Our schools operate in three vulnerable urban slum communities in Phnom Penh. Each school is run by a school manager who is responsible for the quality of educational and recreational programming and for ensuring that the school is responsive to the individual needs of the community.
Aziza Thmey School
Our first school, Aziza, opened in 2006 in the historic White Building. Following the closing of the school in 2017 due to the demolition of the White Building, we opened Aziza Thmey (New Aziza) in a large slum community where new migrants settle. Some of the original Aziza students were able to continue studying at Aziza Thmey. Additionally, we have welcomed new students from the community.
Lakeside School
Seeing the opportunity to replicate the EYC model, staff from Aziza started Lakeside School, in 2008. The school’s name was chosen because of the fact that the community was once located next to a lake that provided people with sustenance and jobs. The lake has since been filled and built upon. Those living around Lakeside are among the last remaining groups following evictions of 3,500 families in 2008.
Youth School
Student volunteers from Lakeside School started Youth School in 2009 to share their experiences and talent and give back to the community. Youth School is located in a slum shantytown along former railroad tracks where a large number of migrants settled informally after the war.