In Cambodia, the sale of a child - for commercial sexual exploitation or cheap labour - can become a serious consideration for a family living in extreme poverty. Sunshine Cambodia works to prevent this outcome amongst struggling, marginalised families in southern Phnom Penh.

More positively, we seek to create better solutions for the whole family, using a 'hand-up' rather than 'hand-out' approach.

We are passionate about protecting, nurturing and empowering Sunshine children - through education and working with the whole family to achieve financial independence. We walk beside the children and families as they build brighter futures for themselves.

Sunshine stands as a beacon of hope to the communities it serves.

Child Development Program
Sunshine children come from families trying to live on a few dollars a day and who struggle to provide the most basic needs. This meant many Sunshine children previously spent their days working on the busy streets of Phnom Penh.

The kinds of labour Sunshine children engaged in were dirty and dangerous. Many spent their days sorting through piles of rotting garbage looking for recyclable material which they would then sell at a depot. Some begged around the market and tourist areas. Others sold snacks, trinkets or postcards. Not only were they vulnerable to abuse and exploitation but they also missed out on the simple pleasures of childhood.

For 12 years, Sunshine ran a daily program at its centre where the kids could safely play and learn, eat good food and get health care. Their families were also supported through visitation and counselling and various training's. Now, with parents mostly employed and the children having caught up with mainstream education, Sunshine has made a bold move to encourage greater parental responsibility. The daily program has been replaced by weekly clubs and parents are paid a monthly sponsorship to help them cover food and health care costs themselves.

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