As the principal of a small rural school just outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia, I get to see something truly amazing—something that brings new life to our campus and hope to our whole community. I’m talking about the student travel and service-learning programs led by LEAP Cambodia.
Our school, like many others in the region, operates on a tight budget. Most of our funds go to the basics—teacher salaries, chalk and enough books to get by. Unfortunately, that leaves no room for the important stuff—new desks, fresh paint, safe playgrounds or even a working garden. These might seem like small things to some but for our students, they are the building blocks of a brighter, more inspired education.
When we first partnered with LEAP Cambodia, I didn’t know what to expect. The idea that students from across Asia would come here not just to visit but to help was exciting and unfamiliar. But from the very first group that arrived, we saw what these student volunteers could do.
Last month, we hosted a group of 25 students from an international school in China. In just a few days, they transformed our learning environment. They painted the outside of our classrooms, fixed old playground equipment and planted trees around our garden area. Some even helped lay bricks for a new classroom wall. They didn’t just bring desks and school supplies—they worked alongside us, shoulder to shoulder, to build something that would last.
For us, these improvements are not just about aesthetics—they’re about dignity. When our students walk into freshly painted classrooms or sit at new desks they feel proud. They feel seen. And when our community sees international students coming here to help, it sends a powerful message—that our children are worth investing in and their education matters.
But beyond the physical changes, what touches my heart most is the cultural exchange that happens. Our students, many of whom have never been outside of their province, get to meet students from China, Singapore, Korea and beyond. They learn new games, practice English and share traditional Cambodian dances and songs. These joyful moments open up their world and build friendships that go far beyond the few days these programs last.
I remember one afternoon when our students taught their international peers how to cook amok, a traditional Khmer curry. In return, the visiting students taught us how to fold origami animals. There was laughter, learning and an energy I hadn’t seen in years. These kinds of experiences don’t just enrich the students—they uplift our whole village.
For the international schools who send their students here, I hope you know how much impact you have, not just for the short term but for generations. Your visits support not only our schools but also our local economy. Many homestays, guesthouses, food vendors and transport drivers benefit when these groups arrive. In areas where jobs are scarce every opportunity counts.
I have seen firsthand how the presence of these student volunteers has inspired some of our youth to dream bigger. One of our 9th grade students recently told me she wants to study tourism and English so she can be a guide for international visitors. “I wish I could speak the way they do,” she said.“And help people come to Cambodia to learn and help like they do.” That seed of ambition was planted by watching the students from abroad give their time and effort here.
We are deeply grateful to LEAP Cambodia for organizing and guiding these Siem Reap service-learning experiences. Their team understands our needs and works closely with us to ensure each group brings lasting value. They don’t just send volunteers—they build relationships.
As a principal, I worry about how we can continue to improve our school with such limited means. But now with these ongoing partnerships, I see a brighter future. A future where students travel Cambodia not just to see the temples and the beauty of Siem Reap but to be part of our story—to share, to serve and to grow with us.
To any school considering joining a LEAP Cambodia program, I want to say: your visit can change lives. Not just for your students but for ours. The work you do here helps make our schools brighter, our students more confident and our communities more connected to the world.
On behalf of our school and our entire village, I offer our heartfelt gratitude. We look forward to every new visit, every shared smile and every act of kindness. Together, we are building more than schools—we are building bridges of understanding and compassion.
Let us continue building bridges together.
– Mr. Sopha, Principal, Siem Reap
(Translated from Khmer to English)