer literacy, basic math, and general study skills for children who have never attended public school, those who have dropped out and those who are at risk of dropping out. The purpose of this program is to give these students the academic foundation and social skills necessary to succeed in public school.

* Many children in our Public School Access program require further support. This is provided through our Social Empowerment Programs.

We encourage our students to be creative and challenge themselves through an array of programs that give each child the opportunity to excel. Our students develop a passion for reading in the library. They practice English by listening to and singing with The Beatles. On the soccer field they learn teamwork and communication skills. While notes from guitar and keyboard fill the air (sometimes out of tune), kids are busy piecing together puzzles, drawing pictures of princesses, and swinging on the tire swing. Our older students are learning computer skills by creating their own blogs and videos.

We provide support for students to complete their high school careers and to continue with higher education. In partnership with a local university, CFI has set up a scholarship program for academically talented students.

We are working with some of our exceptional students to help them access international educational opportunities.

In some cases, especially for older children who have never been in school, the most appropriate educational opportunity is to learn a trade. Along with basic Khmer literacy and math skills, we facilitate apprenticeship opportunities for these young adults.

We provide family support, where appropriate, to enable children to live at home and attend school. This may include staple foods, school uniforms, materials, bicycles and teacher fees. We regularly visit CFIsupported families and our social workers assess their needs on a case-by-case basis.

For many families, small loans coupled with appropriate guidance are all that is needed to create a sustainable livelihood and make it possible for children to remain in school. We are currently supporting families to become independent farmers and craftsmen.

An organic vegetable garden and sustainable fish farm on CFI’s premises will serve as training facilities to help more families develop sustainable livelihoods (along with helping to feed the children at our homes).

At CFI, those who have been victims of abuse or neglect can start to recover from their traumas and establish friendships, trust and a sense of self-worth. A top priority of our children’s centers is to create a safe, loving environment where children can learn, grow, and have fun; a place where kids can be kids.

We understand that “play” is an integral part of a child’s development. The benefits of play are twofold. Most directly, students learn how to trust, respect, and communicate with their peers. Just as importantly, play and free expression break down their “affective filter,” an emotional block that inhibits the learning process both in and out of the classroom.

We are partnering with local organizations to provide psychological counseling for individual children in need as well as training for our staff.

Although we do not directly offer care, we arrange for treatment with reputable local doctors or other qualified organizations when a child falls ill. In addition, we offer basic health education in such areas as dental hygiene, water treatment, nutrition and feminine hygiene. We are currently working to develop a visiting doctor and nurse program.*

* Any interested doctors, nurses or other healthcare professionals - please contact us about partnership opportunities.