Q2 2026 Newsletter
Q2 At A Glance - April - June, 2026
Together, We Are Creating Brighter Futures
The second quarter of 2026 has been another busy and meaningful period for Karuna Children Cambodia Organisation (KCCO).
With the support of our generous donors, partners, schools and local communities, we have continued to bring clean water, better health, education and hope to thousands of children across Cambodia.
This quarter, more than 113,000 school children continued to have access to safe drinking water across 300 schools. More than 9,000 children received dental services, over 68,900 students accessed our mobile libraries, and thousands more benefited from English, computer, preschool and non-formal education.
But beyond the numbers are individual lives and stories of change.
One of the most touching stories this quarter is that of three siblings whose lives were transformed through the compassion and generosity of a caring community.
❤️From Hope to Home❤️❤️
A Community’s Love for Three Siblings
In our previous newsletter, we shared the story of Teng Srey Pich, Teng Thida and Teng Phanith, three siblings from Anglungkuki village who were left to live on their own after the passing of their mother. The house they were living in was in a very poor and unsafe condition. The damaged doors could not be properly locked, the windows could easily be opened from outside, and the deteriorating walls offered little security for three young people living alone. We appealed for support to provide them with a safer home, to help them continue their education and meet their daily living needs.
We are delighted to share that your response was overwhelming.
Through the generosity of our supporters, including a successful fundraising initiative organised by the Metta Friends Group in Australia, sufficient funds were raised and we were able to renovate the house by replacing the damaged walls, doors and windows, providing the siblings with a much safer and more secure place to call home. We are also deeply grateful to a generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous and be known simply as AFFO (A Friend From Oz), who has committed to providing ongoing annual support to ensure the children's future remains secure.
From unsafe to a place they can call home
Local District Council providing support to the Teng children
KCCO team also managed to involve the local District Council to provide support to the children. Moved by their circumstances, the District Council Member and his team provided rice, snacks, kitchenware and financial assistance to the children. He also requested the Commune Police Chief to keep an eye on the siblings and provide support whenever needed, giving the children another layer of care and protection within their community.
The kindness did not stop there. Knowing that the two girls had birthdays approaching, AFFO surprised them with birthday gifts so that all three siblings could celebrate together. It was a simple but thoughtful gesture that reminded them they are loved and remembered.
This story is a wonderful example of how compassion can create a ripple effect. What began as an appeal for support has grown into a network of people working together to care for these three children. From generous donors and fundraising volunteers, to local authorities and caring individuals, each act of kindness has helped give the siblings not only practical support, but also renewed hope, security and the confidence to look forward to a brighter future.
To everyone who has played a part in this journey, thank you. Your generosity is changing lives.
Birthday gifts from AFFO (A Friend from OZ)
A birthday cake that touched her heart. For the first time, Thida and her siblings celebrated a birthday together
A warm hug to remind them someone cares and that they are loved.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
WASHH – Clean Water, Less Plastic
Access to safe drinking water remains one of KCCO’s most important priorities.
During Q2, more than 113,000 children across 300 target schools continued to have access to safe drinking water through our Water Purification Systems (WPS).
Seven schools experienced water shortages during April, but these challenges were resolved through the installation of pre-filters, enabling these schools to use available well or pond water with their KCCO installed WPS. The arrival of the monsoon rains in May also helped improve water availability.
We are also encouraging children to use reusable drinking bottles. The proportion of children using durable bottles increased from 64% in April to 69% in June.
Our longer-term goal is to replace plastic bottles with stainless steel bottles, reducing plastic waste and supporting a healthier environment.
During the quarter:
88 schools had their WPS cleaned with bleach.
Nearly 80 school principals received enhanced awareness on WPS maintenance and proper use.
Water dispensers were provided to target schools.
60 new WPS units were ordered for the 2026 rollout, with the first 30 units expected to arrive in August.
Children have access to clean drinking water through WPS installed by KCCO.. They are also encouraged to use durable water bottles to reduce plastic waste. Water dispensers are provided for target schools.
A durable stainless steel water bottle costs just US$1.80 (AUD2.60), but its impact lasts far beyond the classroom.
