Recently, Little Hearts benefited from the generosity and industriousness of a group of energetic students from Pannasastra International School in Phnom Penh. On 11 April, the school held a Khmer New Year celebration during which its students aimed to raise funds for various charitable causes by selling traditional food and handmade crafts. The initiative thus combined cultural celebration with the spirit of giving on an auspicious occasion.
The students from Pannasastra’s Grade 11B decided to dedicate their efforts at the event to Little Hearts. “The purpose was to do something good from the heart by giving back to the community while also preserving Khmer traditions,” explains the 11B student leader, Sodanae. “It was about sharing kindness during a time that’s deeply rooted in generosity and unity.” The project also dovetailed nicely with the class’s ‘humanity’ subject (a global leadership programme) under the topic of generosity.
Why did the Pannasastra students decide to support Little Hearts? “I had heard of Little Hearts before, and the name always stuck with me,” says Sodanae. “When our group discussed which cause to support, I suggested it because of its meaningful mission. We felt that contributing to an organization cantered around child care and kindness aligned perfectly with the spirit of Khmer New Year.”
The project began with just five girls in 11B, but eventually the entire class joined in. Their teacher, Pov Socheat, played a big role in helping organize and gather support. The boys helped with promotion, and others who had different responsibilities during the event pitched in as well, so it truly became a full-class effort. A small booth was set up at the school’s Khmer New Year event selling traditional Khmer food (fish amok), handmade Romdoul flower charms, lotus-themed crafts, and crochet items like pouches and headbands. The headbands were especially popular with the younger kids!
“At first sales were slow,” Sodanae admits. “But our classmates jumped in to help. The boys called people over, and others helped with the booth. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, the sale gained momentum.”
On Sunday, the Pannasastra students stopped by Little Hearts to hand over the funds they had raised on our behalf. But they didn’t just drop off the money – they also cooked lunch for us and we all shared a meal together. Half of the students helped cook the food, while the others led a fun activity for our kids. They all stayed well into the afternoon, making it a special day for everyone.
We’re really thankful for their visit and their fundraising efforts. Even at a young age, they’re already finding ways to help others, and that bodes well for the future of the country!