Education, Not Exploitation
Standing with Girls, Families, and Communities in Cambodia
This year, hundreds of school‑aged girls in rural Cambodia are facing increased risks of trafficking and exploitation as families struggle with rising debt, climate shocks and the ongoing impact of the border conflict. Free To Shine works alongside girls, families, and communities so that school remains a real option, not a luxury, for girls facing pressure to leave school for work or unsafe migration.
As this campaign launches on 1 June, we mark both International Children’s Day and the 16th anniversary of Free To Shine’s work alongside girls and their families in rural Cambodia. For 16 years, communities, staff, girls and supporters have worked together so that children’s rights to safety, education and dignity are realised in practice, not just on paper. At a time of growing pressure on families and communities, this anniversary is both a celebration and a call to keep standing with girls, families, and communities in Cambodia.
Across rural Cambodia, Free To Shine has worked alongside 878 girls and their families in over 24 villages, partnering with them to strengthen safety, support education, and reduce the risk of harm. Our Khmer social work team conducts monthly safety visits and provides tailored social work so that school remains a real option, not a luxury for girls facing gendered risks of violence, unsafe migration and school exclusion.
Last year, our team conducted 1,197 safety visits and 736 social work interventions, welcomed 86 new girls and their families, and supported a 97% Grade 12 pass rate compared with a national rate of 79% (1). At the same time, overall income fell from $471,633 AUD to $390,410 AUD, even as the cost of delivering safe, high‑quality services continued to rise.
To protect our core programs with minimal disruption to girls and their families, we have already paused some activities and stretched every dollar as far as possible. Without an increase in funding, we risk having to reduce support further, just as families are under the most pressure.
Behind each statistic is a girl like Chanthou*, who left Grade 8 amid family conflict and considered migrating for work at just 14. With patient counselling and practical support, she chose to return to school at a new campus, with uniforms, school supplies and support for extra classes. Since then, she has missed only one day of school due to illness and is now actively pursuing her goals. Your support today can help the next girl facing the same decision between leaving school to seek work and staying in education continue writing her own story of safety and learning.
- $52 AUD could help a family start a home vegetable garden with seeds and protective nets, improving their food security and income.
- $81 AUD, could help fund a month of extra‑curricular classes and follow‑up support for a girl at risk of leaving school.
- $158 AUD could provide emergency food relief for a family in crisis, helping them get through a dangerous period without sending children to work.
- $244 AUD, could help protect a girl and keep her learning during a vital two‑month window when she is most at risk of dropping out.
Every gift, of any size, makes a real difference for girls and their families. Please visit and donate today to keep girls safe, in school and free from exploitation. Please help spread the word by sharing this End of Financial Year Campaign, together we can make a real difference.
*Privacy note: Names have been changed and images are unmatched throughout this campaign to protect privacy.
Sources
- Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, quoted in ‘Exam Results Highlight Student Performance and Ongoing Education Reforms’, Kiripost, 2 November 2024, kiripost.com (Accessed 21.05.2026).