Siem Reap

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Cambodia).

Siem Reap is home to one of Cambodia's greatest tourist attractions, the Angkor temples. The over 100 temples were built between the 9th and the 13th centuries and were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The region was affected by decades of civil war and political unrest but more recently, tourism has emerged as a means to economic recovery. Many families also live off agriculture, with rice being the main crop. Most of them work as seasonal day labourers, where work is irregular and badly paid.

Since 2002, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Siem Reap.

18%
Of Cambodians live below the poverty line

Poverty and health

In Cambodia, nearly 18% of the population lives below the national poverty line. A very high percentage do not have access to safe drinking water or a sanitary toilet. This lack of basic infrastructure, as well as food insecurity, has a negative effect on the health of women and children in particular. Children suffer from malnutrition and a significant number are underweight and stunted. The under-five mortality rate is fairly high: deaths are often caused by water-borne diseases and respiratory infections. Women's health is also affected: for example, the rate of anemia in the region is higher than in other parts of the country.

7.3%
Of the population in Siem Reap are migrants

Migration

In 2014, nearly 80,000 internal and external migrants were estimated to be living in the province of Siem Reap - around 7.3% of the population. Over a quarter of all internal migration is from rural to urban areas, which has led to significant growth in cities. Men who migrate work as construction workers, drivers, business owners and white-collar professionals. Women tend to work in jobs with lower pay such as garment or domestic workers. While some children move with their parents, others are left in the care of relatives. They are more likely to drop out of school to work themselves, or to help out with household chores.

Your support makes a difference for children in Siem Reap

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
610
Children and young people
Learn at our kindergarten and school
90
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
50
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Brothers and sisters playing outdoors. Children who grow up together develop bonds that may last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Cambodia).

How your support helps in Siem Reap

Providing quality education
SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children and young people have access to high-quality education. We help them learn and develop in a safe and supportive environment. We train teachers on children’s rights and child-centered learning, so that each child can get the most out of their education. Young children spend time playing and learning at kindergarten. This prepares them for primary school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.