377 Uniforms for Cambodian Children in 2024
The joint efforts of the School Uniform Shop and its customers have resulted in a total of £2,205 being raised to buy school uniforms for Cambodian children via a partnership with The Ponheary Ly Foundation. Established by former teacher Ponheary Ly, the Foundation sponsors 2,800 students across four primary schools and five secondary schools in rural northwestern Cambodia.
For a child to attend school in Cambodia, they must own a school uniform. The cost, approximately £5 for junior school and £6 for senior school, is often a financial barrier for families engaged in subsistence farming. By supplying uniforms and necessary school supplies, the Foundation ensures that all village children can attend school, not just a select few.
The School Uniform Shop directs a proportion of its profits to The Ponheary Ly Foundation.
However, to amplify its impact, it has integrated a donation option in its checkout process. This allows customers to easily add optional donations of £2, £5, or £6 to help buy a school uniform for a Cambodian child while placing orders for their own children’s supplies.
Education, the Foundation believes, is a catalyst for developing future democratic leaders, eradicating poverty, promoting equality, and enhancing the overall health and well-being of communities. Providing school uniforms is at the core of the organisation’s mission as Lori Carlson, President of The Ponheary Ly Foundation, explains.
“This year a total of 2,865 students received the uniform via our Foundation, gaining them precious entry to school and a childhood of education. Of that intake, we are so grateful that SchoolUniformShop.co.uk and its customers funded the uniforms of 377 students. By supplying these children with the things they need for school, we can get all the village children in school, not just some.”
School Uniform Shop has been selling ethical school uniform online in the UK since 2001.
The family business’s values are to strive to be ethical, sustainable and responsible in its work, with the store winning the Ethical Company Award from The Good Shopping Guide for the fifth year in a row in 2024.
Commenting on School Uniform Shop’s partnership with the Foundation is CEO and founder Luke Conod. “Having visited The Ponheary Ly Foundation in Cambodia, and having met many of the young students, I have seen first-hand just how much of a difference we and our customers make to many Cambodian children. By the gift of school uniform, we are making sure we play our part in giving them the best start in life possible – access to education.”
Originally posted in CWB: Magazine, reproduced with kind their permission.
