DARA Europe supports the community of Andong, a village near the capital of Cambodia, where people work tirelessly to break the cycle of poverty. Channa is one of the many young people living in this village. She dreams of studying so that she can secure a good job in the future. Since 2018, she has been part of a youth self-help group set up by SCCO.
Progress of the Community Center construction: a step towards the future!
We are excited to share an update on the progress of the construction of our long-awaited community center in Andong. This center, built with a vision for the future, will provide a safe, modern, and stimulating environment for the many activities of SCCO. This has been made possible with the support of DARA Europe.
Continue reading “Progress of the Community Center construction: a step towards the future!”July News
In the Netherlands, summer has begun and the school holidays are just around the corner. In Cambodia, we are halfway through the school year, with exciting new developments. The teams from both DARA Europe and Stellar Child Care Organization (SCCO) are actively engaging in various activities. Read about what we are working on and what is planned.
Continue reading “July News”April News
As the days grow longer and spring begins to bloom in the Netherlands, thermometers in Cambodia are reaching heights of over 40 degrees Celsius. Amidst this heat and a shortage of rain, Cambodia is currently celebrating Khmer New Year, one of the country’s most significant holidays.
Continue reading “April News”Shaping minds and futures
Meet Sivorn, Education Manager at SCCO
At DARA Europe, we take pride in introducing you to the latest driving force behind the educational programs of our partner organization Stellar Child Care Organization (SCCO) in Cambodia. Sivorn stepped into the role of Education Manager at SCCO, a position supported by DARA Europe and created to meet the growing demand for educational activities within Andong. She’s committed to enhancing teacher capabilities and refining curriculum and teaching methodologies.
Continue reading “Shaping minds and futures”Collaboration between SCCO and local Primary school Kork Rokar improves education in Andong
DARA Europe is proud to support the strong collaboration between SCCO, our partner organization in Cambodia, and the local primary school Kork Rokar in Andong. This collaboration has achieved important milestones over the years.
Continue reading “Collaboration between SCCO and local Primary school Kork Rokar improves education in Andong”December News
Here is the december news: while the festive season approaches in the Netherlands and the coziness of Christmas fills the air, this month in Cambodia marks the beginning of the new school year. We’re getting ready to celebrate the end of the year and would like to share the latest news.
News from Cambodia
We’re building a community center for the future!
In 2017, with the support of DARA Europe and Dara Children’s Trust SCCO acquired a piece of land on the outskirts of Andong. After years of preparation, the time has finally come: SCCO is set to establish its own community center in Andong. Currently, the daily activities of SCCO, made possible by DARA Europe, take place in an outdated and unsafe rented space with limited rooms. We aim for a new location that can further develop the community and reduce dependence on external support. Over the past year, extensive work has gone into designing the multifunctional building, which will offer flexible spaces for existing and new programs. Thanks to the support from Wilde Ganzen, MOOV Logistics, and Stichting Scholenproject Cambodja Rotterdam, the funding for the first phase of the building is secured. After a careful selection process, we’ve selected a contractor, and this month, the contracts were signed. What a milestone! The community center will be built in two phases, scheduled for completion in 2024.
Long-term support for poverty alleviation
Sreng and Tirza crossed paths in 2010 in Andong, and since then, Sreng has been dedicated to the well-being of the people in Andong. Alongside DARA Europe, he strives for a brighter future for children growing up in challenging circumstances — often in poverty. Would you like to learn more about the passionate team members of our partner organization SCCO in Cambodia?
Stronger together through self-help groups and parent meetings
DARA Europe focuses on education and support in the most vulnerable neighborhoods in Andong. . Poutheary works as a social worker at SCCO and coaches families to become self-reliant and resilient. She plays a crucial role in organizing self-help groups for young people and meetings for adults in the community.
Read more about the family support programs
News from the Netherlands
Blues, Rock & Pop event
On Sunday, October 15th, there was a Blues, Rock & Pop eventat Café De Stee in IJsselstein. We kicked off the afternoon with the swinging music of BluesShack and ended the evening with fantastic covers by the band ‘Out of Time.’
A big thank you to all the attendees, and a special thanks to L. van Eekeren, representing ‘De IJsselrijders,’ who presented a check of €1,150.00. It was a fantastic event with funds raised for DARA Europe.
Policy plan
We are pleased to announce that our updated multi-year policy plan is now available on our website. Here you can find all the details about our goals, strategies, and plans to achieve our vision and impact.
More News
Shopping with Doelshop
As the end of the year approaches, it’s a time for many to review their health insurance. Did you know that annually, a million people switch? If you switch through a new insurance provider through Doelshop.nl, we can receive an average donation of €25. Doelshop is now also expanding internationally. Shopping from Sweden, Switzerland or the USA for example? Check for shopdonation online.
A sparkling New Year
We’re grateful for all the support throughout this past year, and we look forward to making a difference together for many children and families in Cambodia next year. Happy holidays!
Are you inspired? Donate now!
Microcredits: Transforming families in Andong from financial struggles to success stories
In Andong, a community where many people live in poverty, SCCO has been offering microcredits since 2022, thanks to the support of DARA Europe. As part of the family support program, SCCO provides small, interest-free, microcredits. Join us as we delve into Mr. Noeun’s story to gain a deeper understanding of how microcredits are reshaping the lives of entrepreneurial families in Andong.
Continue reading ” Microcredits: Transforming families in Andong from financial struggles to success stories”Growing Stronger together through Self-Help Groups and parent meetings
In Andong, where challenges for children, young adults, and families can sometimes seem overwhelming, Poutheary works as a social worker at SCCO. She plays a crucial role in organizing self-help groups for young people and meetings for adults in the community. In this blog, Poutheary shares how SCCO is making a difference with their family support programs in Andong.
Continue reading “Growing Stronger together through Self-Help Groups and parent meetings”September news
This beautiful late summer is over and the first autumn days have announced themselves. In Cambodia, they are in the middle of the rainy season and October is in sight, the coldest month of the year.
News from Cambodia
Sport and school a bright future
In the Netherlands, the children have been to school for several weeks. Not all children are jumping every day to go back to school. Nevertheless, education is the basis for a bright future. Thanks to Tirza and SCCO, Aone has the opportunity to go to school every day
In the Netherlands, children go to kindergarten from the age of four, and this is even mandatory from the age of five.
In Cambodia, many children only attend public primary school from the age of 6. Children from disadvantaged communities, such as Andong, where parents sometimes have limited access to education or training, do not attend pre-primary education.
High impact of SCCO’s “pre-primary education”
The importance and impact of reading; a source of hope and confidence.
In the Netherlands, we do everything we can to stimulate and enthuse the young generation to read. This is further stimulated by the national library, which offers free membership up to the age of 18.
Access to the library is also very important for the children of the partner organization SCCO.
Read here about the win-win situation of the weekend classes and the library.
News from the Netherlands
Blues, rock & pop party
Fancy a swinging party with Dara Europe as a charity? Then come to café De Stee in IJsselstein on Sunday 15 October for a blues, rock & pop for Cambodia! Enjoy the live music of the bands Blues Shack and Out of Time and at the same time support our foundation DARA Europe. For more information and registration.
International Day of Charity
International Charity Day ( 5 September .. ) is an initiative of the United Nations, which draws extra attention to a better world and the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ).
It’s a day to reflect on the commitment of volunteers and donors who are tirelessly committed to helping others. Fred shares his experiences as a team member of DARA Europe.
Do you also want to contribute? Make a donation or join our team!
Are you inspired? Donate now!