Cambodia Rural Students Trust - CRST

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Cambodia Rural Students Trust - CRST

CRST is dedicated to breaking the poverty cycle through education. Since 2011 we have been sponsoring bright students from poor rural families.

Our mentorship and life-skills training form the foundation of an empowered life and social contribution. Breaking the poverty cycle through education is the fastest way to help people all over the world out of poverty - by teaching them how to fish, rather than just giving them fish. CRST is developing Cambodia's future leaders. Since 2011, Cambodia Rural Students Trust has been sponsoring studen

ts from rural Cambodia to study at high school and university - the first for many in the villages they come from....

The NGO is managed on the ground in Cambodia by our senior students’ who are mentored in managing the organisation as well as the 6 social enterprise Projects which address community needs. Founded in 2011 by the Palti family from Melbourne, Australia, the Cambodia Rural Students Trust (CRST) is a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) registered with the Cambodian Interior Ministry. Our NGO sponsors our students’ education, health and dental care, life-skill courses and monthly living allowances. Being sponsored to study also means being part of the NGO family, a support system and hands-on learning experience in itself. Our students are mentored daily in leading and managing the NGO and our Social Enterprise Projects. The Australian entity, Cambodia Rural Students Foundation is an Australian Government registered Tax Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR). Cambodia Rural Students Foundation Inc is a US Government registered public charity under IRS code section 501(c)(c3). WHY WE ARE UNIQUE
- 100% of donations are used for education, mentoring and community projects. All admin costs are covered by corporate sponsors and we are externally audited pro-bono.
- CRST sponsors our students education, health and dental care, life skill courses and monthly living allowances
- All students contribute back to the community with regular volunteer commitments

14/08/2026

🧹🌿 Campus Clean-Up Day at CRST

Our students came together to demonstrate teamwork and responsibility as they picked up litter, swept the grounds, cleaned the buildings, and helped create a cleaner, more welcoming campus for everyone.

This activity was about more than just cleaning—it was an opportunity to learn the importance of caring for our environment and to see how small actions can make a big difference when we work together.

A big thank you to all the students who participated and made the day a success. Let’s continue to keep our campus clean and take pride in the place we learn and grow. 💙

13/08/2026

“The people who give you their food give you their heart.” — Cesar Chavez

This quote reminds us that providing food is about more than meeting a basic need - it is an act of compassion, kindness, and hope. Through CRST’s Family Support Program, we are currently supporting 22 families, with every support package reflecting the generosity of those who care and the belief that no family should face hardship alone.

Together, we are helping families meet their immediate needs while reminding them that they are valued, supported, and part of a caring community. 💙

12/08/2026

Our Monthly Social Activity is all about coming together for a morning of fun, games, and connection. 💙

Through team-building activities, friendly challenges, and plenty of laughter, our students strengthen friendships, build teamwork, and create lasting memories. These moments remind us that learning doesn't only happen in the classroom—it also happens through connection, collaboration, and supporting one another.

11/08/2026

🚲✨ A day of teamwork, smiles, and new opportunities.

What an unforgettable day! Together, our team repaired 117 bicycles, an achievement made possible through teamwork, dedication, and a shared purpose. 🥰

From early morning until the end of the day, everyone worked side by side to repair bicycles for students in rural communities. For many of these students, a bicycle is more than just transportation - it is their way to school and their opportunity to access an education.

One of the highlights of the day was meeting the students and hearing their stories. Their gratitude reminded us that something as simple as a repaired bicycle can make a lasting difference.

A huge thank you to our student mechanics, cooking team, coordinators, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making the day such a success. A special thank you to The digiDirect Foundation for your generous sponsorship and support. Your contribution helped make this meaningful project possible and gave more students the opportunity to continue their education. 💚

Together, we’re helping keep students on the road to education - one bicycle at a time. 🚴‍♂️✨

10/08/2026

Four Days of Learning, Growth, and New Possibilities

For four meaningful days, our students joined Business Class with Aviv, Jan, and MJ — learning not only about business, but also about themselves, their values, and their future.

