A journey spanning thousands of miles across the ocean, over 5,000 kg of educational materials, sports gear, and more, and dozens of dedicated partners: DARA Europe’s container project is officially underway!
We look back on a heartwarming campaign that brought together schools, sports clubs, businesses, and local entrepreneurs from across the Netherlands. Thanks to this collective effort, a sea container packed with school furniture, English books, sports equipment, laptops, and a special tricycle is now on its way to Stellar in Andong, Cambodia.
From Classrooms to Football Fields
Collecting all the items and loading the container was an impressive logistical puzzle. Teachers gathered learning materials, school directors donated furniture, and football and badminton clubs from across the country organized collection campaigns. Meanwhile, DARA Europe volunteers sorted, packed, and prepared everything for transport. Everyone pitched in with one shared goal: to build a bright, engaging learning environment where children and youth in Andong can learn, play, and thrive.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without our logistics partners. KLG Europe, Moov Logistics, and Stichting Gebroeders Kuijken took care of inland transport in the Netherlands, the professional loading of the container, and the ocean freight to Cambodia. Thanks to their expertise, over 5,000 kg of cargo was carefully packed, stacked, and prepared for its long journey!
What’s inside the container?
- Furniture & Classroom Setup: Dozens of school desks, chairs, teacher workstations, and storage cabinets. This allows us to fully furnish and equip the additional classrooms in our new Stellar building, which opened in early 2025!
- Educational materials & Library: Over 400 English learning- and storybooks to boost language skills and spark imagination, along with teaching aids and educational toys.
- Music & creativity: Keyboards, xylophones, percussion instruments, and various musical items that will bring music lessons, creative expression, and plenty of joy to the students.
- Sports, games & outdoor play: With 40 pairs of football boots, shin guards, goalkeeper gloves, badminton rackets, and sports apparel, young people will soon be able to play safely and enthusiastically. Swings, a slide, and a collection of board games are also packed.
- A digital future: Thanks to the donation of 26 laptops, monitors, and accessories, we can offer computer literacy classes as well as further digitalize and streamline Stellar’s management systems.
Sustainable impact through reuse
At DARA Europe, we procure goods and services locally in Cambodia whenever possible, boosting the local economy and empowering the community. For this container, however, we intentionally made an exception. High-quality items and furniture that were surplus or being replaced in the Netherlands are being given a meaningful second life in Cambodia. Reusing these resources significantly reduces Stellar’s costs, leaving more of our budget available for high-quality education for the children.
Our Sponsors & Partners
Logistics & Transport
- KLG Europe – for handling transport within the Netherlands, logistical management, and packing the container.
- Stichting Gebroeders Kuijken & Moov Logistics – for sponsoring and coordinating the ocean transport to Cambodia and final delivery to Stellar.
School furniture & interior
- CBS Op ‘e Hichte – for donating kindergarten classroom furniture.
- OBS De Torenuil (IJsselstein) – for donating school furniture for all age groups, including group tables, teacher desks, chairs, and shelves.
Education, books & music
- Stichting Biblionef – for donating 400+ English learning and storybooks.
- IKC Bonifatius Ter Apel – for educational toys and learning materials.
- Laura van Kessel – for donating a variety of musical instruments.
- Onderwijsgroep Leo Kanner, SO de Musketier & Vathorst College Amersfoort – for donating laptops and IT equipment.
Sports & recreation
- FC Ter Apel ‘96, Voetbalvereniging C.E.C. (Emmer-Compascuum), and footballfan René in Hilversum for gathering football boots, shin guards, and goalkeeper gloves.
- BC Pegasus Ter Apel, Badmintonclub IJsselstein, and Bewegingscentrum Ter Apel – for collecting badminton rackets and shuttles.
Bicycle & playground
- De Fietsexpert Ter Apel – for donating a special tricycle, enabling a boy with a physical disability to travel independently to school and Stellar.
- Onderwijsgroep Leo Kanner, SO de Musketier samen met Van Ee Speel voor de buiten speeltoestellen.
What’s next?
The container is currently crossing the ocean! Once it arrives at the port of Sihanoukville, Cambodia, the shipment will be transported by truck to Andong, where the Stellar team will be ready to receive it.
We can’t wait to share the first unboxing photos and those big, joyful smiles with you!
Want to follow the container’s journey and see its impact firsthand?
Follow DARA Europe on LinkedIn, Facebook en Instagram. Together, we are creating opportunities for children in Andong to learn, grow, and shine!