Unlike single-use bottles, these reusable bottles can be used every day at school and at home, allowing children to:
access safe drinking water throughout the day
bring clean water back home to their families
reduce reliance on unsafe or sugary drinks
help families save up to USD $25 per year (spending on bottled drinks)
build long-term healthy habits
US$1.80(AUD26) = 10 bottles | US$90(AUD130) = 50 bottles | US$180(AUD260) = 100 bottles
We are continually seeking sponsors to help more children benefit from this simple yet life-changing initiative.
Cleaner Schools, Healthier Learning Environments
Safe water is only part of creating a healthy school environment. Sanitation and hygiene are equally important.
During Q2, 12 additional schools received support for sanitation improvements.
This included:
A new toilet at Chambak Beth Meas Primary School.
Construction of another toilet at Ang Thlok Raingsey Primary School.
Renovation of seven toilets.
Construction of two hand-washing facilities.
Support for rubbish management facilities.
These improvements may seem simple, but for children who previously had limited access to clean and adequate facilities, they can make a meaningful difference to their daily school experience.
New toilet at Chambak Beth Meas Primary School
New hand washing facility at Ang Popeil Primary School.
DENTAL HEALTH - Smiles That Last a Lifetime
Good health is essential for children to learn, grow and thrive.
Our Dental Health Program continued to reach children through school screening, permanent dental clinics, mobile dental clinics and oral health education.
During Q2:
9,123 children received free dental services through dental screening, treatment and oral health education.
4,103 children across 21 schools received dental screening and SDF applications.
4,124 patient contacts were treated through our three permanent dental clinics.
2,285 children received treatment through the Mobile Dental Clinic across 13 schools.
8,166 children received oral health education.
236 teachers received oral health education training.
24,113 toothbrush kits were delivered to children.
We are particularly pleased that daily toothbrushing activities continue across target schools, with approximately 72% of children brushing their teeth during class breaks.
Healthy habits today can help children enjoy healthier smiles for years to come.
Dental screening and treatment at Permanent Clinic
Daily tooth brushing activities at schools
Dental screening and treatment at Mobile clinic
Conducting Oral Health Education on a regular basis to school children
Opening Doors Through Education
Education remains at the heart of KCCO's work.
During Q2, our education programs continued to provide children and young people with opportunities to learn English, develop computer skills, improve literacy and discover the joy of reading.
English Education
Our English Education Program operated 53 classes across five proficiency levels, from Basic to Pre-Intermediate, serving more than 1,500 students.
Attendance remained strong, ranging from 90% to 96% each month, while 336 students successfully completed their courses and progressed to the next level.
Students also had opportunities to build their confidence and communication skills through English speaking competitions.
A teacher workshop was also organised to strengthen teaching delivery.
Above : Nearly 200 teenage students participated in awareness sessions conducted by police officers on drug awareness and traffic rules.
Below : Debate and Public Speaking Competition with Kep Gardens and CLS
Computer Skills - Giving Young People Digital Skills
In May, nine new computer classes began at Ang Sdok High School in Angkor Chey district, sponsored by the LUFF Foundation.
These classes provided computer education to an additional 180 students, increasing total enrolment from 562 to 743 students.
During the quarter, 108 students completed their courses and graduated.
Digital skills are increasingly important for young people, and we are grateful to our supporters for helping make these opportunities available to students who may otherwise have limited access to computer education.
Mobile Library - Bringing Books to Children
For many children in rural Cambodia, access to books outside the classroom can be limited.
Our six mobile libraries continued to bring books directly to schools and communities.
During Q2, the mobile libraries conducted:
387 outreach visits to 240 schools
More than 68,900 students had access to a wide range of books and engaging educational activities.
Our librarians also incorporated sessions on food safety and plastic reduction, helping children develop healthier and more environmentally responsible habits.
The mobile libraries are about more than books. They help children discover the joy of reading, build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning.
For many children, a visit from the mobile library is a much-anticipated opportunity to explore new worlds through books.
Growing Together at Anlungkuki Community School
At Anlungkuki Community School (ACS), learning goes beyond the classroom.
