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 New Hope Cambodia is a grass roots, hands on and non
government organization. “Whilst 'free education for all' is our priority, an important step in breaking the cycle of poverty, we cannot ignore the chronic malnutrition; ill
health and appalling living conditions our students and families face every day”.
In 2007 Soth Kemsour, an ex-Buddhist monk and son of a village chief, purchased land in Mondul 3 after
it had been sold off by the army. He soon recognized that there was a desperate need for food, education and health care. Much to the dismay of his new wife, Kemsour sold every viable asset they had to build a
small grass hut to serve as his classroom. Kemsour taught English and Japanese for three months and then, after a chance meeting with Queenslander Ms. Kerry Huntly, engaged her support and founded the New
Hope Cambodia organization.
Many children in Mondul 3 village are left with only one parent or none at all, or with only a grandmother
to raise them. Many fathers were killed whilst serving in the Cambodian Army, or since died of illness or disease. The most prevalent illnesses are severe malnutrition, H.I.V., Hepatitis, Typhoid, Tuberculosis and
Dengue Fever. In fact with disease here being so widespread, the Government has made it mandatory for both parties to undergo full blood tests before marriage and before giving birth.
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