Prey Veng

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

The city of Prey Veng is situated about two hours to the east of the capital city Phnom Penh. Around 1.1 million people live in the region. In rural areas, families live off agriculture and fishing. They mostly grow rice but other products such as tobacco, sugar and cassava are also grown. The area was badly affected by the historical conflict and the resulting social and economic conditions continue to be felt. Many families have moved away from Prey Veng in search of work, either to other areas in Cambodia or abroad.

Since 2019, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Prey Veng.

1.1M
Migrants in Cambodia

Internal migration

Internal migrants comprise a large segment of the population in Cambodia. Estimates from 2017 showed that around 1.1 million people were migrating to and from Cambodia. A quarter of all internal migration is rural to urban, 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 professions 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.

55%
Of children drop out of school by 17

Access to education

Around 55% of children in Cambodia drop out of school by the time they are 17 years old. Prey Veng is a rural area where children often leave school to help their families with chores or in the fields. Many children also suffer from malnutrition. If continuously underweight, a child may often be sick, and will likely struggle to learn well in school. In addition, children often get sick from preventable diseases. In spite of recent improvements, schools in rural areas tend to have poor sanitation facilities.

Your support makes a difference for children in Prey Veng

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.
90
Children and adults
Are supported in the community
20
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
After a day at school or kindergarten, children often spend time playing outdoors. Children develop new skills and relationships through play (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Cambodia).

How your support helps in Prey Veng

Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run trainings so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to 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.