Cambodian Community Dream Organization, Inc.

Dream Journal – March 2026

International Women’s Day

In celebration of International Women’s Day on the 8th March, we are proud to show the progress of the empowerment of women in rural Cambodia. Our CCDO team on the ground, led by our caring and dedicated Director Ms. Sovan Sem, ensures that our programs help raise the women out of poverty by giving them knowledge, encouragement, and opportunities to start small businesses like growing vegetables or making palm sugar.

Economic empowerment brings new respect and independence. When women in developing regions earn income, they typically reinvest up to 90% of it into their families—significantly higher than the 30-40% reinvested by men. This income is generally spent on improving household nutrition, child health, education, and purchasing necessities, acting as a critical safety net for family survival.

TaBrok Primary School Attracts New Sponsor

TaBrok Primary school with 250 students was unfortunately left in the lurch as their business sponsor dropped out, and our Computer and English programs were in danger.

Then out of the blue, an angel, Rithy Serei, found our project on the internet and started donating. Rithy lives and works in Southern California, but was born in Cambodia. Rithy came to the US with his three siblings when he was 6 years old and was taken in by an aunt. As soon as his elder sister was of age she was tasked by taking care of her siblings on her own. Their mother who stayed behind in Cambodia saved every penny to help the kids and encouraged them to excel in school. All of them excelled and have college education and great professions. They only reunited with their mother during a visit to Cambodia two years back. 

“I will never be able to repay my mother for the ultimate sacrifice of sending her children where they could escape poverty and have better opportunities in life,” says Rithy. “I can only pay forward by giving a better chance of education to children in Cambodia, so another mother doesn’t have to send her children away.”

Refugee Camps

Although the border tension has been minimized, there are still some refugee needs that are urgent. CCDO was approached to place 6 toilets at the Krohlan distrct camp at a rural community center.

Although, the construction of the outhouse is not up to our usual standard, each toilet has its own individual septic tank and is allowing both dignity and hygiene to many who are forced to live in cramped quarters.

International Water Day and WASH program

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene program encompasses water wells, school toilets and family toilets as well as education program on hygiene.



As we celebrate International Water Day on 22 March, we thank our donors who recognize the importance of the WASH (Water, Sanitation, Health) program. CCDO has built over 1800 new wells and repaired 300 wells. We have installed over 900 individual toilets and 52 school toilet blocks.

Donors

A special thanks to Beth & Kevin Hoffman, who always come through in time of need. Their generous donation will cover funds to help the young mother with 3 toddlers featured in last month’s newsletter, 4 bicycles plus wells and toilets.  



Staff News

We love the team work of our staff, coming together, helping each other and learning together. At our regular monthly meeting our director, Sovoan Sem, devised a critical thinking and sharing session dividing staff into 4 groups and giving them problems to solve through relatable stories.

The session gave them the opportunity to shine and solidify their teamwork. It was a fun exercise. Enjoy the wisdom and humor of the Two Seeds story.