During Q2, the school continued to provide English, non-formal and preschool classes, together with activities designed to develop students' social skills and confidence. In total, around 220 students continued to benefit from these programs.
The children also took part in a range of activities during the quarter, including an English-speaking competition, Khmer New Year celebration, Buddhist morality sessions, traditional dance and gardening.
These activities give children opportunities not only to learn, but also to develop confidence, creativity, teamwork and a stronger connection with their community.
Gardening activities resumed in late May following the start of the rainy season. Students are currently growing cabbages. Although the cabbages are still young, they are very green and growing well.
Dhamma (Buddhist teachings) classes were conducted twice a month by a senior monk from the village pagoda. Both the monk and the students are enthusiastic about the opportunity to teach and learn together
Building Better Schools - Model School Project
Three new schools joined the project, bringing the total number of participating schools to 23.
Of these:
18 schools have fully completed the Model School concepts.
5 schools are currently in progress.
The project focuses on practical improvements in sanitation and hygiene, cleanliness, plastic reduction, food safety and student leadership.
During Q2, student councils were established and trained at the three new schools. KCCO also supported toilet renovations, hand-washing facilities, urinal construction and other improvements at several schools.
The Provincial Department of Education was also involved in evaluating the project at four schools.
All schools evaluated received the 3-star status, the highest score under the Ministry of Education's minimum-standard evaluation criteria.
Leadership training from young - Student Council training at Model School
School evaluation meeting with the Provincial Department of Education
Four New Classrooms, A Better Future
One of the highlights of the quarter was the completion of a four-classroom school building at Boeng Prah High School in Kampot Province, with funding from the LUFF Foundation.
Access to adequate classrooms remains a significant challenge for some schools in rural areas of Kampot Province, leading to overcrowded classrooms, combined grade levels, and the use of temporary or unsuitable learning spaces. These conditions hinder effective teaching and prevent students from learning in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Thanks to the generosity of LUFF Foundation, the unfinished classroom building, originally initiated by the school and local community but halted due to limited funds, has now been completed and put into used.
For nearly 200 students, these are not simply four new classrooms.
They represent a better place to learn, greater opportunities and the possibility of a brighter future.
Supporting Children Beyond the Classroom
KCCO's Child Assist Program continued to provide targeted support to vulnerable children and students.
Nutritious meals
Our soup kitchen at Sereythenay Primary School in Anlungkuki continued to provide nutritious lunches to 34 children from vulnerable families.
Supporting secondary and high school students
Eleven secondary and high school students continued to receive allowances for additional classes in Mathematics, Khmer and Science.
Their academic performance has improved, with nine students achieving a passing average score.
Supporting university students
Six scholarship students also continued their studies, including one dental student sponsored by YourAid and five students sponsored by the LUFF Foundation.
These scholarships help students continue their education and work towards building better futures for themselves and their communities.
Without the Soup kitchen, these children often go without lunch with their parents working in the fields all day,
Children washing their own dishes after eating.
Four of our six scholars travelled 150km to Kampot , with some riding motorbikes for more than three hours from Phnom Penh, to meet the visiting donor from the LUFF Foundation.
🙏 Thank You for Being Part of the Journey
None of this work would be possible without the generosity and commitment of our donors, partners, volunteers, schools, local authorities and supporters.
From safe drinking water to a new classroom, from a dental check-up to a book, from a renovated home to an opportunity to continue studying, every act of kindness contributes to a child's future.
The story of the three siblings reminds us that meaningful change does not always begin with something big.
Sometimes it begins when someone sees a problem and chooses to care.
Thank you for caring.
Thank you for giving.
And thank you for helping us create brighter futures for the children of Cambodia.
Together, through compassion and action, we can make a difference.
Karuna Children Cambodia Organisation (KCCO)
Working together for healthier, better educated and more empowered children and communities.
Your support enables us to continue delivering life-changing programs for children and communities in Cambodia.
US$15 provides books through our mobile library program
US$18 provides 10 stainless steel water bottles
US$35 provides eyeglasses for a student
US$100 supports dental care for 5 children
US$250 helps provide clean drinking water
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps create lasting impact, improving health, education, and opportunities for children in need.