Nonprofit helping child development: our story, mission & impact timeline
Enfants de Klang Leu (EKL) is a French-Cambodian non-governmental organization founded in 2006. As a dedicated nonprofit helping child development, our main mission is to facilitate access to education while providing essential food, medical, and social assistance to vulnerable children and their families living in the village of Klang Leu, Sihanoukville Province, southern Cambodia.
Today, our Centre welcomes 60 children daily and provides essential support to 100 local families.
Our Story An Impact Timeline
Anne and Jacques Collineau came
The journey began when founders Anne and Jacques left France for Cambodia in 2005. In 2005, Anne and Jacques decided to travel from France to Cambodia in a motorhome. They came to visit their son who was living in Sihanoukville. Upon arriving in Sihanoukville, they discovered the extreme poverty of Klang Leu residents. Faced with the heartbreaking reality of malnourished children forced to drop out of school to care for siblings, they decided to act. Their initial focus was on providing basic food and medical needs and helping families build safer homes.
Opening the Day Care Centre
In 2008, the Day Care Centre was inaugurated in the heart of Klang Leu village. This initiative allowed around twenty children (aged 3 months to 6 years) to benefit from a safe, clean, and healthy environment. This was crucial, as it allowed older children to attend school knowing their younger siblings were safe. Very quickly, schoolchildren arrive at the Centre after school. In a clean, healthy and welcoming environment, the children receive the essentials: balanced meals, hygiene breaks, restorative naps, playtime and educational activities.
Granting of ‘Association loi 1091’ status in France
Anne and Jacques formalized the creation of the association "Les Enfants de Klang Leu", which was recognized as being in the public interest in France (Association Loi 1901). As the number of children tripled, a larger and more functional house was rented.
Official recognition as an NGO in Cambodia
A major milestone was reached in 2016 when Les Enfants de Klang Leu was officially recognized by the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Cambodia, granting us official NGO status.
New Care Centre thanks to the support of Icare
By the end of 2023, the EKL Centre was relocated to a larger, greener space in the Klang Leu district. This new environment is more conducive to the children's well-being, helping them thrive and build a brighter future.
Renewal of the Board
The founders retired from the Board of Trustees, making way for a new team to continue and develop the EKL structure in Cambodia.
Our founders
Anne and Jacques Collineau arrived in Cambodia in 2005 and dedicated 13 years of their lives to the association. Their unwavering commitment marked the beginning of a unique human adventure, before passing the torch to a passionate team in 2019.
Catherine Sarton
Chair
From France, Catherine oversaw the administrative management and ensured careful supervision of each project.
Anne Collineau
Treasurer
French, Anne coordinated actions in the field, bringing her energy and vision to each stage. She also handled communication with the outside world.
(late) Jacques Collineau
Secretary
French, Jacques was a man of action. He used his expertise to build and improve infrastructure. This has enabled many families to live in a better environment. Jacques was appointed Honorary Consul of France in Cambodia in 2009.
Today, thanks to their vision, the EKL association is changing the lives of the Enfants de Klang Leu. It is giving them a future full of hope and opportunities.
