For Children Like Ty Ty
This eyewitness account is shared by Sopharan NY, Operations Director of World Vision Cambodia, following his visit to a displacement site in Siem Reap province. During the visit, he spoke with Ty Ty and other displaced children who have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing Cambodia–Thailand border conflict. Through a simple interaction with Ty Ty, the story highlights the severe impact of displacement on children, particularly hunger, exhaustion, and emotional distress. The account underscores the vulnerability of displaced children and reflects the importance of World Vision Cambodia’s life-saving response to protect and support children and families affected by the crisis.
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In Siem Reap province, I met Ty Ty, a quiet young girl who had been displaced along with her two younger sisters. It had been almost ten days since the children were forced to leave their home village and schools. Their single mother is on medical treatment by her relative and unable to flee with her, as their home is no longer secure due to the ongoing conflict. With no other option, the girls fled with their grandmother and aunt, seeking safety away from the renewed escalation in December 2025 along the Cambodia–Thailand border.
I spoke with Ty Ty, as I usually do with children in the displacement camp. She was quiet, her eyes heavy with exhaustion and uncertainty. As we talked, I remembered that I had a small packet of cookies with me. I offered it to her. In that moment, her expression changed instantly—a simple but powerful reaction that revealed just how hungry she was. Her face lit up with a shy smile, and she held the cookies tightly, as if they were something precious.
Seeing how such a small amount of food brought her comfort deeply touched my heart. It also reflects and encourages our field staff, who have been working tirelessly—day and night—to support displaced families and children during this crisis. Their dedication on the ground truly matters. For children like Ty Ty, even the smallest act of care can restore a sense of dignity and hope.
Ty Ty’s story is not unique. Across areas affected by the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, thousands of Cambodian families have been forced to flee because their homes are no longer secure. Children are the most vulnerable—exposed to hunger, fear, disrupted education, and separation from caregivers. The children deserve to go to school, and care.
World Vision Cambodia is responding alongside communities and partners to meet urgent needs, including food assistance, child protection services, child-friendly spaces, and essential non-food support. However, needs continue to grow as displacement persists. I carry Ty Ty’s smile with me as a quiet prayer—and as a call to action. No child should have to endure hunger, fear, or uncertainty. Children deserve to go to school and to receive care, not to live in displacement and fear.
Your support can make a real difference. Every contribution from donors and individual supporters helps provide food, protection, education support, and hope to the most vulnerable children—the displaced, the innocent, the children like Ty Ty. Together, we can ensure that every child has the safety, care, and opportunity to learn and thrive that they deserve.
Donate today or stand with us in supporting displaced children. Everything you do is for children like Ty Ty. Every act of kindness counts.