Our History
In 2014, a local guide who spent much of his childhood at Phnom Kulen trying to survive the wars and occupation, brought Gordon Elliott and his wife, Claire Handleman to the Phnom Kulen area.
Gordon and Claire experienced the difficult situation facing Kulen Mountain and much of rural, Northern Cambodia. Still reeling from years of hardship, the opportunity for education was almost non-existent at Kulen Mountain.
Gordon returned to New York and quickly partnered with his friend Philip Mactaggart to make sure the communities had what they needed to rebuild their schools and future.
Who We Are
Program Founded
Gordon and Claire visited the communities of Kulen Mountain. They saw the dire need for change and the highly motivated students. Within a few months, they came up with a plan and Kulen Outreach was formed.
Primary Schools Open
Kulen Outreach renovated and opened two primary schools in Popel and Klah Khmum village. 100 students arrived, ready to learn. Within a year, that number jumped to 160 students.
Basic Needs Delivered
School supplies, school uniforms, shoes, computers, solar panels, internet, bicycles, hygiene facilities, and the list goes on, delivered to our primary schools.
First Tomato War Fundraiser
As our team grows, so does our creative fundraising. Philip Mactaggart and the Millbrook community, north of New York City hosted the first Tomato War Fundraiser to help Kulen Outreach Build its program.
Siem Reap CAmpus and Dormitory Opens
Realizing the need to get our primary students from the rural countryside access a higher level of education, our program locates a space and opens a campus and dormitory in urban Siem Reap.
Land Purchase
As our campus in Siem Reap proves successful and grows in population, we quickly realize it’s time to buy land and build a larger campus. We purchased land 1.5km from the centre of Siem Reap, large enough to accommodate a large campus for 50 students.
New Campus Design
Atelier Cole and Building Trust Cambodia design the new boarding school campus.
New Campus Opens
Groundbreaking starts in 2019 and we finish the first phase of our Siem Reap Campus.
Third Primary School Opens
With our campus in Siem Reap working, Kulen Outreach teams up with Building Trust International to design and build another primary school in the Varin District north of Phnom Kulen. 35 students show up for school on the first day. Within a year that number jumped to 50 students. The school is thriving independently, demonstrating its ability to succeed on its own.
Campus Extension Completed
As our campus swells in population size to 50 students, construction begins on the 2nd phase of our boarding school bringing our capacity to house and teach 75 students.
New Learning Center Design
We started designing a Learning Center located between our two primary schools. This center will better prepare our students for our boarding school in Siem Reap by offering engaging, playful and fun English lessons and activities.
Klaeysen Learning Center Opens
In February 2025, the Klaeysen Learning center opened its doors. Teaching over 40 students, with capacities to increase the numbers. The students learn English, life skills, ethics, and IT through play.
Help Us
Volunteer
Kulen Outreach offers a meaningful volunteer experience in urban Siem Reap and the rural villages of Phnom Kulen. Volunteers support our Enrichment Program and visit countryside schools, helping students practice English and build confidence.
Our ethical, community-focused program requires at least a one-month commitment. Many volunteers form lasting relationships while contributing to real educational impact. Enquire today to get started.
Donate
Your donation directly supports rural students on their journey from primary school to university graduation. Every contribution strengthens our mission to provide a full, consistent education for children from Phnom Kulen and Siem Reap.
Whether it’s a backpack, a bicycle, a week of food, school uniforms, or even sponsoring a student for an entire year, each gift creates real impact. Choose a level of support that works for you and help transform a child’s future today.
Partner with Us
Partner with Kulen Outreach to create lasting educational change for students from remote Cambodian communities. We work with individuals and businesses who want their support to deliver measurable, long term impact.
If you are interested in partnering, collaborating, or learning more, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch to explore how we can work together.
Support a Student
Partnering with Kulen Outreach supports students from remote Kulen Mountain villages who are determined to continue their education, many of them young women overcoming significant barriers. Students like Reaksmey, now in grade 7, find confidence, community, and joy through our Learning Center.
While only a small percentage of Cambodians complete high school, nearly all our students graduate and most continue to university. Your partnership helps sustain these life-changing opportunities and creates pathways to brighter futures.
