We are excited to officially welcome spring in the Netherlands! The days are getting longer, flowers are slowly starting to bloom, and we are enjoying sunny moments, although the temperatures are not very high yet. Meanwhile, in Cambodia, thermometers are reaching 40º, and we are soon celebrating the Khmer New Year’s, the grandest festival of theContinue reading “Newsletter april 2026”
Author Archives: Judith
English class in Cambodia: Nathanel’s impact in Stellar
“Speak out and don’t worry about mistakes, it’s all part of learning” Nathanel is a 21-year-old who works as an English teacher in the Stellar Center. He’s been teaching there for more than a year now, since the beginning of the classes in the newly opened center, and it is his first job as anContinue reading “English class in Cambodia: Nathanel’s impact in Stellar”
A glimpse into the Stellar library – in conversation with the students
While visiting the Stellar Centre in Cambodia, DARA Europe volunteer Judith sat down with two students during their weekly library class to discuss their love for reading. As these students attend Stellar’s English classes, it became a great opportunity for them to practice speaking English themselves, which they handled very well. Their answers were honest,Continue reading “A glimpse into the Stellar library – in conversation with the students”
Stronger together: the impact of social work in Andong
In Andong, social workers play a crucial role in the family support programs of SCCO, DARA Europe’s partner organization. With dedication and empathy, they help families grow stronger and contribute to building a close-knit, resilient community. They guide youth in self-help groups, coach adults, and provide micro-loans. In doing so, they break the vicious cycleContinue reading “Stronger together: the impact of social work in Andong”
A journey of learning and connection: Sokun’s visit to the Netherlands
This september marked an unforgettable milestone for Sokun who is one of the dedicated social workers in the SCCO team, our partner organization in Cambodia. Sokun has been part of SCCO as a social worker since 2018. She traveled to the Netherlands to attend a Youth Conference and meet DARA Europe volunteers. For her, itContinue reading “A journey of learning and connection: Sokun’s visit to the Netherlands”
A lifetime of giving: Tonny and her commitment to DARA Europe
Sometimes a story starts very simple. For Tonny de Jong (85), it began with Tirza, the founder of DARA Europe, for whom she was nanny (grandma) for many years. When Tirza turned eighteen, she went backpacking and ended up in Cambodia, where she volunteered in an orphanage. The stories she brought back stayed with Tonny.
Weekend class in Andong: A safe place to grow
Every Sunday morning, as Andong slowly begins to wake up, one of the classrooms at SCCO fills with the cheerful voices of children, games, and laughter. With the support of DARA Europe, a weekend class takes place: an inspiring initiative where children from the community come together to read, learn, and -most importantly- to beContinue reading “Weekend class in Andong: A safe place to grow”
With patience and joy: the vision of an English teacher in Andong
English lessons are an important part of the education programs supported by DARA Europe. They provide a valuable addition to Cambodia’s public primary education, where English is often only briefly covered. Many parents who can afford it choose private schools to give their children extra learning opportunities. More and more people see English as aContinue reading “With patience and joy: the vision of an English teacher in Andong”
From care to independence: Sokun’s impact as a social worker
Sokun has been a dedicated social worker at SCCO, the partner organization of DARA Europe, for many years. She began her career at the former children’s center in the city, where she played a crucial role in reintegrating children into their (foster) families or preparing them for independent living.With her dedication, patience, and perseverance, sheContinue reading “From care to independence: Sokun’s impact as a social worker “
Reading joy from an early age
There’s nothing quite like the joy of being read to. In the preschool classes of SCCO in Cambodia, reading aloud plays a key role in the development of young children. It’s more than just a moment of relaxation – it stimulates language skills, imagination, and curiosity. We spoke with Davy, a teacher in SCCO’s preschool,Continue reading “Reading joy from an early age”