A school in Cambodia, a commitment to education, a chance for life.
In a village forgotten by the authorities, ignored by tourists and NGOs alike, the Jean-Cyril School offers disadvantaged children in Sampong Chey a chance: the chance to believe in a better future.
Discover us
Our missions
Today, the Jean-Cyril School welcomes 500 students aged 3 to 18 to offer free, quality education, help children in difficulty, and open the way to university or skilled employment for those who wish it.
Free access to education,
In a remote farming village north of Phnom Penh, children suffer from both their families' poverty and the limitations of a failing public school system..
L’école propose des cours complémentaires à ceux de l’école publique : anglais, français, et culture générale.
Faced with the extreme academic difficulties of some students, the school quickly expanded its offerings to include support classes in Khmer and mathematics. A kindergarten was opened in 2019, a first in the region.
A valued local team,
The teaching staff is composed exclusively of Khmer professors: a deliberate choice by the association, which accompanies and supports the local team to develop their skills without ever replacing them.
The French team contributes to the establishment of a quality educational environment and supports the nine teachers in improving their practices.
Respect, kindness and high standards are at the heart of our approach to providing a reassuring, motivating and human learning environment.
Le Share group
Additional courses are offered to high school students during the weekend, to strengthen their level in certain subjects or develop skills useful for their future.
Those most motivated to continue their studies come together in a "Share Group" to work together.
The activities of this group are led by teachers or by the students themselves in order to develop their curiosity, solidarity, and independence. Each year, a cultural trip (Angkor, Phnom Penh, etc.) further broadens their horizons.
Career guidance
Training young people for access to the job market is a priority. Given the region's isolation, professionals or alumni are invited to present their programs and inspire young people.
We are developing partnerships with NGOs in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap to provide access to quality training, reserved for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
When necessary, we provide financial support to the poorest students during their higher education.
Community support
True to its community vocation, the school supports the most vulnerable families: distributions of rice, occasional coverage of medical expenses, financial support for vulnerable children.
In an agricultural environment weakened by climate change, students are made aware of hygiene, health, selective sorting and the protection of the planet.
The school carries out solidarity actions in partnership with the municipality, including awareness campaigns on health and nutrition.
A suitable teaching method
In Cambodia, education remains dominated by obedience and rote learning.
At Jean-Cyril School, teachers work together on developing more interactive teaching methods and support students in developing essential "soft skills": self-confidence, curiosity, autonomy, teamwork…
The volunteers play a valuable role because, in addition to passing on their knowledge, they bring a valuable open-mindedness to young Cambodians eager to learn.
Jean-Cyril School changed my life
Bora Yeon, 25 years old, Agriculture Officer. Former JCS student, grade 8, from 2014.
1. Learning.
Jean-Cyril School has been at the heart of my education since 2014. When I arrived, I couldn't even read the alphabet, but thanks to the school's programs, I learned to read, write, and speak English with confidence. The school designed many useful courses tailored to our levels and included special activities like the "Sharing Group" every Sunday. This group covered not only grammar and vocabulary, but also real-life topics, social issues, and new ideas. We even went on a trip once a year to explore new perspectives.
These trips were very important because they allowed students like me to learn outside of class, discover the real world, and connect what we had studied with real-life situations. They helped improve our communication skills, teamwork, and self-confidence. For many students who rarely had the opportunity to travel, these trips broadened our horizons and encouraged us to look to the future with greater optimism. The volunteers provided me with knowledge about culture, global issues, and new perspectives, which significantly improved my English.
2. Personal Development
School gave me the opportunity to flourish. Through group discussions, outdoor excursions, and interactions with volunteers, I gained confidence, open-mindedness, and a curiosity about the world. In my final year of high school, the French team guided me toward my post-secondary studies. They supported me emotionally and financially, as I came from a poor family. This attention and encouragement gave me the strength to work hard and pursue my passion.
3. Professional life
Jean-Cyril School played a significant role in my career development. The founders suggested I apply for a computer science scholarship, but I realized my true passion was agriculture. I chose to study agriculture for my bachelor's degree, and the school continued to support me with guidance and financial assistance throughout my university studies. Today, I am proud to be an agricultural officer, and I know I wouldn't have achieved such success without the solid foundation and support I received from the school.
Our school in Sampong Chey
