My name is Sally Low, and I work for Google Company based in Singapore. The first time I visited KKS (run by Green Umbrella) was in 2019. That one visit made me a strong believer and a supporter of GU and their vision.

In GU, I see compassion, passion, and strong beliefs. The only way to break the cycle of poverty for a community is education – that has been my belief for many years. In GU, I see that in action. KKS is a stark contrast to the dwellings in the area – it is not big but it is very clean, super neat, and I can see that a lot of love and care has been placed into planning the layout. There is a field for the children to run and play soccer. There is a small garden for the children to plant trees and shrubs. There is also a small library-cum-hall where the younger children nap in the afternoons, bathrooms for all children to shower and a computer room where the children can learn with technology. Everything in KKS is designed to make sure that the children are well taken care of. They feed the children proper, nutritious meals at school. So, they can ensure that children have good nutrition and health. They help children who live with poverty results in a situation where they often lack basic nutrition food.

The children are encouraged to dream and are taught that with hard work, they can make their dreams come true. The concept of looking after the community is firmly inculcated in them – the children know that it is their responsibility to bring what they have learnt in school back and share that to their siblings, cousins and even their parents. In their little faces, I see happiness, confidence, steadfastness, responsibility – these are the faces of children who know that they are loved, who know they are safe, supported, and believed in, who know that they are the ones who can bring their community to a better place.

One day in a week, the children will assemble in the small school hall for meditation practice in the morning. That particular morning that we were there, the children were restless (as children usually are). Everyone was seated on the floor. We (the volunteers) were seated at the front of the hall with the teachers and the kids sat in snakey rows facing us. We were waiting for someone, or waiting for time – I’m not sure which. The children began to get restless, shifting around in their positions and slumping to one side or the other. Then from where I was sitting, I saw Sam appear at the window at the back of the class. He looked very stern. Of course, the kids had their backs to him and weren’t aware of his presence. Suddenly Sam said something in Khmer. I can’t understand Khmer but I can guess from the strong tone what was being said. Immediately I see the children sitting up straight and adjusting their sitting position until their lines are straight as a ruler. Boy, was I impressed. Some kids stuck out their tongues while they were being scolded, some smiled guiltily. These are expressions of kids who know that they are loved – there was no fear, no unhappiness, no rebellion.

I am truly very humbled by GU and the staff. They have big ideals, they are passionate about their beliefs and they are selfless in working towards fulfilling these beliefs. At the same time, there is also strong compassion – compassion for the children, for their families, for the community. GU is like a lamp in the darkroom, giving hope to communities who may have felt abandoned by the rest of the world. Not just hope, there is also concrete action – GU is guiding them step by step towards a brighter future.

There is a lot more that touched me about GU but it is hard to put them into words. You can find out more about the beliefs of GU and Ven. Sokrath online. As you listen or read about them, know that I have seen them in action. I hope that you may be able to visit and see for yourself. Then, I am very sure you will agree with me – it is my honor to be part of GU’s transformational journey.