Why Education and English Matter in Cambodia
Cambodia is still recovering from the devastating impact of the Khmer Rouge regime under Pol Pot, during which schools were closed and much of the country’s education system was destroyed. Today, education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty. English language skills provide access to better employment opportunities, further education and careers in tourism, business and international organisations. By providing quality education and English language instruction, Grace House helps young people build brighter futures for themselves, their families and their communities.
Our Story
Grace House Community Centre was established in 2008 by Globalteer, a respected UK charitable organisation, and has been serving vulnerable children and families in Siem Reap for more than 15 years.
Founded by Jim Elliot, Grace House was named in honour of his grandmother, Grace, reflecting the values of compassion, dignity and opportunity that continue to guide the organisation today. Over the years, Grace House has grown from a small community initiative into a trusted local organisation providing education, family support and specialised support for children with disabilities.
The growth of Grace House has been shaped by many dedicated individuals, including Alan and Bridget Cordory, who worked at Grace House for many years and played a key role in establishing and strengthening many of the programmes that continue to benefit the community today.
Today, Grace House is led by a dedicated team of Cambodian staff, supported by volunteers, donors and partner organisations from around the world. Ongoing support is provided through the Grace House Community Centre Trust in the United Kingdom and Grace House Cambodia Charity Inc. in Australia, which was established in 2025 to support and strengthen the work of the Khmer staff and help ensure the long-term sustainability of Grace House’s community programmes.
Grace House has been operating since 2008 and is committed to delivering sustainable, community-led programmes that support children and families. The organisation is guided by both local and international boards, with clear governance structures that provide oversight, accountability and strategic direction. Donations and volunteer contributions are carefully managed to ensure resources are used effectively and in line with the organisation’s mission and long-term strategic goals.
The demand for Grace House’s programmes continues to grow as more children and families seek access to education, disability support and community services. Volunteers and donors play a vital role in helping sustain and expand these programmes, creating opportunities that can have a lifelong impact. In Cambodia, relatively small contributions can go a long way, making every gift of time, skills or financial support both valuable and meaningful.
Every donation made to Grace House directly supports the children and families participating in its programmes. With no paid administrators, funds are used to provide education, disability services, family support and community initiatives that create opportunities for learning, inclusion and long-term wellbeing. Your generosity helps ensure that vital programmes continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those served by Grace House.
Yes. Grace House offers secure and transparent donation pathways, with clear instructions for supporters from different countries. Information about tax-deductible giving, where applicable, is available on our Donations page, providing donors with confidence that their contributions are being managed responsibly and used to support our programmes and services.
Our Leadership Team
