Happiness and Education for Life Organization (HELO School)

Happiness and Education for Life Organization (HELO School) is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to providing free education to underprivileged children and young adults in Speankaek village, Prasat Bakong district, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. Operating from its headquarters known as Happiness House, HELO creates a safe, welcoming, and inspiring learning environment with a strict child protection policy to ensure the well-being of all students.

• History -

HELO School traces its origins to the personal journey of its founder. During his early adulthood, the founder spent time as a monk at the historic Bakong Pagoda, where he received an education and learned English despite facing significant challenges. Motivated by his own experiences and a desire to give back to his community, he realized a lifelong dream in 2016 by establishing the school. The goal was to offer underprivileged children in his village the same opportunity to develop English language skills and break free from cycles of poverty. Since its founding, HELO has grown steadily, supporting over 200 students with the help of a dedicated local team, volunteers, and donors.

• Mission and Goals -

HELO's core mission is to make quality education accessible to those who need it most, particularly in a region where public schools are often overcrowded and English instruction is limited or unavailable. The organization focuses on teaching English language skills alongside instilling good morals and values, aiming to empower students with the tools to improve their future prospects. Broader goals include:

• Elevating living standards for students and their families
• Reducing school dropout rates (common when children leave education to support family income)
• Breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty
• Fostering a brighter future not only in Siem Reap Province but with potential to inspire similar efforts elsewhere
• By addressing educational gaps, HELO School seeks to create lasting positive change in the community.
• Past and Current Activities -

From its inception in 2016, HELO has provided free English classes in morning, afternoon, and evening sessions at Happiness House, ensuring flexibility for students with varying schedules. The curriculum emphasizes practical language skills while incorporating moral education and personal development in a caring, non-overcrowded setting.

• Beyond classroom teaching, activities include:
• Arts and creative projects
• Reading sessions
• Games
• Singing
• Dancing
• Other engaging experiences that bring joy and inspiration to students

HELO actively welcomes international volunteers through programs like cultural exchange initiatives (often in partnership with platforms such as Workaway and Worldpackers), where volunteers assist with teaching, lead activities, and immerse themselves in Cambodian culture. This not only supports the school's operations but also enriches students' exposure to global perspectives. Volunteers have frequently highlighted the warm hospitality, meaningful impact on children's lives, and opportunities for community engagement, such as village tours and visits to nearby sites like Angkor Wat.

Fundraising plays a key role in sustainability, with options for general donations, sponsorships (e.g., supporting part-time teachers or specific needs like salaries), and an online shop. The organization maintains an active presence through videos, social media, and direct outreach to build awareness and support.

• Future Planned Activities -

HELO has an ongoing commitment to growth and expansion of its core programs. This includes increasing student enrollment, enhancing facilities at Happiness House, securing stable funding for teacher salaries and operational expenses (particularly for the 2026-2027 period and beyond), and continuing to recruit volunteers and donors. The organization remains focused on scaling its impact to reach more underprivileged youth in the region, adapting to community needs, and sustaining its model of free, values-based education to empower the next generation.

Through perseverance, community involvement, and global support, HELO School continues to transform lives—one student at a time—in the heart of Cambodia.