Adult Prisons in Cambodia - No Place for a Child

Unlocking Futures: You Made This Life Without Bars Possible!

The challenges facing Cambodia’s children in conflict with the law are daunting, but thanks to your incredible support, hope is being restored each day. With crowded prisons and limited options, vulnerable youths often bear the brunt of poverty, social exclusion, and disrupted education. Through This Life Without Bars (TLWB), your generosity helps us rewrite the story for these children—moving from punishment to real second chances.

Lasting Impact: What YOUR Support Has Achieved

During this period, 80 children benefited directly from your donations—each case managed with care and dedication. Among these, 24 youths entered the program as new referrals needing urgent support. An amazing 26 children completed their journeys and successfully reintegrated, proof that together, we’re breaking cycles of injustice and fostering safer communities.

• Drug Treatment & Rehabilitation: Ten children received personalized treatment for substance abuse, giving them not just medical care, but the chance to reclaim a positive future.
• Justice with Compassion: Thirteen social inquiry reports submitted by our team enabled judges to choose solutions that prioritize children’s needs, not just punishment.
• Community Supervision: Three children were supervised in their communities—learning, growing, and contributing positively while safely avoiding detention.
• Holistic Support: Twenty-eight children were enrolled in alternative measures: vocational training, life skills, counselling, and family engagement—laying a strong foundation for their reintegration.

Families Reconnected & Lives Transformed

The healing power of family can’t be overstated. With your help:

• 28 families stayed connected through regular visits to prisons and rehabilitation centers.
• 24 families received food packages—including those with members living with disabilities—relieving immediate burdens and supporting lasting change.
• 38 families now benefit from solar support, bringing light and hope to their homes.
• Access to education soared: one child received a bicycle for school, and two more returned to their classrooms, ready to learn and thrive thanks to your involvement.

Empowering Change at Every Level

Your belief in our mission enabled TLWB to work side-by-side with government agencies, training 218 officials on juvenile justice, and championing trauma-sensitive care and community solutions. Through high-level collaborations and regional leadership training, This Life is driving real change across Cambodia—building systems where every child’s rights and potential are honored.

Real Voices: Rith’s Second Chance

Rith, a 16-year-old student from Siem Reap, was arrested in 2024 on charges of aggravated violence, leading to traumatic detention and interruption of his education. The This Life Without Bars program intervened, collaborating with local authorities to advocate for his case’s diversion. In March 2024, a judge allowed Rith to return home and resume school under community support. Grateful for this second chance, Rith shared, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to study and live with my family again. I have changed and want to be a good son, a good student, and a good citizen.” This Life Cambodia also helped his family start a small motorcycle wash business to support his education. Rith’s journey highlights the transformative power of diversion and community-based support for children in conflict with the law.

You Help Us Dream Bigger

Thanks to your support, TLWB is expanding—scaling up diversion programs so more children can rebuild their lives throughout Cambodia. We’re certifying new social agents, strengthening partnerships, and deepening our commitment to every child who deserves hope.

Thank You!

None of this is possible without you. Please share this update and invite others to join our mission, whether by donating, spreading the word on social media, or simply telling friends and family about the difference you are making. Every act of kindness builds a brighter future for Cambodia’s children.

For more stories, updates, and ways to get involved, visit our website and follow us on social media.

Links:

• Find out more about our program on this webpage
• Learn more about This Life here
• Get more updates about This Life on Social Media