30 years of work in Cambodia, more than 14,000 children supported. Thank you!
Thanks to you, 30 years of struggles, hope, and smiles regained…
1996
First day of school
2001
Creation of vocational training programmes
2009
Closure of the dumpsite to children
2016
Release of the film Little Gems (Les Pépites)
2021
Leakhéna des Pallières becomes Managing Director
2026
14000 beneficiaries
A special concert in Paris to celebrate 30 years of action
To mark its 30th anniversary, Pour un Sourire d’Enfant is joining forces with the Petites Mains Symphoniques association, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, to bring you a unique event: two exceptional symphony concerts at the Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione, a legendary Parisian venue, on 12 April 2026.
The need is still great; the story continues!
Persistent poverty
Today, nearly 5 million Cambodians live on less than $3 a day (around 20% of the population). Despite sustained economic growth in recent years, external shocks (such as the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation) have left the most disadvantaged families in a vulnerable position, limiting their access to a stable income.
Education crisis
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A massive dropout rate: 50% of poor children leave school before finishing secondary school, often forced to work to help support their families.
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A very low level of academic attainment: only 10% of young people have mastered the basics of reading and maths by the age of 15.
For our 30th anniversary, we don’t want to do more, we want to do better!
Now more than ever, we are driven by the ambition to ensure continued access to quality education for the most disadvantaged children: opening additional remedial classes to combat school dropout rates, awarding more scholarships to young people wishing to pursue higher education at university, opening two Year 12 classes to support our students enrolled at our centre, and providing career guidance for pupils.
