What We Do
Our Programs
CFC’s supportive programs help children make the most of their school day and classroom learning, even as we introduce ever-more advanced teaching techniques and content.
“CFC provides the necessary tools for children to pursue their education — including the most basic items: something to write with, and something to wear.”
Removing Barriers
According to a UNESCO study, almost a quarter of Cambodian students aged 7–14 are forced to leave school to work — often because families can’t afford textbooks, transportation, uniforms, or supplies. Removing those barriers keeps every child in a CFC family enrolled.
“These meals are a reason to attend school — and a primary contributor to students’ ability to focus in the classroom.”
Food For Thought
Food for Thought provides two nutritious meals a day, over 2 million meals a year, at $200,000 annually — CFC’s largest single program, and by far its most requested.
“CFC teachers go on to train and mentor others, steadily changing the culture of education in Cambodia.”
Teacher Training
From international workshops to a Mentor Teacher Program, CFC invests in the educators themselves — more than 100 teachers have pursued university degrees through CFC’s scholarship program, and 96 have graduated.
“A significant dropout trend begins around sixth grade — CFC’s Gender Equity Program is breaking that cycle.”
Gender Equity
Counselors, sanitation, and community outreach keep girls enrolled well past the grade where Cambodia typically loses them. CFC schools are now 50% female overall, with a girls’ drop-out rate of just 6% and falling.
“By the time these students graduate, they will be among the most employable youth in the country.”
English as a Second Language
Cambodian students typically don’t begin English study until 4th grade. CFC starts in Kindergarten instead, pairing ESL with STEM so students build both language and technical skills from the very start.
“Libraries are where young learners break the cycle of illiteracy that contributes to poverty for many families in Cambodia.”
Libraries
Nine libraries across CFC’s primary, junior high, and high schools serve 7,000 students from PK–12th grade — plus roughly 250 adults from the wider community each year.
“CFC schools are some of the only ones in the country that prepare students to work in growth fields.”
Career Preparation
Interviews, internships, career fairs, and scholarship support reach all 3,160 students across grades 10–12 at CFC’s two high schools. 100% of graduates go on to employment, higher education, or vocational training.
“CFC students learn hard and soft skills together, integrating academic content with real technical prowess.”
ICT / STEM
Every junior and senior high school now has a fully-equipped technology lab. Students consistently post higher science scores on the national exam, and more are choosing to study science and technology than ever before.
“A mother used lifesaving first-aid knowledge she learned through CFC to help a child who nearly drowned.”
Health Education
What began as basic student healthcare is now a full Health Education Program reaching students, parents, and the wider community — from hand-washing to disease prevention, vision and dental screening, and reproductive health.
“This program builds leadership, motor skills, and creativity, alongside technical skills useful in the job market.”
Music & Life Skills
From agriculture and bike repair to music and student council, CFC’s Life Skills program expands the standard curriculum with hands-on subjects taught by teachers and volunteers alike.
“CFC schools enroll more preschoolers than five other provinces combined.”
Early Learning
Twelve preschools make CFC a national leader in early learning — 93% of CFC preschool parents enroll their children by age 5, compared to just 33% nationwide.
Every Program, One Mission
Your gift supports all of it.
From a child’s first day of preschool to their last day of career prep, these programs work together to keep students learning. Questions about a specific program? We’re glad to answer them.