Helping Hands wouldn't exist without the people who've taught, coached, cooked for, and cared for our students over the years. Some of the faces below are still in the classroom today; others have moved on to new chapters, but what they built is still standing. These are the people who turned Helping Hands from an idea into a place where kids in rural Cambodia get a real shot at an education.
Sopheap, Director, Project Coordinator and Teacher
Sopheap is one of the great success stories of Helping Hands. Having grown up in a small village, he studied English at the local pagoda (a Buddhist temple) and a local NGO. Sopheap has worked as an English Teacher for Helping Hands since the very beginning, in 2006. He was also the first of our University Scholarship recipients, and in fact the first person in the village to attend University!
All of his hard work and commitment has paid off, and in December 2017, Sopheap was promoted to Project Coordinator. Every day he sets a perfect example to our students and inspires others in the village. We are proud to have him on the Helping Hands Team.
Neang, English Teacher
Originally from another province, Neang moved to live and study near Bayon Temple in Siem Reap when he was 14. He attended the local primary school, where he met Sopheap (Project Coordinator), and the two became good friends. Neang studied English Teaching at University in Siem Reap, and then became an English Teacher at Helping Hands in December 2016.
Neang says, “I like the kids in the rural area and I like to help them. When I work with Helping Hands I have a chance to gain more experience and training. We always help each other and it is great to see how much the villagers support our school as well. I’ve also learned a lot about working with volunteers since I've worked with HHC. They can be very helpful in my class.”
Neang also likes cooking and often cooks lunch for himself and the other staff, which everyone enjoys!
Dalie, Basic Khmer and English Teacher
Dalie is our newest recruit. She grew up in the village and is a former Helping Hands student herself. Thanks to a Scholarship from the Stott family, Dalie is currently in the third year of her University degree.
Dalie has already completed two teacher training courses in Siem Reap, and has practical experience from working at the local government school. Dalie already knew the children at Helping Hands, and with her experience she was the perfect choice for taking over the Kindergarten and Basic English classes.
Balancing working full-time and studying in the evenings, Dalie always has lots of energy and a big smile on her face!
Yoeuy, English Teacher
Yoeuy was originally a student at HHC and after graduating, he returned as a volunteer to assist in the library, and in English lessons. He enjoyed the role so much that when a part-time position became available to teach Basic English, he jumped at the chance to take it!
Yoeuy has recently been awarded a Scholarship from Helping Hands and has begun studying for his TESOL at University in Siem Reap, which will equip him with the knowledge and confidence to continue developing and pursuing his dream of teaching.
Sovanna, Creative Arts Teacher
Sovanna loves to hug people, and her natural warmth makes her the perfect person to run one of our kindergarten classes at school. Though she has no formal teacher training, she succeeds in helping our youngest students through the early challenges of learning Khmer language, and her love of music and dance turns lessons into something the kids look forward to.
Through her dedicated and active role in community work, Sovanna is highly recognized throughout the local village and has become a beloved favorite among her young students.
Kong, Social Worker
Kong has lived in Prasat Char village her whole life, and is trusted and well liked, which makes her the perfect candidate for working so closely with the students and their families as our social worker. She has worked at Helping Hands since 2014, and also works part-time as a Kindergarten Teacher at the local government school.
“I am a resident in this village. I work for Helping Hands Cambodia because I want to help develop my community, and want all children to have a chance to receive the English and Khmer kindergarten education. On top of that, I want to help solving the problems happening to all my students, especially family problem which is connected to education.”
