Our Story

Paving the Road for a Better Future: Kimlean’s Story

At the heart of the New Dream of Cambodian Children Organization (NDCCO) is one extraordinary man: Kimlean Voeun.


Born into a poor farming family, Kimlean’s early life was filled with hardship. At 13, he made the courageous decision to leave home, walking for three days without food or water until he reached Siem Reap. Local Buddhist monks took him in, offering him a safe place to stay and an opportunity to learn English.

After three years, Kimlean found his first job in a restaurant and sent half his first paycheck to his family—the first time they’d heard from him in years. Determined to improve his life further, he saved enough to buy a motorbike and began working as a taxi driver, later upgrading to a tuk-tuk.

In 2014, with a heart full of generosity, Kimlean opened a free English school for poor children in his community. Funded entirely by his earnings, the school quickly became a lifeline for many families. On top of that, Kimlean provides monthly rice donations to 45 families in need, all out of his own pocket.

Working from 7 AM to 1 AM every day, Kimlean balances his tireless efforts to help others with being a loving husband and father to his four daughters. His dedication has inspired countless people, including Paul Bane Smith, a traveler who met Kimlean in 2018.

Paul, moved by Kimlean’s story and the children’s eagerness to learn, launched a fundraising campaign that led to life-changing results:

April 2018: NDCCO was officially registered as an NGO.

May 2018: Land was purchased to build a full-time school for 150 children.

Today, NDCCO provides free English lessons five days a week to over 260 students aged 6-17. The school also offers a daily nutritious meal, helping keep children healthy and encouraging families to prioritize education.

Kimlean’s journey from a struggling teenager to a community leader is a powerful example of resilience and compassion. His work continues to transform lives, showing that one person truly can make a difference.


Support the New Dream of Cambodian Children Organization and help pave the road for an even brighter future.