Late one evening on Street 271 in Phnom Penh, an electrical fire swept through several homes, leaving multiple families displaced. Among those affected was one of our scholars, Chhytann. In a matter of hours, the home she shared with her grandmother and family was destroyed, and with it, nearly everything they owned.
For Chhytann and her family, the fire meant more than the loss of a building. It meant the loss of clothing, school materials, personal belongings, and savings. The suddenness of the event left the family facing immediate uncertainty and difficult decisions about how to move forward. Miraculously, everything burned down except his bible.
At Aspire to Dream, we believe that education cannot thrive without stability. When a student loses her home, it directly affects her ability to continue learning, to focus, and to hope for the future she is working toward. For this reason, we are committed to walking alongside Chhytann during this time of recovery.
Our immediate goal is to provide practical support to help our scholar meet his most urgent needs, including clothing, basic necessities, shoes, school supplies, and food. He is now living with Art, our scholarship coordinator in Cambodia. This support is not just about replacing what was lost—it is about restoring a sense of safety and allowing Chhytann to continue pursuing her education without interruption.
As a faith-centered organization, we are reminded that God draws near to those who are hurting. In moments like this, we are called to respond with compassion, presence, and action—to be the hands and feet of Christ to those facing sudden loss. While we cannot undo what happened, we can ensure that Chhytann does not walk through this season alone.
We invite you to stand with us as we support Chhytann and her family in the days ahead. Through prayer and generosity, we can help provide stability and hope as they begin the process of rebuilding.