Siem Reap is a lively town in northwestern Cambodia, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. As a top tourist destination, it’s home to the famous UNESCO World Heritage site, Angkor Wat, which draws millions of visitors from around the globe each year. The tourism industry is vital to the local economy, creating jobs and supporting community development.

With a population of about 200,000, Siem Reap sees a mix of locals and seasonal workers who come from different parts of Cambodia and neighboring countries to work in hospitality, guiding, and other tourism-related services. This blend of residents and visitors makes Siem Reap a diverse and dynamic community, full of life and stories waiting to be discovered.

Ran Ta Aek is the community we are serving, located just an hour from Siem Reap. It’s a developing area where many essential infrastructures are still lacking. In recent years, the government has relocated several impoverished families from around Angkor Wat, asking them to leave their long-established homes and move to Ran Ta Aek. Unfortunately, this transition has happened without providing these families with the resources or support they need to adjust to their new surroundings.

Many families face the dual challenge of adapting to a new environment while struggling with unstable employment, which deepens their cycle of poverty. As we become more aware of the needs in this community and witness the hardships its residents endure, we feel a genuine sense of compassion. We’re committed to staying here, getting to know the people, and walking alongside them as they navigate these challenges.