Our Two Centres
Both of our centres run the same core programmes. Since joining together under the Learn to Shine banner in October 2025, we've been able to share admin and management costs, reduce overheads, and extend our reach to support more children and families.
Our Shine Centre in Otres first opened in 2016. Between 2025 and 2026, it underwent a major transformation: the main classroom and office were completely rebuilt and dedicated to the memory of Mary Ann Walsh, with a new classroom added by Ton-to-Ton and a new kitchen funded by the Rotary Club.
Our downtown centre, Bomnong L'or, was established in 2007 with support from Help The Cambodian Children, and was entirely rebuilt in 2015 with sponsorship from Orkid Studio.
Whichever centre a child attends, the support they receive is the same.
Programmes & Services
Together, our two centres currently support more than 250 children. Our education programme works alongside the Cambodian state school system: children attend state school in the morning or afternoon, and come to Learn to Shine during the opposite part of the day. Children who are not yet registered for state school can also join us while we help their families complete registration and get them started in formal education.
Nursery & Early Years (Ages 2 to 6)
Three classes serve 66 of our youngest children, learning English, Khmer and Maths alongside plenty of play and creative activities. At this age, children are learning how to learn: listening, sharing, taking turns and becoming comfortable in a classroom. Starting early also gives parents the chance to work while their children are somewhere safe. We're expanding this programme to make space for children currently on our waiting list.
Primary Classes (Ages 7 to 10)
Four Primary classes support 93 students, our largest age group. The focus is English and Khmer, reinforcing what children learn at state school and helping those who've fallen behind, many of whom have experienced disrupted education or very little schooling before. For some, simply getting used to a classroom is the first challenge. From there, our teachers help them catch up and build the confidence to keep progressing.
Junior Classes (Ages 11 to 13)
Four Junior classes support 81 students, with a focus on English and preparing for Grade 6 state examinations. Passing Grade 6 allows students to move into full-time education at Grade 7. We also work closely with families at this age, encouraging parents to keep children in school rather than sending them out to work. We're proud that nearly all of our Grade 6 students have gone on to register for Grade 7.
Social Work and Family Support
Our social worker supports children and families across all of our programmes: helping register children for state school, supporting those struggling to settle in, and providing individual and small-group counselling. We can also provide uniforms and school supplies for families who can't afford them, and help connect families with other NGO or government services where needed.
Food Support
Around 50 families currently receive regular food support. Financial pressure can push children toward begging or working to help support their household. Providing food can ease that pressure and help keep children in education instead. Families receiving support agree to a simple contract: children won't be sent to beg, and will attend our centre instead. Some families receive support simply because they're struggling to afford enough food. We visit and assess each family's circumstances so support reaches those who need it most.
Lunch Club
Our Lunch Club (at the Otres centre only), provides daily meals for up to 60 students, for some, their only nutritious meal of the day. We serve varied, filling meals, and children help with serving and cleaning up afterwards. It's a simple programme, but an important one: children who are hungry find it much harder to concentrate and learn.
The Programmes Fit Together
These programmes are deliberately connected. A child might need help registering for school, catching up through extra lessons, a uniform, or support from our social worker, and their family might need food support too. Rather than offering one size fits all solutions, we work with each child and family to provide the support that makes the most sense for them.
Learn To Shine (LTS)
Cambodian Registered Charity No. 12671
Village 6, District 1, Sihanouk Town, Sihanouk Province
Contact:
LearnToShineCambodia@gmail.com
+855 (0)964 834 178