Phnom Penh’s Growing Special Education School (GSES) celebrated World Autism Awareness Day 2025 with a heartfelt call for support for the establishment of a new facility to accommodate growing demand for specialised education and therapy.

Phok Many, founder and director of GSES, highlighted the school’s journey and its ongoing mission to support children with autism.

“This school is not just a place of learning; it is a symbol of hope and equality for children with autism who are often rejected by mainstream schools,” Many shared.

“It’s about giving these children a chance to thrive,” she added.

Since Many, the mother of an autistic child, founded the school in 2017, GSES has been a beacon of hope for families struggling to find appropriate educational opportunities for their children.

Growing Special Education School (GSES) also showcased and sold artwork created by students at the school. Hong Raksmey

The event held in Boeung Tompun commune, was attended by distinguished guests, parents, students, and supporters.

Sar Boreyrak, director of the social affairs ministry’s National Institute of Social Affairs, addressed the event.

He noted that children with special needs, especially autistic children, have the right to access quality, inclusive and equitable lifelong education.

Boreyrak valued the participation of NGOs in the education and disability sector, particularly in strengthening social life skills for children and sharing experiences to enhance learning and teaching at the preschool level.

“The National Institute of Social Affairs plays a crucial role in strengthening and expanding the capacity of social service personnel. Recently, the institute organised a six-month training course for students and civil servants on caring for children in general, as well as children with autism and Down syndrome,” he said, while praising the cooperation of GSES.

Starting with just six students, GSES has expanded and now has 345 enrolled, including 59 girls, who are cared for and educated by 116 staff members.

Venerable Kou Sopheap offered a spiritual sermon on wisdom and compassion. Hong Raksmey

The school has been a lifeline for numerous families in Cambodia, where resources for children with autism are limited and stigma is widespread.

However, as the demand for services continues to grow, the school is facing a pressing need for more space.

In June 2024, the Parish Committee of the Child Jesus Catholic Church, in Boeung Tompun commune, offered GSES land on its campus to build a dedicated 10-storey school for children with autism.

The new facility will not only include classrooms, therapy spaces and sensory rooms, but also a nursery, swimming pool and vocational training areas to provide a holistic educational experience.

The estimated cost for this ambitious project is $1.65 million, but the school still needs $1 million to bring this vision to life.

To help raise the necessary funds, GSES has launched the “One Dollar a Dream” campaign and has raised over $50,000 so far.

World Autism Awareness Day 2025 was celebrated at the Child Jesus Catholic Church in Phnom Penh’s BoeungTompun commune. Hong Raksmey

“This building will transform lives, not just for children with autism, but for their families, who often struggle with the stress of raising a child with special needs. We need your help to make this dream a reality,” said Many, in a heartfelt appeal.

The new school building is a collaboration between GSES and the church, with Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler noting that it reflects the church's long-standing commitment to community support and inclusion.

“Many asked us for help, and previous priests have provided financial support and raised funds from France to assist further. However, due to the economic crisis in France and the redirection of aid to countries poorer than Cambodia, we must now rely on ourselves — Khmer helping Khmer,” he said.

Many emphasised the importance of this project; not only for the children currently attending GSES but also for future generations.

“This school will be a lasting legacy of compassion and hope for all children with autism, and it will provide families with the peace of mind that their children will be cared for and educated for years to come,” she said.

Phok Many, founder and director of Growing Special Education School (GSES). Hong Raksmey

The day’s celebrations included a welcome dance, and a spiritual sermon on wisdom and compassion led by Venerable Kou Sopheap. The event concluded with the awarding of certificates of appreciation to exemplary students and a celebratory lunch.

The Growing Special Education School remains committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for children with autism, as emphasised by the theme of this year’s Autism Day: Promoting Diversity and Inclusion for All Individuals with Autism.

For more information or to contribute to the “One Dollar a Dream” campaign, please contact GSES at [email protected] or call 012 71 31 88 / 012 741 556.

GSES students perform a traditional apsara dance during the celebrations. Hong Raksmey