Our Mission
From the Riverbank to MasterChef: Sokmao’s Inspiring Story
In the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, a young boy named Sokmao began his days at 5:00 am, not with school bells or playtime, but with the relentless pursuit of a livelihood. Collecting plastic along the river and helping his grandmother sell vegetables at the market were his daily tasks. The world of books and classrooms seemed like a distant dream.
But in 2004, the course of Sokmao’s life took a transformative turn when he became one of the very first students to be welcomed into The Global Child (TGC). With unwavering determination, Sokmao embraced the opportunity to learn at TGC. The days of laborious work gave way to hours of dedicated study. Education became his beacon of change.
Upon his graduation, TGC extended its support by sponsoring Sokmao to attend the Paul DuBrule School, a renowned vocational institution for Hospitality and Tourism in Siem Reap. At the Paul DuBrule School, Sokmao thrived. His dedication, coupled with his natural talent, propelled him to excel in the world of culinary arts. His journey didn’t stop there. It was as if fate had marked Sokmao for greatness when he received a once-in-a-lifetime invitation—to compete on Cambodia’s prestigious culinary platform, MasterChef.
For four intense months, Sokmao battled it out with some of Cambodia’s finest chefs. It was a journey marked by challenges, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. Sokmao’s passion, honed by years of determination and hard work, shone brightly as he faced formidable competitors.
During his 15 episodes on MasterChef Khmer, he utilized his skills, broad knowledge, and creativity to make delicious culinary dishes for the judges. Follow Sokmao’s journey on MasterChef Khmer.
Our History
For over two decades, The Global Child has been dedicated to the transformation of the lives of marginalized and neglected children, families, and communities. Our commitment shines through in our provision of top-tier education, comprehensive social and psychological support, and empowering leadership training.
With an impressive track record of working alongside some of the most deserving and passionate students, our mission goes beyond mere education. We’ve meticulously cultivated a safe and nurturing environment, fostering the growth of these young individuals into the leaders of tomorrow.
It takes a community to raise a child, signaling the need for a holistic approach to educating to create change.
Education
Leadership
Community
The three guiding pillars of TGC are education, leadership, and community. Education is a driving force of our operations, but we recognize the importance of empowering and supporting our students, their families, and their communities.
Why Cambodia?
In Cambodia, a significant portion of the population grapples with the harsh realities of living below the poverty line. This unfortunate circumstance often results in limited access to education and a lack of financial resources to break free from the cycle of poverty. The country faces numerous pressing issues, including domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, health problems stemming from food insecurity, environmental hazards, and social challenges driven by deeply entrenched gender stereotypes.
In the aftermath of war and amidst the struggles of a developing nation, many unschooled and underprivileged children find themselves begging for less than a dollar a day, which they contribute to their families’ income. These children and their guardians are burdened by familial obligations and financial hardships that hinder their access to education, despite their profound eagerness to learn.
Therefore, the mission of The Global Child is clear: to provide underprivileged children with an opportunity to receive a solid education in two languages. We achieve this by subsidizing students with one dollar for each day they attend school, disbursed on a weekly basis. Beyond education, we also impart a form of micro-financing, devoid of any repayment expectations. This unique approach equips our students with the essential skills to manage their monthly funds wisely, enabling them to undertake sustainable home projects or build savings for their future. In this way, we not only offer access to education but also nurture financial literacy and business acumen from the very beginning of their educational journey. Through these initiatives, we aim to break the chains of poverty and empower these children to become leaders of change within their communities.
Making a Difference
93
Students Graduated from TGC
100%
Students Continuing to University or Trade School
5,000+
Community Members Served
Chariya’s Journey
In a small village nestled amidst the rolling hills of Cambodia, there lived a young girl named Chariya. Her mother, a resilient and hardworking woman, toiled tirelessly to provide for her children and ensure a better future. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Chariya’s mother instilled in her the value of education and determination.
Chariya’s journey was far from easy. There were days when she would go to school on an empty stomach, and her heart would ache as she watched her classmates with their shiny new textbooks while she had none. But Chariya was determined to learn, and she never let adversity stand in her way.
In the midst of these challenging times, a beacon of hope emerged in Chariya’s life, The Global Child. Chariya recalls receiving her first school materials from TGC, a moment that felt like a burst of sunshine in her life. These supplies were her ticket to pursuing her dreams. Chariya’s academic performance soared with TGC’s help, and her dream of becoming a diplomat – a bridge-builder between nations – took shape.
“TGC is my light,” Chariya often said with gratitude in her heart. It wasn’t just about the physical materials they provided; it was the hope, support, and belief in her potential that made all the difference.
Our Commitment to Global Development
At TGC, our unwavering commitment lies in assisting vulnerable children, their families, and entire communities in breaking free from the clutches of poverty. We achieve this by addressing fundamental needs, offering access to top-tier education, providing avenues for career development, delivering empowerment training, fostering culture-based discussions, and promoting environmentally sustainable practices. Our mission is to create a brighter and more promising future for all.
Our approach is in harmony with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a framework endorsed by the United Nations. This global initiative encompasses 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that serve as a collective call to action, aiming to eradicate poverty, safeguard the environment, and foster prosperity across the world.
A commitment to quality education for all.
Educating for a climate-resilient Cambodia.
Empowering students for a prosperous future.
Make an Investment in the Future of Cambodia
Inspiring the Future
Testimonials
“Cambodia needs more NGOs like The Global Child to aid students from underprivileged backgrounds now and in the future.”