UWS Cambodia

Whole School Charity – United World Schools (UWS)

All the BSP’s charity and volunteering projects are linked to the four Sustainable Development Goals that we selected as a school from the United Nations. Quality Education is central to our ethos at our school and in our fundraising endeavours.

Since 2017, the BSP community have supported UWS, a UK-based charity that significantly widens access to education by building and supporting schools in rural indigenous communities. We are now supporting our third school in Cambodia via UWS, in the village of O Saphy in the north-east of the country.
Education accelerates poverty reduction, female empowerment, and reduces infant mortality. Yet, 244 million children worldwide are out of school. UWS works to ensure children have access to quality, inclusive education in remote and marginalised communities by working with local partners, communities and governments. UWS builds and supports schools, trains teachers and strengthens communities.

We have so far donated over 160,000 dollars and we have committed to supporting UWS until 2030 when the current Sustainable Development Goals will be renewed. This is a considerable achievement, especially during the Covid-era. Much of this money has come from the amazing work done by the second-hand uniform shop: when you donate and buy clothing, you are funding another child’s education in Cambodia. Junior and Senior School pupils have also raised large sums of money and the Community Shop further contributes towards UWS funding.

Most recently, Year 13 volunteered at the O Saphy School at the end of June 2025. It is an isolated farming community that mainly grows rice and cashew nuts. An electricity line has recently been established but the village is not yet connected.

We were asked time and again by community leaders, O Saphy teachers, pupils and homestay families to keep supporting their school. The BSP students had an amazing experience; they taught lessons, played games and enjoyed being welcomed into the O Saphy community. Please see their testimonials below and click here to see more photos of this trip.

Mr Bates
Head of Community and Service

“It was by far one of – if not the – best experiences of my life! It was so fulfilling and heartwarming to connect with the children, to see the school and the people that we help support. The students loved everything that the BSP community donated and the time we had with them, it was so special to see. So honoured to be a part of this experience.” – Chrissie

“The Cambodia trip was an experience I will never forget. It is a trip that forces you out of your comfort zone and teaches you so much more than you expect. I found communicating with other adults and children without knowing how to speak their language humbling, and was honoured that they were willing to share so much of their culture with us through dance, food, and activities. I made memories I will cherish for the rest of my life and would be the first to sign up to go back!” – Clémence

“This trip has helped me in so many ways. It was at times a very difficult experience but that made it all the more fulfilling. Looking back at the trip, by far the highlight was volunteering in the village. It showed me so much about such a different, yet amazing culture, as well as helping me to understand the importance of family, friends and a sense of community. The lessons I learnt will stay with me forever, and I consider myself so lucky to have been a part of something so amazing.” – Carl

“Going to Cambodia was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m so glad I went. It was such an amazing experience that I will never forget. Meeting the children for the first time at O Saphy and seeing the big smiles on their faces is something I will never forget. Connecting with the O Saphy teachers and UWS staff made it even more special. It was an amazing experience for sharing, learning, and building community.” – Olivia

“The experience of meeting students from O Saphy school was one full of positive energy and a memory I will cherish forever. The UWS staff helped me create that memory by translating and teaching me Khmer and Cambodian culture, bringing the feeling of community and family to myself and the other BSP students.” – Marie