Singing Tree Café has been supporting community initiatives since we opened in late 2005.

In our previous location we operated a free Community Center. Over the years, we have held there functions and raised funds for a number of NGOs, including the Global Child and the Cambodian Children’s Painting Project, Angkor Center of Conservation and Biodiversity and Osmose; Kilt (Disabled Dance Troupe) and at Orphans and Disabled Arts Association, and many more. We have organized Theatre shows and Shadow Puppet performances; Zen lectures and Yoga retreats. In 2008 and 2009, we organized and facilitated intensive Permaculture trainings in Siem Reap and other places in the countryside.

Now we are still focused on providing information and contacts for travelers who wish to connect and help the local community. TWO PROJECTS WE RECOMMEND AND SUPPORT:

ConCERT – Connecting Communities, Environment & Responsible Tourism – This downtown Siem Reap (see our map) information hub provides visitors with a one-stop overview of genuine and life-changing NGOs around Siem Reap: “Our aim is to reduce poverty, and we do this by bringing together Siem Reap organizations, charities and non profits active in the community, and visitors who would like to give their support.”

Link – http://www.concertcambodia.org

Link – http://www.thetrailblazerfoundation.org

Cambodian Children’s Painting Project – Based in Sihanoukville, this grass roots project aims to give underprivileged children who beg on the beaches with an alternative: “Our objective is to provide these vulnerable children with the opportunity to develop their imagination and skills through artistic expression, and providing them a safe place to play, learn and dream. Through education we strive to provide them an opportunity of a future. At the heart of our work is the belief that education and knowledge is the antidote to poverty and exploitation.”

Link – http://letuscreatecambodia.org/Welcome.html