Empower Cambodian children with English language

January 10, 2025

Dear Supporters, Teachers, Students, Parents and Family Members,

As we reflect on 2024, we celebrate the progress we’ve made and the challenges we’ve overcome together. Cambodia, like many nations, faced its share of trials, with an economy that has yet to fully recover. Despite the persistent challenges, the resilience and hard work of the Cambodian people shine through as they strive against the current economic situation. Industries such as agriculture, tourism, and garment manufacturing have seen slight momentum, but many communities continue to navigate the impacts of inflation and global uncertainties. At ODC, we are proud to be part of this collective effort, empowering our students to thrive and contribute to a brighter future amidst these trying times.

This year, we proudly served 220 students across 12 classrooms, each one brimming with potential and eager to learn. The spirit of perseverance among our students has been a constant source of inspiration. By the close of the year, 205 students sat for the end-of-year exams, with 95% achieving the attendance target of 90% or higher. A remarkable 80.87% of our students passed their exams with scores of 80% or more, progressing to the next level. These results are not just numbers; they are a testament to the commitment of our students, the dedication of our educators, and the high standards we set together as a community.

In 2025, we are thrilled to welcome 302 students across 13 classrooms. This growth is a powerful sign of the trust and belief families have in ODC’s mission to provide a quality education, one that is rooted in both academic excellence and the values that define Cambodian culture. Our vision for the future is one where every child, regardless of background, has access to the tools they need to thrive.

As we move forward, we’ve expanded our curriculum to better reflect the richness of Cambodia’s culture and traditions. We have integrated culturally relevant lessons that celebrate our history, language, and values. Moreover, we are proud to have partnered with two international NGOs to incorporate child education programs alongside oral health care initiatives, ensuring that our students grow not only as learners but as healthy, responsible citizens.

However, the road to progress has not been without its challenges. We’ve seen families relocate, and some students have faced difficulties in meeting expectations. These obstacles remind us that our mission is not just about education—it’s about lifting up every individual, meeting them where they are, and providing the support they need to succeed. Each challenge strengthens our resolve and commitment to empowering our students to overcome adversity.

We also made significant strides in improving our campus and resources. We’ve completed the renovation of our roofs, adding heat-reducing barriers and soundproofing systems to create a more comfortable learning environment despite Cambodia’s intense heat and seasonal rains. To meet the growing demand for classroom space, we’ve added a fourth classroom, and we are in the process of upgrading our electrical system to handle the increased capacity as the school expands. These steps are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that ODC continues to be a safe, inspiring, and forward-thinking space for our students.

Our teaching team, comprised of six exceptional educators, has continued to cultivate an atmosphere of curiosity and engagement in the classroom. Monthly professional development sessions have empowered them to implement new teaching techniques that focus on inclusion, creativity, and adaptability. In July, one of our Board members, together with our newly hired Head of Curriculum, conducted a transformative professional development session for our teachers. This effort has significantly enhanced the quality of teaching, equipping our educators with innovative strategies that continue to inspire students to reach new heights. The investment in our teachers remains the bedrock of ODC’s success. In the meantime, one of our Board members from Australia worked tirelessly to keep the curriculum updated with culturally relevant lessons, ensuring that the needs of our students are met and their learning experience remains meaningful and impactful.

Our headmaster, during his first year in the prestigious Equity Initiative Program, traveled internationally, gaining valuable insights that are already shaping the leadership and direction of ODC. Three of our teachers are preparing for their IELTS exams in March 2025, while one teacher is pursuing a master’s degree in education—an embodiment of our commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.

We are incredibly proud of team we’ve built this year. Our newly hired Head of Curriculum and Fundraising has revitalized our approach to education while spearheading efforts to raise vital funds. These initiatives, along with our successful website launch, have strengthened ODC’s position as a pillar of educational excellence and community engagement.

Looking ahead, we are more determined than ever to ensure that ODC remains not just a school, but a place where dreams are nurtured, and futures are built. We are committed to making strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and the professional development of our team. We are also planning to expand our electrical capacity, ensuring that we are prepared to meet the growing demands of our vibrant, expanding school community.

But the heart of ODC is not in the classrooms, the curriculum, or the infrastructure—it is in the people who make all of this possible. Our educators, volunteers, families, and supporters have shown that together, we can overcome any challenge and build a brighter future. The progress we’ve made this year is only the beginning.

We invite you to join us. Whether as a volunteer, a donor, or a supporter of our mission, your involvement is crucial to our continued success. At ODC, we don’t just believe in the power of education—we believe in the power of community. By joining hands, we can create a ripple effect of change that extends far beyond our classrooms.

Together, we can make the world a better place, one student at a time. As we enter 2025, we are more excited than ever to continue this journey with you. Thank you for being an essential part of the ODC family. We wish you and your loved ones a joyful, prosperous, and hope-filled New Year.

With gratitude and hope,

Mr. Im Chhaiya
Founder and Headmaster
Opening Doors Cambodia (ODC Organization)

P.S.  For those interested in even more detail, please follow this link to our 2024 Annual Report.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y_67COcwtOIIHBc9TVpGr8Un6tFZka9k/view?usp=share_link