Phum Trea is about 140km from Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. But to get there is a long way. You have to travel to Kampong Cham, the capital city of Kampong Cham Province in eastern Cambodia, then go on a 18km dirt track to the bank of the Mekong River, where five-minute boat ride will take you to the village.

Just about 5km in radius, Phum Trea hugs the Mekong River, which is also the lifeline of the 11,000 villagers. Many are fishermen who depend on fish from the river as their main source of income. The villagers live without basic necessities like electricity and use water from the river. Classrooms are over-crowded, hot and furnished with homemade furniture. There is only one village nurse, and medical help and medicine are difficult to get. That was in 2004 when Hope Villages team visited the village.

Starting with a classroom with 75 students taught by one teacher, Phum Trea now has a new school building where English, sewing and computer courses are taught. Three of Hope Centre School graduates, are now teaching at the school.

Phum Trea is about 140km from Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. But to get there is a long way. You have to travel to Kampong Cham, the capital city of Kampong Cham Province in eastern Cambodia, then go on a 18km dirt track to the bank of the Mekong River, where five-minute boat ride will take you to the village.

Just about 5km in radius, Phum Trea hugs the Mekong River, which is also the lifeline of the 11,000 villagers. Many are fishermen who depend on fish from the river as their main source of income. The villagers live without basic necessities like electricity and use water from the river. Classrooms are over-crowded, hot and furnished with homemade furniture. There is only one village nurse, and medical help and medicine are difficult to get. That was in 2004 when Hope Villages team visited the village.

Starting with a classroom with 75 students taught by one teacher, Phum Trea now has a new school building where English, sewing and computer courses are taught. Three of Hope Centre School graduates, are now teaching at the school.