23 days in Cambodia: A journey between war, humanity and hope

December 22, 2025 to January 14, 2025 – A report by Pascale Vayer

When we planned this trip, our main goal was to see the children we have been supporting for so many years. After a challenging year in 2025 – marked by the repatriation of Ukrainian children from Kropyvnytskyi, the ongoing war, political crises, and the sudden outbreak of a brutal conflict in Cambodia – we hoped to bring a little stability to the children as well as to ourselves.
But upon our arrival, we found a country living in fear.
A ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia was signed on December 27, but nobody knows how long it will last.

A country shaken by history once again

Since May 2025, the border between Thailand and Cambodia has been ravaged by heavy fighting. Villages have been destroyed, families are fleeing, and emergency shelters are overcrowded. The country is once again plunging into deep trauma, still scarred by the wounds of the Khmer Rouge genocide. Tourism, vital to the economy, has collapsed, and many believe that this "flash crisis" has set Cambodia back a generation.

And yet, the Cambodians welcomed us with a deeply touching warmth.
They share what little they have, support the displaced, and help each other without hesitation. Their solidarity amidst suffering is a true lesson in humanity.

Reunion with "our" children

Despite the difficult situation, we were able to spend time with the children of the two centers we have been supporting since 2019: in Phnom Penh and in Banlung, in the heart of Ratanakiri.

These centers enable children from families living in extreme poverty to attend school and receive support in their education – with the aim of supporting them until they have learned a profession and can lead a dignified life.

During our stay, we were also able to give the children some moments of joy, thanks to small surprises and activities: a day in a water park, games in the park and even swimming under waterfalls.

Her laughter still echoes in our hearts.

Their happiness – even if it was only brief – reminds us why we do all this.

What can truly change the lives of children in our centers right now:

School supportso that they can make progress despite the instability.
Raising awareness and encouraging families, so that they continue to send their children to school instead of prioritizing short-term survival strategies.
Preventing school dropouts children of ethnic minorities, who are sometimes taken from the centers to help with the rice or cashew nut harvest.
Support for higher education: Since university studies are subject to fees, we would like to award scholarships to young people who have completed secondary school so that they can begin university or vocational training.
Construction of a new kitchen at our center in Banlung (Ratanakiri Province): The heavy rains between June and October severely damaged the building housing the kitchen and dining hall – especially the foundations. A safe and durable structure is essential to ensure the children's daily care.

Today, more than ever, children need stability, protection, and a future. Our commitment provides them with a firm anchor in a world that is crumbling around them.

Between pessimism and hope

We leave Cambodia with mixed feelings: sadness at the suffering, admiration for the strength of this people, and the deep conviction that our work is more important today than ever.

Help us to help others – together we give hope!

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