Awareness Cambodia was established in 1996 by Perth dentist, Dr Gary Hewett in response to the incredible suffering and poverty experienced by the Cambodian people after the execution of 25% of its population under Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot.

Awareness Cambodia Inc is a not for profit, overseas humanitarian organisation working to relieve poverty and encourage development of life skills through participation in self sustaining projects.

The Beginning
In 1995, Gary spent seven days traveling down the Mekong River volunteering his dentistry skills. “I’ll never forget seeing a mother sitting on the rubbish tip with baby at her breast. The roof over their head was a dirty and torn piece of tarpaulin, but this was home. While my family smiled at home safe, warm and well fed, this mother’s face told a story of pain, fear and hopelessness. And I wondered how any person could look into the eyes of that child, living in such poverty, and not be moved by the injustice of their situation. But in a moment of clarity, I felt the question re-directed at me; how can I go back to my comfortable existence and pretend this doesn’t exist?”

This experience birthed Awareness Cambodia and for over a decade now we have worked on the ground targeting the ever changing needs of Cambodia. Ideas such as Sunshine House, Eco-Farm, House of Progress, Operation Nightingale and the Internet Café have been the childhood steps to seeing a dream become reality.

If there’s one thing we’ve learnt, it’s that ordinary people like us can make a difference. I invite and look forward to your joining in our mission; building a better, brighter future for Cambodia.

Mission Statement

People with Christian values empowering people in Cambodia through education, health and the establishment of infrastructure.

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