Roteang Children’s Center
The Sharing Foundation’s children’s center in Roteang village was built in 2000, setting new standards for compassionate, hygienic, nutritional, and medical care of Cambodia’s children. Home to children admitted without regard for diagnoses such as HIV, syphilis, cerebral palsy, or hepatitis, some will stay in TSF care permanently. The center currently houses more than 45 resident children, with additional young adults supported in nearby housing as they pursue university studies.
With a caring adult presence, the ratio of nannies to preschool children is 1:2; for school-age children, 1:3 or 1:4. Children with serious special needs have their own dedicated nannies. Medical and dental needs are met by a Cambodian physician and a Canadian dental NGO who visit regularly. Children requiring special care also visit top specialists in Phnom Penh.
A lively girls’ dormitory, Mary Jane’s House, was completed in 2009. In addition to 18 bedrooms and spacious bathrooms, this building has a large common room on the first floor where computer classes are held daily and special events are staged. Elective traditional Cambodian dance and music classes, taught by professional teachers, are popular activities.
Also on site, a dedicated teacher runs a daily preschool where younger children delight in music, painting, books, puzzles, and games, experiencing both Khmer and English. In the afternoon, older children use this same space as an activities center.
Most of our children attend Beltei private school, where smaller classrooms, dedicated staff, and modern resources give them a strong academic foundation. Some children attend local public schools as well. All RCC children have structured study time each evening, along with regular English classes and tutoring in Math, Physics, and Chemistry.
We work closely with each of our older children to determine the most appropriate path for their future. University is a proud milestone for many: we now have a growing number of RCC graduates who have earned university degrees, with a dozen or more currently enrolled. Each year, additional children prepare to sit the National Exam and join the next university class.
For those whose strengths and interests point toward a trade, we actively seek out the best vocational programs available. Our students have pursued careers in mechanics, electrical work, and other skilled trades, and several attend formal programs through partners like CARITAS and government vocational schools. Our goal is for all of our children — many of whom have been with us since infancy — to become thoughtful, independent, contributing members of Cambodian society.
TSF also operates a dedicated Vocational Center, home to around ten young adults who are transitioning toward independent living. Residents pursue a range of practical skills — some through formal programs at CARITAS or the government vocational school, others through apprenticeships and entrepreneurial ventures in the community. This center reflects TSF’s belief that meaningful independence takes many forms, and that every young person deserves a path that fits them.
Preschool and Enrichment Classes
Teachers at the preschool located in Roteang Children’s Center provide early literacy programs for our youngest children, as well as educational support for our special needs students and any of the kids that seem to need an extra hand up. All students now also benefit from private tutors hired by TSF.
