Post-Covid Andong

In December 2022, our Founder, Marijke travelled back to Andong for the first time in five years.

What she discovered was that the development that had taken place while she had been away had rejuvenated the community, providing economic opportunities and a more hopeful future for Andong's residents.

Read Marijke's latest blog to learn more about what's changed in Andong and how Dara Children's Trust plans to continue our support to ensure the long-term, inter-generational prosperity of its people.

Opening ten new class rooms at Kork Rokar

In January 2022, after years of government lobbying, working with architects and construction companies, on-site disruption and a global pandemic, we officially opened ten new classrooms at the local primary school, Kork Rokar. This achievement means smaller class sizes and more spaces for children that otherwise would not have access to education.

We could not be more proud of our team and the teachers and students at Kork Rokar Primary School. 

Read more to learn about this development.

2019 in review

2019 was another steady year of progress, with 18% growth in our literacy programmes and 85% retention of our vocational training students. With 48% females in our education projects, we are closing the inequality gap by providing opportunities to learn for all. 

Download our annual report outlining the achievements we made in 2019.

80s quiz night

In April 2019, we hosted our largest fundraiser - an 80s Quiz Night.

Kitted out in 80s attire, over a hundred guests participated in the quiz and the evening involved high energy antics all-round.

In addition to the Highest Scoring Team,  additional prizes included Best Dressed and Best 80s Dance Moves.

We raised over $10,000. Thanks to all who joined in the fun and especially to our sponsor Marketing Cube, who covered all costs meaning 100% of the funds raised went directly to our projects in Cambodia. 

Political progress

We were fortunate to meet His Excellency Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, Minister for Education, when we were planting a garden at Kork Rokar School in 2017. In 2018, when we returned to Cambodia, we met with His Excellency again. With plans to build 10 new classrooms in the next school year, we're delighted to be building a relationship with the Ministry and are working through an MoU to secure a longer term focus for education in Andong.

2017 in review

2017 was another milestone year for us.  We purchased land to future-proof the organisation, had our school build project approved by the Ministry of Education, grew our Andong education projects to support over 150 children and had our first med-school entrant acceptance.  

Check out our progress here.

2016 in review

2016 was a critical year for us as it marked the ten year anniversary of the community's displacement. To speed the pace of progress for the next decade, we focused on embedding our sustainability plans. This year, we laid the foundations for improved education for children and income generation for their parents.

Download our annual report outlining the achievements we made during Andong's decennary.
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Andong, ten years on...

6th June 2016 marks the ten year anniversary of the displacement of people from Sambok Chap, Phnom Penh. With their houses destroyed and ripe for development, the villagers were forcibly loaded onto crowded trucks and relocated to Andong - almost 30kms from the city, with no access to running water, electricity or sanitation. 

View this article to see what's happened since.
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High tea at Ostro for international families day

On Sunday 15th May, we celebrated International Day of Families with a High Tea at Ostro. It was a great event, fundraising over $2,000 for our projects through ticket sales and silent auction items. Thanks to all who supported us on the day, and also to those who made donations in lieu of attendance. All proceeds from the event will go toward supporting families in Andong.

For photos of the event, please click here

Ethical fashion start-ups support Dara's first Melbourne event

Press Release: 8 July, 2014

While large fashion labels continue to demonstrate unfair work practises in countries like Cambodia, smaller start-ups in the industry are setting a new standard by supporting charities in such nations with proceeds of their profits. akkadenim, a new label created solely to support children's charities, and Elizabeth Allardyce Jewellery are coming together this Sunday to support Dara Children's Trust's first Melbourne fundraising event.

Download the press release here

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Ethical business: supporting dara children's trust

Exclusive Interview with akkadenim and Ethical Value, February 2014

How would businesses impact the world if there was a philanthropist sitting on every board? This is exactly the question Ethical Value bloggers Deap Khambay and Yasmeen Qureshi explored when they sat down with our Founder & Director, Marijke Timmers and akkadenim's Chief Vision Officer, Miles Chinn and Art Director, Emma Caton in London recently.

akkadenim is the new denim brand aiming to turn the fashion industry on its head. It seeks to integrate a sense of consciousness within the industry by going against institutions perpetuating greed in society. And, they're supporting children's charities along the way, one of which is Dara Children's Trust...

View the full article here.

Volunteering: charity begins overseas...

TravelTalk, June 2013

More and more people are taking the opportunity to combine travel with with charitable work.  But can 'voluntourism' really make a difference?  

By following a few simple rules, it is possible to have the experience of a lifetime and find that those you intended to help actually leave more of an impression on you than expected.  But beneficiaries are not tourist attractions and ethical travelling means doing your research to ensure that your help isn't wasted on those who use the underprivileged for personal gain.

Our Founder and Director, Marijke Timmers, provides tips to stay street-smart when volunteering abroad.  Download the article here.