In 2014, a local guide named Mr. Ta, 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.
Our Story
Our story is centered around the beautiful and sacred mountain region of Phnom Kulen in Northern Cambodia. Once the center of the great Khmer Empire, it also experienced many tumultuous years of civil war and occupation serving as jungle covered battlegrounds for many fighting factions in the latter part of the 20th century.
Views of the Phnom Kulen area
Empowering Cambodian Youth To Change Their World
So, what is our mission? Kulen Outreach is dedicated to offering disadvantaged children from the remote rural region of Phnom Kulen a complete education, emphasizing English language fluency and computer skills. Project-based academic courses are taught parallel with life skills: mental health, self-respect, nutrition, team-building, and self-expression.
We prepare our graduates to be leaders both within their communities and in an increasingly globalized economy. Our goal is simple: To empower our students with the education, self-assurance, and confidence to take on meaningful roles in a rapidly changing world.
How do we accomplish our mission?
Kulen Outreach achieves its goals by providing these children with high quality education and by exposing them to the myriad of opportunities from rural primary schools, learning centers, enrichment programs and access to higher education at our urban campus and dormitory.
History
Our Team
Cambodian Team
Global Team
Where We Work
Secondary Education & Dormitory
Siem Reap Campus
Primary Education
Popel School
Bear School
Varin School
GET INVOLVED
Kulen Outreach offers many ways to get involved in our program. Whether it’s on the ground in Cambodia or from abroad, come join our cause!