They reflected on their core values, shared their stories, and learned from one another’s experiences. They explored what it takes to build a business with purpose, courage, creativity, and responsibility.

Through lessons on leadership and finance, students gained practical knowledge to help them make better decisions and prepare for their future. Through games and teamwork, they strengthened their communication, problem-solving, and confidence.

Most importantly, these four days gave students the confidence to speak up, share their ideas, learn from others, and dream bigger.

A heartfelt thank you to Aviv, Jan, and MJ for sharing your knowledge, experiences, and encouragement with our students. ❤️

Four days may be short, but the lessons and inspiration can stay with them for a lifetime.

09/08/2026

The National Exam is Nearly Here!✨📚

As the National Exam is approaching, we would like to wish our wonderful students Sokvath, Vireak, Monireaksmey, Leav, and Sinate the very best of luck! 🍀❤️

You have worked hard, stayed dedicated, and prepared for this important moment. Believe in yourselves, stay calm, and give it your best.💪📖

Wishing you all great success and we know that you will pass the exam with flying colors.🌟

Good luck everyone! You’ve got this! 🎓❤️

06/08/2026

🏡 A Safe Home. A Brighter Future. 💙

This month, our students came together to rebuild the home of Mrs. Sokhom’s family. Their old house could no longer protect them from the rain and strong winds, making daily life difficult and uncertain.

From morning until afternoon, our students worked side by side, carrying materials and rebuilding the house. In just half a day, they transformed an unsafe house into a place where a family can feel safe, rest peacefully, and look towards the future with hope.

A home is more than walls and a roof. It is where families find comfort, children can dream, and hope begins again.

We are deeply grateful to The Intrepid Foundation for making this possible. Your support has given one family more than a rebuilt home. It has given them safety, dignity, and a fresh start.

Together, we are rebuilding homes, restoring hope, and creating brighter futures for families in need.

05/08/2026

Business Class is back in August!!!

This week we will have the opportunity to learn from three inspiring business leaders who bring decades of experience in business, leadership, and personal development.

We are honoured to welcome, Aviv Palti, Founder and CEO of Lifestyle Brands International, Co-founder of CRST, and author of "Empowered - A New Generation of Leaders".

Jan Evans is Managing Director of Burgess Group and Chairwoman of the Cambodia Rural Students Foundation in Australia

And Maria Jakovljevic "MJ", National Sales Manager at Lifestyle Brands International.

Throughout the week, our students will gain practical insight into values based leadership, business success, and creating a positive impact in their communities. Through inspiring stories, interactive discussions, and real world experience, they will be encouraged to grow as confident, ethical, and purpose driven future leaders.

We look forward to an exciting week of learning ahead!

04/08/2026

💙 Celebrating 15 Years of Breaking the Poverty Cycle Through Education

Over the past 15 years, Cambodia Rural Students Trust has been transforming lives through education, empowering young people to become leaders who create lasting change in their communities.

During this time, more than 200 students have been supported through CRST, with thousands more impacted through our student-led community projects across Cambodia.

What makes CRST unique is that our students don't just receive opportunities—they lead them. By managing our projects, programs, and departments, they develop the skills, confidence, and experience to make a meaningful difference while they study.

This milestone would not have been possible without the dedication of our students, alumni, volunteers, partners, donors, sponsors, and everyone who has believed in our mission. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.

As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on how far we've come and look forward to the future with hope and determination. Together, we've spent 15 years breaking the poverty cycle through education, and together we'll continue creating opportunities, transforming lives, and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here's to the next 15 years. 💙

03/08/2026

My name is Kongkea, and I am an educator with Project L – Light for Education.

I am grateful to be part of our educational workshops, where we have the opportunity to support students in rural communities and help them build brighter futures.

I believe SolarBuddy study lights make a real difference, especially for students living in remote areas without reliable electricity. By providing safe, solar-powered light, we are giving students more opportunities to study at night and continue their education.

Through Project L – Light for Education and SolarBuddy, we are also providing school materials and educational opportunities that inspire students to learn, grow, and create positive change in their communities. 💙

Address

Siem Reap

Telephone

+85511407375

Website

http://www.cambodiaruralstudentstrust.org/

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