NGO steps in as displacement disrupts schooling of hundreds of children

A displaced child enjoys reading a book, while waits to return home. Supplied

With hundreds of children’s access to education disrupted by their displacement to refugee camps near Siem Reap, a local NGO has stepped in to provide emergency learning support alongside humanitarian aid.

Happy Chandara School explained that it carried out two emergency missions in December and February, reaching 543 displaced families with more than 650 essential supply kits, including food, rice, hygiene products, medicine and school materials.

However, beyond immediate relief, the organisation has shifted its focus toward restoring a sense of normalcy for children whose schooling has been interrupted.

“Happy Chandara could not remain indifferent to the disruption of schooling affecting thousands of Cambodian children living in refugee camps,” said Matis Brasca, development manager.

The NGO established a temporary learning space inside one of the camps, where four teachers conducted educational and recreational activities for around 200 children, including reading sessions, sports and creative play.

“While no new projects have been launched at this stage, our teams remain fully mobilised and ready to respond at any moment,” said local communication officer Juliette Duquerroy.

“Future interventions will be guided by the evolving context and security conditions on the ground, ensuring that our actions remain timely, safe and impactful,” she said.

Duquerroy added that close coordination with local stakeholders played a key role in delivering assistance effectively.

“During these missions, we worked closely with local authorities in the camp pagodas — Ratanak Trapeang Krasaing pagoda during the first mission, and Prasat Khna and Chhuk Reangsey pagodas during the second,” she told The Post.

“This strong collaboration ensured that our support was coordinated, effective and adapted to the community’s needs,” she noted.

She emphasised that the temporary learning programmes go beyond basic education, offering stability for children facing uncertain conditions.

“In the camps, our temporary learning activities offer children more than just educational support,” said Duquerroy.

She added they provide a safe place for well-being, connection and growth. Designed to complement formal schooling, these short-term programmes help children maintain a sense of security and a link to learning during challenging times.

Through structured activities such as sports, reading, storytelling and creative play, children are able to stay engaged while coping with the psychological impact of displacement.

“These moments not only reduce stress and the potential impact of trauma but also keep them active, curious and mentally engaged. Above all, they reinforce that education remains a vital part of life, even in difficult times,” Duquerroy said.

She added that such initiatives are critical in helping children transition back into formal education.

“By nurturing motivation, confidence, and a love of learning, these initiatives prepare children to return to formal schooling with resilience and optimism,” she expaliend.

They equip young learners with coping skills that extend far beyond the immediate crisis, paving the way for a smoother reintegration into education and a hopeful, stable future.

As part of the initiative, the NGO deployed a mobile library truck and donated nearly 3,000 books to nearby schools, while health teams provided basic care and psychological support to families.

Founded in 2005 by French journalist Tina Kieffer, Toutes à l’école — the organisation behind Happy Chandara — provides free, high-quality education and comprehensive support to underprivileged girls in Cambodia, guiding them from early schooling through to employment.

The NGO currently supports around 1,700 students and is funded through private donations and partnerships.

With displacement continuing to affect vulnerable communities, aid groups warn that sustained support — particularly in education — will be critical to prevent long-term setbacks for children already at risk of falling behind.