Small Supplies, Big Impact for Children’s Education

For children like 10-year-old Ratanak, a school meal and a simple backpack make the difference between missing class and staying in school. World Vision’s Gift Catalogue is supporting education for thousands of vulnerable children in Cambodia

The Gift Catalogue is a vital complementary initiative of World Vision that strengthens the impact of the annual School Feeding Programme, supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) and funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Through the WVUS Gift Catalogue, 7,218 school uniforms, 6,648 pairs of shoes and 6,150 backpacks were distributed to 7,687 vulnerable children in Kampong Thom and Kampong Chhnang provinces.

By meeting essential needs, these supplies help improve children’s well-being and dignity while supporting regular school attendance and continued access to education.

Ratanak’s Story

Ratanak, 10, is a Grade 5 student at a Primary School in Santuk District, Kampong Thom Province. He lives with his elderly grandmother and three siblings, while his parents work as factory labourers in another province.

Thanks to the School Feeding Programme’s on-site meals, Ratanak and his younger sister are able to attend school consistently. This year, the school introduced a revised curriculum requiring students to attend two shifts per day. As a result, both children now participate in full-day schooling — made possible by the reliable nutritional support they receive at school.

Ratanak’s grandmother supports the household through small-scale farming. Despite her efforts, the family continues to face financial hardship. Meeting basic needs, including food, school supplies and clothing, remains a daily challenge, and the limited financial support sent by the parents is not enough to cover these costs.

“I don’t worry about my grandchildren having breakfast before school — that is taken care of,” Ratanak’s grandmother shared. “What worries me is how I will afford what they need next year when they move to a new class, such as shoes, school uniforms and backpacks.”

Soknoy, Ratanak’s teacher, shared her appreciation: “I am so delighted for my students, not just Ratanak, but also those identified as Poor 1 and Poor 2. They have received new school uniforms, shoes and backpacks. Now, they can wear them proudly every day when they come to school.”

Ratanak is one of 7,687 children benefiting from the Gift Catalogue initiative funded through the WVUS Gift Catalogue. By providing essential school supplies alongside daily meals, the programme supports vulnerable families and helps ensure that children remain enrolled through the completion of primary education — fully aligned with the goals of the School Feeding Programme in Cambodia.

Story and photo by Polis Chea, reviewed by Ratana Lay