In development, as in most fields, unintended consequences are inevitable. The true test is how an organization handles those consequences. Children’s Future dealt with one such issue this month, when Kimhour, a 13-year-old grade 6 student, stopped attending her after school classes at the learning center. Until recently, Kimhour’s family was receiving monthly rice stipends [...]

We often talk about the great work being done for the children of Battambang, and now we finally have the data to back it up. This month, CFI supporter Nikki Bernabe (MSW Candidate, U. Denver), shared the findings of her evaluation of Children’s Future’s social work program. The impact evaluation analyzed a sample of Children’s [...]

April 14th marked the most important holiday in Cambodian culture: Khmer New Year. The week-long break is full of festivities, games, and, most importantly, family reunions. However, in the rural areas of Battambang, the New Year break is a time when many children go missing. Because of the proximity to the Thai border, the lack [...]

In advance of the Khmer New Year break, Children’s Future celebrated The Outstanding Student Award Ceremony. At these ceremonies, which happen twice a year, students are awarded for their achievements in school. Of the 161 students taking after-school classes at the learning center, 27 students were recognized for perfect attendance meaning 60 students received recognition [...]

Last week, the staff said goodbye to computer teacher, network administrator, and long time member of the Children’s Future family, Lorkfong Bot, known to most as Fong. Fong was recently awarded a nine-month scholarship to study programming in Phnom Penh and is leaving to pursue this incredible opportunity. Fong has been volunteering with CFI since [...]

At the age of 9, Thearana and her siblings were left to care for themselves when their parents traveled to the Thai border in search of work. Due to the absence of an adult caretaker, Thearana barely attended her classes at public school and was in danger of failing grade four. Children’s Future learned of [...]

Child trafficking is an unfortunate reality across Cambodia, and especially in areas, like Battambang, near the Thai border. Families struggling to make ends meet are often coerced into selling their children into modern-day slavery, involving manual labor and sex-work. One of Children’s Future’s students, a 12 year-old girl named Sela, fell victim to this unsettling [...]

Chun Sun, 12 years old, has been the main caretaker for his two young sisters and younger brother for two years year now. Everyday he makes sure his siblings have done their homework, are clean and prepped for school and then drives his youngest sister to Children’s Future on a bicycle. Being the oldest, he [...]

For many children in Cambodia, home life is filled with so much trauma, violence, and discouragement that attending school is barely possible. For this reason, Children’s Future’s team of social workers strives to strengthen children’s familial support and encourage communities to ensure their safety. Our social workers extend support to children and their families, and [...]

Children’s Future International is committed to long-term support during a child’s development, the most critical time in protecting their education and deciding their future. Oftentimes, in cases like Rathana's, social workers and educators work for many years to support their wellbeing and guide them to a more hopeful future. Through continued engagement with our students [...]