SUNSHINE ACTION
CAMBODIA
For fifteen years, Sunshine Action has spearheaded numerous food donation initiatives and health-related programs across Cambodia, particularly in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Many of these initiatives have been bolstered by the dedicated efforts of medical student volunteers from The University of Hong Kong HKU and The Chinese University of Hong Kong CUHK.
Among these collaborative efforts is the Children’s Health, Education & Environment Rescue Association (CHEER), a registered non-governmental and non-profit organization established in 2012 by a group of HKU students, faculty, and alumni. Recognizing their social responsibility to uplift underprivileged children, CHEER is committed to enhancing the physical and mental well-being of marginalized youth, fostering partnerships with local NGOs, and raising public awareness about the plight of disadvantaged communities. Their multifaceted approach encompasses health screenings, educational support, water purification systems, environmental improvements, and the provision of essential supplies.
Additionally, the 2024-2025 charity missions saw the involvement of DOE Doctor of Excellence, a dynamic collective of HKU and CUHK medical students, further amplifying the impact of these humanitarian endeavors. This is part of the Medical Programs and Health related missions: https://www.sunshine-action.org/medical-health-projects
In Siem Reap, we partnered with 26 members of Doctors of Excellence, a mixture of HKU and CUHK medical students, to provide pro bono medical attention. There, we spent time with each unique group of children, working with their leadership to conduct vision, BMI, and overall wellness checks. Together, we played games, provided medical care, food, and school supplies. It was bittersweet to simultaneously experience Cambodia’s vibrant culture as well as the suffering economy that has displaced numerous families from their homes.
Project Summary
The project consists of three main parts, namely health checkups for the early detection of health issues, health education workshops for the promotion of health awareness and youth empowerment, as well as material donations of staple food items and education materials. In total, we served up to 13 different NGOs, schools and other institutions, with 1000+ children, teens and young adults benefitting.
Early Detection of Health Issues
The health check-up program provided essential medical assistance to underserved Cambodian communities with limited access to healthcare facilities. Health screenings —which included body mass index (BMI) evaluation, visual and auditory acuity tests, and other critical indicators—enabled the early identification of potential health risks. Timely intervention and proper management of these conditions helped mitigate their adverse effects on participants’ health. As such, the health check-up initiative served as a foundational step toward safeguarding the well-being of Cambodia’s local residents.
Promotion of Health Awareness & Empowerment of the Younger Generation
In addition to conducting health screenings, volunteers engaged with multiple local orphanages through interactive workshops on health education. The health education workshops include five topics specially designed to cater to the varied age groups of our service targets, namely nutrition, dental hygiene, sex education, digital safety, and first aid. They were conducted in the form of interactive workshops, with presentations of the topics by volunteers and educational games to reinforce their learning. The health education sessions aim to fill in the critical gaps in health knowledge. By fostering a deeper understanding of prevalent health conditions, the initiative educated participants on preventive measures against both infectious and non-communicable diseases while emphasizing the importance of sustained physical well-being. Through structured interventions, individuals gained heightened health awareness and essential knowledge on hygiene practices. This program represented a proactive effort to address healthcare disparities among marginalized populations, ultimately contributing to their long-term wellness.
Provision of Professional Advice and Guidance
A dedicated DOE medical mentor was present to provide expert consultations based on participants' health evaluations. Tailored recommendations included guidance on daily wellness routines, balanced nutrition, suitable physical activity, and sustainable lifestyle strategies—empowering local residents to make informed decisions for their long-term health.
Donations
Tailored to the specific requests and unique needs of each entity, the donation to the impoverished community and school in Siem Reap encompassed essential provisions—ranging from staple food items such as rice, infant milk formula and assorted groceries to medicines, infant diapers and hygiene products, as well as educational materials including books, stationery, and other vital resources. Additionally, a more substantial allocation of rice, along with "Sunshine Bags," has been designated for distribution to individual cases and children in particularly vulnerable circumstances.
As part of a broader initiative integrating food and material donations with health-focused outreach, the charity journey supported the following organizations and schools:
-
A.H.C.O. Angkor Help the Children Org., Cambodia
-
ABC & Rice, Cambodia
-
C.D.H.O. Cambodia Development of Home Organization, Cambodia
-
C.D.O. Cambodia Development of Hope Org., Cambodia
-
C.I.O. Cambodia Improvement Org., Cambodia
-
Cheasim Norma Angkor Primary School, Cambodia
-
Grace House Cambodia, Siem Reap
-
KGM Community House / Bakong High School, Cambodia
-
Kong Much Primary School, Cambodia
-
Love to Progress People (LTPP), Cambodia
-
Missionaries of Charity, Siem Reap
-
New Hope Cambodia, Siem Reap
After our service trip to Cambodia and Thailand, Sunshine Action is proud to have reignited its charitable partnerships overseas. COVID-19 restricted travel and exacerbated health and poverty conditions, preventing our missions abroad while increasing the need for our service. Currently, due to decreased tourism, both Cambodia and Thailand suffer an economic shock to their food and hospitality sectors, leaving many families desperate and with no one to turn to. Conscious of this need, it was our mission to provide supplies and medical examinations for vulnerable communities.
-
Mission of the Trip 旅程目的:
-
Food distribution for the poorest of the poor. 購買、包裝食物包，並運送至貧民
-
Visiting and volunteering in several local organizations
-
Provide SSS Sunshine Student Sponsorship to street & and poor children
-
***program subjected to change in actual environment, final fundraised amount & weather
Though a touristic nightlife prevails, the day is marked by parents unable to take care of their children and increased rates of malnutrition stunting Cambodia’s future. While visiting the CIO (Children’s Improvement Organization), we learned that we were the first organization to come and donate in five years, a harsh reality reflecting COVID-19’s enduring impact on underfunded charities.
We hope to return again soon to Cambodia, and we hope you join us next time, whether that be by volunteering your talents or donating your funds. As always, thank you for your support!
List of Partnered Beneficiaries - Summer 2024:
-A.H.C.O. Angkor Help the Children Org, Cambodia
- ABC & Rice, Cambodia
- C.D.O. Cambodia Development of Hope Org., Cambodia
- C.I.O. Cambodia Improvement Org., Cambodia
- Grace House Cambodia, Cambodia
- Missionaries of Charity, Siem Reap, Cambodia
- New Hope Cambodia, Cambodia
For the construction team, we have built a vegetable farm and repaired the water purifiers in CIO. We also taught Sitha on how to grow the plants. We also built two purifiers in Sok Orphanage and two more in Sok School. Sok Orphanage and its school are our new partners. Besides, we visited CDO to repair the purifiers and we visited the village to repair the toilet and purifiers as well.
For our health and education team, we conducted a health and moral education workshop in CIO, OPCO, a new partner you have recommended to us, and Sok Orphanage. The children were happy about the workshops and games we have prepared. We also conducted health checks in CIO, OPCO, and the village.
The Sunshine Action volunteers visited and distributed over 2.3 tons of rice, plus other food & daily products; Children Cloths, Toys and Paper Notepads to the following organizations:
-
SCADP - Street Children Assistance & Development Program
-
CICFO Cambodian and International Children Friend Organization
-
NHCC New Hope for the Cambodian Children
-
Happy Tree House of Rainbow Bridge
-
APCA Assistances to Poor Children Agency
-
COPION Kor-Cam Culture & Welfare Center
-
Missionaries of Charity: Brothers & Sister Houses
This is the first program in Cambodia and is estimated to benefit approx. 900 people directly.
