About RAISE
Raise Cambodia is an Australian-based organisation supporting community, education, and development initiatives in Cambodia. We work alongside local partners to help improve opportunities for children, families, and communities, with a focus on dignity, sustainability, and long-term impact.
Our work is grounded in respect for local culture and leadership, and a commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship of resources.
Our Mission
To support and empower Cambodian communities through practical assistance, education-focused initiatives, and long-term development partnerships.
Our Vision
A Cambodia where individuals and communities are equipped to thrive with hope, opportunity, and self-determination.
Key Areas of Focus
- Education and learning support
- Community development initiatives
- Child and family wellbeing
- Partnerships with local Cambodian organisations
- Awareness and advocacy within Australia
Background
Raise Cambodia was established to respond to ongoing social and economic challenges faced by many Cambodian communities. Decades after conflict and instability, issues such as poverty, limited access to education, and intergenerational disadvantage continue to affect vulnerable families.
Raise Cambodia exists to connect Australian supporters with trusted, locally led initiatives that deliver measurable and meaningful outcomes.
Raise Cambodia is an Australian-based organisation supporting community, education, and development initiatives in Cambodia. We work alongside local partners to help improve opportunities for children, families, and communities, with a focus on dignity, sustainability, and long-term impact.
Our work is grounded in respect for local culture and leadership, and a commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship of resources.
Our Mission
To support and empower Cambodian communities through practical assistance, education-focused initiatives, and long-term development partnerships.
Our Vision
A Cambodia where individuals and communities are equipped to thrive with hope, opportunity, and self-determination.
Key Areas of Focus
- Education and learning support
- Community development initiatives
- Child and family wellbeing
- Partnerships with local Cambodian organisations
- Awareness and advocacy within Australia
Background
Raise Cambodia was established to respond to ongoing social and economic challenges faced by many Cambodian communities. Decades after conflict and instability, issues such as poverty, limited access to education, and intergenerational disadvantage continue to affect vulnerable families.
Raise Cambodia exists to connect Australian supporters with trusted, locally led initiatives that deliver measurable and meaningful outcomes.
About our Founders
Will & Anne
Will and Anne Downie have been working with partner organisations in South East Asia since 2007 to help alleviate poverty. In early 2011 they visited Cambodia for a holiday and felt a strong desire to be able to do something to help the Cambodian people. Many short term trips to Cambodia later they are now in a position to be “hands on” in Cambodia organising and dealing with the projects. William has a farming and business background. Anne has a background in Accounting, training and small business ownership. They have six adult children and a growing tribe of grandchildren.
Our Story
Since 2007 we have been committed to making a difference in Asia. After a visit to Vietnam we found ourselves profoundly impacted by the poverty that affects much of the population and we decided to do something to make a difference to as many Vietnamese people as we could. With the generous support of family, friends and acquaintances we were able to sponsor a number of villages and became involved in projects to improve the lives of the people living in the villages.
Early in 2011 we visited Cambodia and it is here that we are now focussing our attention. Cambodia is a nation with a broken past. Nearly two million people lost their lives during the reign of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970’s. Since that time thousands more have been killed or maimed by landmines left behind from that era. The effect of the devastation is still felt today. With much of the older generation wiped out during this period, the family structure previously a bedrock of Khmer culture has been broken down.
Cambodia is still the second poorest nation in East Asia despite significant progress in recent years. Cambodia has a population of over 15 million people with 33.3% of the population being under 15 years old. It is a nation inundated with poverty, exploitation and human trafficking. Cambodia’s children need protection, education, guidance and love.
Governance and Accountability
Raise Cambodia is committed to ethical practice, financial transparency, and accountability. We aim to ensure that funds raised are used responsibly and in alignment with our stated mission.
