New Hope Cambodia is a grass roots, rapidly growing Non-Government Organisation (NGO) run by two dedicated individuals, a local Khmer called Sot Suo (Kemsour) and an Australian woman, Kerry Huntly.

 

The focus of New Hope is 'free education for all' as the founders recognise the vital role education plays in helping break the cycle of poverty.

 

In 2007 Soth Kemsour, an ex-Buddhist monk and son of a village chief, purchased land in Mondul 3 after it had been sold off by the army. He soon realised that there was a desperate need for food, education and health care. Much to the dismay of his new wife, Kemsour sold every viable asset they had to build a small grass hut to serve as his classroom. Kemsour taught English and Japanese for three months and then, after a chance meeting with Queenslander Ms. Kerry Huntly, he engaged her support and founded the New Hope Cambodia organization.

 

Mondul 3 is located in one of the of the poorest slum areas in Siem Reap province, Cambodia. Once a military base, the village is now home to some 300 families made up of army personnel, karaoke/sex workers and displaced men, women and children.

 

The people of Mondul 3 have no formal education, English language or vocational skills. Living conditions are appalling, work opportunities limited and food scarce.

 

It is also a village with highly dysfunctional families. Many men have been killed while serving in the army while numerous adults, both men and women, have died of disease. Children often rely on elderly relatives and sibling for care, or are left to fend for themselves.

 

In order to survive many girls fall victim to the sex trade and often have children themselves at a young age. Without help these girls have no future. Many will die prematurely of sexually transmitted diseases. 

 

New Hope Cambodia is centrally located in Mondul 3 to allow the people easy access to its services.