Mengly J Quach Education Plc (MJQE) and Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) on September 30 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to train teachers and provide opportunities for underprivileged students to get education through scholarships, supplies of study materials and help with daily costs of living.

MJQE founder and CEO Quach Mengly said he was pleased that MJQE – the parent company of Aii Language Centre (Aii) and American Intercon School (AIS) – had partnered with CCF, as the students studying at the organisation needed support, both in the country and abroad.

“CCF is led by Scott Neeson, whom we all know. A former Hollywood mogul, he has chosen to dedicate his life to helping Cambodia,” he said.

“There are a lot of Cambodians who are in need. There is a need for subsidies which support them with access to education and healthcare, food security and comfortable homes. Poverty remains [an issue] in our communities, along with homelessness. We need more organisations to help, and they cannot function without sponsorship,” he added.

Mengly requested that those who can afford to do so help to improve access to quality education by donating as much money as possible.

“I don’t think we need only the wealthiest tycoons and businessmen to contribute. Many ordinary middle-class Cambodians can contribute. What we want to do is improve society, and there is no better way of doing this than by empowering people through education.

“Providing good health and warm harmonious family lives greatly improves children’s performance in school. The next generations are the ones who will build the Kingdom in the future, so investing in them is the smartest thing we can do for the nation,” he added.

Through the MoU, Mengly will grant $180,000 to various beneficiaries, including students and teachers. Nearly 800 people will receive benefits.

CCF confirmed in a September 30 social media post that they were delighted to have partnered with MJQE.

“We share the same vision of quality education for all Cambodians. The signing of this MoU demonstrates the strong collaboration between CCF and MJQE,” it said.