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The Cambodian Children's Fund was founded by Hollywood film executive Scott Neeson, who travelled to Cambodia on holiday in early 2003 and found his life changed by the desperate circumstances and unlikely courage of Phnom Penh's most impoverished children.
After a 26 year-career in the film business, including tenure as president of 20th Century Fox International and a similar position with Sony Pictures International, Scott exited the industry to establish and oversee CCF. He is now Executive Director and lives year-round in Phnom Penh.
CCF was originally developed as one shelter providing a safe haven for 45 children in critical need. Within four short years, the CCF has grown to incorporate four separate facilities, where nearly 400 children receive nutrition and housing, as well as medical treatment, dental services and vaccinations.
CCF children are given a comprehensive educational program that includes local language reading and writing, as well as multi-level classes in English, social studies and math. They also attend evening classes at the rooftop cultural center, where they learn traditional Khmer music, dance and drama.
Vocational training continues to be a vital aspect of our organization, and CCF's children are encouraged to pursue both on- and off-site studies in computer training, cosmetology, hair-dressing, graphic design, restaurant management and language instruction. In November 2006, CCF also opened the Star Bakery, a facility that provides intensive training in baking techniques, bread production, food hygiene and business management.
CCF is also expanding its community relief programs to provide suffering families better access to education, health care, food assistance and safe drinking water - essential in an environment where an estimated 80% of illnesses are water related. Only through self-sufficiency can the generational cycles of poverty and abuse be broken.
Whether measuring our achievement in the restored futures of so many promising young lives, or in the lasting emotional return to our generous program donors and sponsors, the success of Cambodian Children's Fund has surpassed all expectations. But Cambodian children continue to be some of the most deprived and abused in the world. They've had no choice in being born into a country with some of the highest rates of child prostitution and domestic violence in the world. Without schooling, and without access to basic public services, these children have little hope of escaping a life of destitution.
In such a plentiful world, it is inexcusable that any child should have to live this way. The real work has just begun.
CCF site photographs courtesy Nigel Gregory, Scott Neeson, Meg Ryan, Trevor Wright, Lisa Jones, Setareh Mason, Armytage Livingston
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The Cambodian Children's Fund is a U.S.-registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization no. 20-0764162. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. The organization is also registered with the State of California and the Kingdom of Cambodia.
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