Mr. Sytha Nan
Founder
For more than twenty years he has worked with communities, schools and partners to bring education to rural Cambodia. He established REEC in 2024 so that no child is forgotten.
Who we are
About REEC
Rural Education Experts Cambodia is a locally-led non-profit dedicated to improving access to quality education for children in Cambodia’s rural and remote communities.
Our story
REEC was founded by Mr. Sytha Nan, a passionate advocate for rural education who has dedicated more than two decades to improving educational opportunities for children in remote and disadvantaged communities.
Growing up in Cambodia and working closely with rural communities throughout his career, Sytha witnessed firsthand the barriers that prevent children from accessing quality education — long distances to school, inadequate facilities, poverty, and a lack of learning resources. Driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, regardless of where they are born, he established REEC to work alongside communities, teachers, local authorities, and partners to create sustainable educational opportunities.
Through REEC, Sytha has helped develop schools, libraries, dormitories, community learning camps, teacher-training programs, and educational resources for thousands of children across rural Cambodia. Today, REEC continues to build on this vision — ensuring that children in some of Cambodia’s most remote communities have the chance to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
Our vision
Every child in Cambodia, regardless of where they live or their circumstances, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a brighter future through education.
Our mission
To improve educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in rural Cambodia through school development, community learning programs, teacher support, educational resources, and strong partnerships with local communities.
Our values
Community Partnership
We work together with communities, because local ownership creates lasting, sustainable change.
Educational Equity
Every child deserves quality education regardless of location, poverty, ethnicity, or circumstance.
Integrity & Accountability
We use resources responsibly, operate transparently, and stay accountable to the children, communities, donors, and partners we serve.
No child left behind
In the remote provinces of north-eastern Cambodia — Ratanakiri, Stung Treng, and Mondulkiri — and beyond, many children still face significant barriers to education. Governments and larger organizations often prioritize communities with enough children to meet official requirements for building a school, so smaller groups of children are frequently left without access to learning.
In some villages there may be only 10, 20, 30, or 50 school-age children — too few to qualify for a formal school under standard criteria. But these children have the same right to education as any other.
At REEC, we believe that every child matters. Through community learning camps, temporary learning spaces, and community-based solutions, we work to give children at least a basic primary education — learning to read, write, and count. A child’s future should not be determined by the size of their village.
Whether there are 10 children or 300 children, every child deserves the chance to learn.
Our team
100% local leadership. 100% volunteer commitment.
REEC is led by a dedicated team of Cambodian volunteers who freely give their time, skills, and experience. We are teachers, community leaders, professionals, parents, and citizens united by one belief: education is the foundation for a stronger Cambodia. Our work is not driven by salaries or personal gain — we volunteer because we believe that investing in children today is investing in the future of our nation.
Narin Ven
Education Program Manager
Leads REEC’s education programs and teacher training, with over 15 years in educational development, including extensive work with VSO.
Sophoin Chun
Community Development Manager
Builds partnerships between schools and communities, with a special focus on encouraging girls’ education.
Ms. Tieng Viyada
Finance Officer
Oversees financial management with transparency and care. A member of the Tampuan indigenous community in Ratanakiri Province.
Mr. Him Ratana
Logistics & Administration Officer
Keeps programs running smoothly — coordinating transport, supplies and administration so support reaches remote communities.
Ms. Sol Morn
Arts & Early Childhood Activities Assistant
Leads creative and arts activities, making learning fun for young children, especially ages 3–6 and for girls.
Oudom Sous
School Construction Manager
Works hand in hand with communities to build and improve schools and learning spaces where none existed before.
Our commitment
We volunteer not because we have extra time, but because we believe that every child deserves the chance to learn, every community deserves the opportunity to grow, and every generation deserves the opportunity to build a better Cambodia. Through education, we are investing in the future leaders, teachers, entrepreneurs, and citizens who will help shape our country.
Help reach the next village
Your support builds classrooms, stocks libraries, and trains teachers in rural Cambodia.
Donate today