Thank you very much for your support in 2025

Dear donors,

we look back on 2025, a year in which we were able to give the gift of a future and hope together. Thank you for your generous contributions, which have made it possible for Bamboo Shoots to continue its work so that children can grow and experience their own worth. សូមអរគុណ – saum arkoun. We are grateful that last year we were able to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Petra Marek, the director of the NGO Bamboo Shoots, and her many years of commitment to the people of Cambodia.

At the same time, the start of 2026 is marked by great challenges for many families in Cambodia. In Siem Reap province, an estimated 145,000 refugees or returnees are currently living in precarious conditions. These include refugees from border regions, but also numerous people who were working as guest workers in Thailand and had to return to Cambodia due to the tense political situation and violent conflicts – often without income, savings or a stable livelihood.

A report by Plan International Cambodia shows that 72 per cent of migrant workers surveyed in Siem Reap province who returned from Thailand during the first wave of fighting in July 2025 are unemployed. Many of the people living in the villages where Bamboo Shoots operates travel through several provinces trying to find work, but are unable to secure long-term employment. The majority also report mental health issues. 

The recent military tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border have further increased insecurity. Although a peace treaty and diplomatic efforts give cause for hope, the effects are still clearly felt by many families: rising poverty, lack of prospects and great concern for their children's future.

In this situation in particular, the services offered by Bamboo Shoots are of special importance. In 2025, we were once again able to enable around 160 pupils to be taught and provided with nutritious, fresh school meals every day.



In addition, the team has expanded its services: due to structural adjustments and declining enrolment numbers in one of the preschools, as well as the new situation with the numerous refugee family members who have returned, we have adapted our services in Rokar Yeah and set up a meal service. Currently, instead of school lessons, hot meals are offered to families twice a week in order to establish contact with the refugees, better assess their needs and tailor new services to them. Around ten to 20 adults and 30 children currently take advantage of this service. The team of teachers also offers a programme for the children after the meal. The aim is to offer a 1 to 1½-hour programme twice a week with two teachers.




None of this would be possible without your ongoing support. You are not only giving children and families an education and a meal, but also security, dignity and hope in a time of great uncertainty. 

The entire Bamboo Shoots team sends warm greetings from Siem Reap – along with best wishes for a blessed and confident start to 2026. Warm regards

Annette Schüller
Bamboo Shoots e.V.