Mercy Orphanage Cambodia

Cambodia Orphanage: From the Killing Fields to Fields of MERCY

Cambodia is a resilient nation with a rich cultural heritage, yet its recent history bears the weight of profound tragedy. In the 1970s, under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, an estimated 2 to 3 million people—nearly a third of the population—perished. The horrors of this era were immortalized in the acclaimed film The Killing Fields, which brought global attention to Cambodia’s suffering.

Decades of conflict and instability left deep scars and widespread poverty, particularly among children. Many were orphaned, abandoned, or born into families unable to care for them.

From 2018 to 2021, MERCYworldwide partnered with a local Cambodian orphanage to bring hope, care, and opportunity to some of the country’s most vulnerable children. Although the COVID-19 pandemic eventually curtailed these efforts, the impact left behind remains profound.

A Safe Haven for 58 Precious Lives

In the heart of Cambodia, the orphanage became home to 58 children—each with a story marked by loss, hardship, or abandonment. Here, they found safety, stability, and the chance to dream.

Through the generosity of The Wong Foundation and countless individual donors, MERCY helped transform the orphanage into a place of healing and joy—a space where children could simply be children again.

Building Dignity and Joy

Bathrooms
MERCY constructed clean, safe, and functional bathrooms—something many children had never experienced. Improved sanitation not only safeguarded their health but also restored a sense of dignity and privacy.

All-Purpose Field
A new artificial turf field gave the children a safe place to play sports, exercise, and bond with one another. More than just a space for games, it became a ground where laughter echoed and friendships flourished.

Community Center
Serving as the heart of the orphanage, the community center became a gathering place for celebrations, devotionals, educational programs, and life skills training—fostering unity and belonging.

Bedding
MERCY provided new bedding for every child, offering them a personal space to rest—something as simple as a clean bed became a powerful expression of love and care.

Caring for Body and Mind

Medical & Dental Clinics
On-site clinics ensured the children received regular checkups and treatment for basic health needs. Partnering with the local dental university, MERCY offered both care and education, equipping children with lifelong hygiene habits.

Art and English Classes
Beyond physical needs, MERCY nurtured creativity and learning. Art classes allowed self-expression, while English lessons opened doors to greater opportunities. This holistic approach—addressing mental, emotional, and physical well-being—helped children build resilience and hope for the future.

A Legacy of Hope

The orphanage stands as a sanctuary where every child is seen, valued, and given the tools to thrive. Though MERCY’s direct involvement ended in 2021, the seeds of compassion and opportunity planted there continue to bear fruit.

One shining example is Kimlang, a bright and determined young woman who grew up in the orphanage MERCY supported. With the help of MERCY’s scholarship program, she graduated from the Royal University of Phnom Penh with a degree in Chemistry. Along the way, she also learned English—equipping her with skills to pursue even greater opportunities.

Now, Kimlang is preparing to continue her education and earn a Master’s degree, with the dream of becoming a teacher and inspiring the next generation. Her journey is a living testament to what is possible when compassion meets opportunity.

Every smile on that playground, every book read in the community center, and every dream nurtured in a child’s heart is part of this ongoing story of hope. We remain deeply grateful to every donor and volunteer whose generosity has transformed lives in Cambodia—and will continue to do so for years to come.