The Kep Educational Centre provides over 200 children with access to education, culture and sport, through concrete local and international engagement.
In the coastal province of Kep , in southwestern Cambodia, the Kep Educational Centre (CEK) is much more than just an after-school centre: since October 2011, it has been welcoming more than 200 children (from 3 months to 16 years old) from families working in rice paddies, salt mines or fishing.
This living space aims to "promote the intellectual and physical development of children through multiple activities of awakening, play and teaching".
History & Actors
The CEK was initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Phuong Nara SISOWATH known as Sylvia Sisowath (member of the Cambodian royal family, and also Secretary of State in the Cabinet of His Majesty the King of Cambodia His Royal Highness NORODOM Sihamoni), as part of the Children of Khmer Smile association program.
Key players include:
- Sylvia SISOWATH : Founder and President Cambodia
- Mona TEP : Vice-President of Cambodia
- Matthew MAJOLI : President of France (nephew of Sylvia SISOWATH)
- Pascale GAUTIER : Vice-President France
Mission & main activities
The CEK offers an educational, cultural and sporting environment:
- English lessons, academic support, computer skills.
- Artistic activities, traditional Khmer dance, craft workshops.
- Sports, leisure, physical development.
- Sewing workshop and training for teenagers.
This blend of awakening, culture and education helps to strengthen the future prospects for these children.
Impact & local issues
The center is located in Kep, a few kilometers from the Vietnamese border. The region is characterized by an economy based on fishing, salt production, and agriculture: 85% of the rural population depends on these sectors.
In this context, providing children with a space for support, learning, and recreation is essential. The challenges are numerous: poverty, lack of infrastructure, and precarious living conditions. The CEK operates entirely thanks to donations and collective sponsorships .
Why this center deserves to be supported
- It transforms the daily lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds by giving them access to education and leisure activities.
- It combines cultural values (dance, arts, language) and useful skills (English, computer science) for the future.
- It is managed by a committed, multicultural team that ensures quality monitoring.
- It is a gateway to supporting education in Southeast Asia through a concrete, transparent and localized project.
Conclusion
The Kep Educational Center is a prime example of what an inclusive and culturally rooted educational project can be. For any stakeholder wishing to promote youth, education, Khmer culture, or social engagement, it represents a visible and impactful opportunity for partnership or support.
The smiles of the children who attend CEK every day are the best indicator: "the bet is about to be won".