Our first meal in Siem Reap was in the nearby village of Mondul 3 at the Planeterra-supported New Hope Restaurant project. 

The focus of this New Hope Cambodia Project is 'free education for all'. This is in recognition of the vital role education plays in helping break the cycle of poverty. New Hope's activities and programs address the daily issues facing families in crisis situations and to find ways to work toward a better future. 

In 2007 Soth Kemsour, an ex-Buddhist monk and son of a village chief, purchased land in Mondul 3 after it had been sold off by the army. He soon realised that there was a desperate need for food, education and health care. He sold every viable asset to build a small grass hut to serve as his classroom and eventually founded the New Hope Cambodia organization. 

Mondul 3 is located in one of the of the poorest slum areas in Siem Reap province. Once a military base, the village is now home to some 300 families made up of army personnel, karaoke/sex workers and displaced men, women and children. The people of Mondul 3 have no formal education, English language or vocational skills. Living conditions are appalling, work opportunities limited and food scarce. Children often rely on elderly relatives and siblings for care, or are left to fend for themselves. In order to survive many girls fall victim to the sex trade and often have children themselves at a young age. Without help these girls have no future.