Our Story

From One Dollar a Day to a Lifetime of Opportunity

At The Global Child, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. What began as a simple question—“Would you let your child go to school if we gave you a dollar a day?”—has grown into a movement that’s changing the future of Cambodia, one student at a time.

Who We Are

At The Global Child, we are more than a nonprofit—we are a movement of people who believe in the power of education to rewrite futures. Our team is made up of passionate educators, dedicated social workers, visionary leaders, and compassionate supporters from around the world, all united by one mission: to uplift Cambodia’s most vulnerable children and give them the tools to thrive.

Our school in Siem Reap is not just a place of learning—it’s a safe haven for children who once lived on the margins. It’s a launchpad for dreams that once seemed out of reach. And it’s a home for hope, where every child is seen, supported, and empowered to become a leader in their own life and community.

We work hand-in-hand with families, local leaders, and the Cambodian government to ensure our impact is deep, sustainable, and rooted in respect. Whether it’s through a classroom lesson, a shared meal, or a mentorship moment, we are building a future where every child has the chance to rise.

Cambodia needs more NGOs like The Global Child to aid students from underprivileged backgrounds now and in the future.

Chab Sophoan

Ministry of Education

Our Story

How It All Began

In 2003, a conversation between filmmaker Allan Scott-Moncrieff and retail executive Judy Wheeler led to a life-changing idea. Allan had just returned from Cambodia, where he had been filming a documentary. He shared stories of children he met on the streets of Phnom Penh—bright, eager, and full of potential, yet trapped in a cycle of poverty.

These children weren’t in school. Instead, they spent their days begging for scraps—a few coins, leftover rice, or discarded fruit—just to help their families survive. Many earned less than a dollar a day, selling trinkets or collecting recyclables, often going to bed hungry or eating only what they could find on the street.

Allan asked a simple but powerful question: “If I gave you one dollar a day, would you let your child go to school?”

The answer was yes. That dollar-a-day idea became the foundation of TGC—and a lifeline for children who deserved more than survival.

Phnom Penh: The First Chapter

On May 17, 2004, The Global Child opened its doors in Phnom Penh with just 11 students—children who had once spent their days begging to survive. School was a distant dream—until TGC made it possible.

In the weeks that followed, the team carefully selected 15 more students, reaching their goal of 26: 13 boys and 13 girls, each with a story of hardship and resilience.

The school was housed in a vibrant three-story building that became a sanctuary. The ground floor featured a café that sold coffee, snacks, and handmade crafts by local artists—with all profits going directly to the school. Above, classrooms buzzed with learning, a rooftop garden offered peace and reflection, and a safe house provided shelter for students who had no secure place to call home.

Every child received three nutritious meals a day, clean uniforms, and the chance to learn in a safe, nurturing environment. Dedicated Cambodian staff members were hired, and strong relationships were built with local government officials, laying the foundation for long-term trust and collaboration.

Siem Reap: A New Beginning

By 2008, Phnom Penh had become increasingly unstable. Many rural families had migrated to the city in search of work, only to find overcrowding, poverty, and danger. Recognizing the need for a safer, more sustainable environment, TGC made the bold decision to relocate.

The entire school—students, staff, and even some guardians—moved to Siem Reap, where the air was cleaner, the pace slower, and the opportunities greater.

Today, the Siem Reap campus includes two buildings: one for education, and another that houses students and staff. Most students now live with their families, and TGC continues to support them through education, meals, mentorship, and financial assistance.

We’ve expanded our reach to serve not only street workers but those from families living in extreme poverty—those most at risk of becoming street-working youth. Through this evolution, TGC has become more than a school. It’s a community anchor, supporting thousands of Cambodians, including students, staff, their families, and their communities.