Leading Asian drinks brand Yeo’s Cambodia and local non-profit organisation Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) officially opened the Yeo’s Kindergarten on November 24.

The 50-child capacity kindergarten is a result of Yeo’s Cambodia’s corporate social responsibility initiatives to ensure less fortunate children get the education they deserve and gain the skill sets needed to end the cycle of poverty for good.

Presiding over the opening of the new five-room facility were HE Kuoch Kou Lom-A, director of Non-Formal Education at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), Ozgur Simsek, Managing Director Emerging Markets, Yeo’s Cambodia, and Scott Neeson, founder and executive director of CCF.

Chhoun Bunchhoeun, head of admin and the NC-ECCD Finance Unit, and deputy director of the Early Childhood Education Department at MoEYS, were also in attendance, along with other senior local officials and members of the local community.

The $50,000 donated by Yeo’s Cambodia has enabled the second kindergarten situated south of the former Stung Meanchey landfill to be built, complete with four classrooms, four offices, motorcycle parking and a playroom.

Yeo’s Kindergarten will fill a void in an area lacking in the provision of safety for young children or their education.

Due to their difficult situations, families in the area were unable to send their children to CCF’s original kindergarten, which meant they were left fending for themselves while their parents had to work.

Yeo’s Kindergarten consequently serves not only as an educational institution, but also a safe place for children during the day.

The “A Million Cans to Build a Dream” initiative was the work of the team at Yeo’s, who see themselves as much more than a drinks brand, but a crucial part of society.

The 50-child capacity kindergarten is a result of Yeo’s Cambodia’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Simsek said: “The private sector has a huge role to play in society. At Yeo’s, we believe that together we can build the world we want to live in.

“This is the reason we partnered with the fantastic Cambodian Children’s Fund, which continues to make a difference for the community.

“A foundation that started as Scott Neeson’s dream is now a reality that serves the underprivileged and edges closer to breaking the poverty cycle, something we are hugely passionate about.”

“A Million Cans to Build a Dream” has now built a real addition to the community that will ensure an inclusive and quality education is available to all, while promoting lifelong learning opportunities – a mission aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Yeo’s Kindergarten will play a big role in supporting CCF’s efforts in delivering education, leadership training and community support programmes.

“We are delighted to have this new educational facility for the youngest children in the Stung Meanchey area.

“This provides not only a solid foundation for future study, but a place for the children to receive adequate nutrition and a safe environment while their parents are at work.

“I am very grateful to Yeo’s for their contribution,” said Neeson.

CCF currently supports the education of more than 1,700 children, transforming thousands of lives in Cambodia’s most underserved communities.