WELCOME TO KEP GARDENS

A TRAINING CENTRE TEACHING VARIOUS SKILLS TO ASSIST RURAL CAMBODIAN YOUTH TO GAIN EMPLOYMENT

CAMBODIANS AND AUSTRALIANS WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE

WHAT IS KEP GARDENS?

Kep Gardens is a non-profit, independent organization established by Australians Andrew and Janine Judd who are committed to the training and education of people in the local Kep community who do not have the family income or circumstances to enable them to seek further education themselves.  We believe education and employment are the two main ingredients to help people improve their living standard but we also believe in self help, providing opportunities for people to improve their situation and give hope for the future.  Consequently, all classes and courses at Kep Gardens are free of charge. We have established an English school and will establish a hospitality school and a mechanical and civil engineering trade school in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

 WHY DO WE WANT TO DO IT?

The vision of Kep Gardens was born in December 2006 after a holiday in Cambodia.  We were impressed by the overwhelming friendliness and determination of the people despite their long and violent history that resulted in their poor socio economic conditions particularly in the rural communities. We had been seeking avenues to contribute in a valuable and meaningful way to society in the later years of our life that could be achievable with limited monetary resources.  What started out as a holiday has turned into a dream for us to help make a better life for a small Cambodian rural community.

 WHEN AND HOW ARE WE GOING TO DO IT?

We have already started!!!  In 2007 we purchased 2.5 hectares of land in Kampong Tralach, Prey Thom Commune, about 10 kms from Kep City, roughly 150 kms south of Phnom Penh.  We employ 10 Cambodian people and a larger number of casual staff,    

We have planted many trees including an orchard.  Seasonal crops including vegetables, rice and herbs are also grown providing both food and income.  Our composting programme and dam water irrigation system support these farm activities.  Ongoing projects include chicken farming, seed propagation and landscaping. 

 Later in 2007 we commissioned the build of an 18 metre Khmer style wooden vessel which, following a refit, is providing local river and ocean cruises for visitors.  In addition to providing income, "MV Kep Gardens" is a hospitality training vessel. 

ENGLISH SCHOOL

 Our English school has been running for 4 years. We run 4 classes every day from Monday to Friday:  elementary, beginner, intermediate and upper.  110 students were enrolled this year and we have a substantial waiting list.  In early 2012 we intend to build a two classroom schoolhouse which will enable us to cter for more students.  We currently run a smalllibrary during class times.  The schoolhouse complex will include a librry/activity centre accessible to the whole community.

HOSPITALITY SCHOOL

 In 2009/10 we sponsored 4 students to the 5 star Paul duBrule Hospitality and Tourism School in Siem Reap.  They undertook a 12 month intensive training course each studying different areas.  We are very proud of our graduates who are providing training seminars to local guesthouses and restaurants and working with our cruise bot project.  Eventually, the graduates will form the basis of the practical training staff in our hospitality school.  Bungalows, a restaurant and student quarters will be built to form the training ground for our hospitality students. 

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

 Of the 389 families in Kampong Tralach, Prey Thom Commune, there are 589 males and 516 females aged from 0-24 years. 183 boys and 213 girls have never attended school. We would like to extend our scholarship fund to sponsor children to attend the Government school and provide support for others to continue with further education.

 HOW IS AND HOW WILL THE PROJECT BE FUNDED?

So far the project has been self funded but our objective is to ensure that the project is sustainable in the long term. To this end we run lunch and dinner cruises on our vessel MV Kep Gardens around Kep Harbour and the surrounding islands and Kampot estuary to generate income. Our bungalows and restaurant will also provide funds as will our chicken farm and farm produce projects.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Although we are confident that our plans for sustainability will be successful, it will take a considerable time to reach our goal.  Whilst a little money goes a long way in Cambodia, our monthly expenses and capital expenditure are significant.  We welcome you to join our project and any donations would be greatly appreciated.  Our monthly newsletters and website will keep you informed of the project’s progress.  The total value of all donations will be used exclusively for the project.

COME AND VISIT KEP GARDENS

 If you are in Kep, Cambodia, you may like to visit us and see first hand what we are doing.  You would be most welcome.  Please call us anytime on +855 (0)15 653 371 or +855 (0)15 741 585.