The Cambodia-Israel Chamber of Commerce (CICC) successfully hosted a gala night supporting Tiny Toones, a Phnom Penh-based school providing free education, mentorship, and a creative expression platform to at-risk children. This private, invitation-only, gala event, held at full capacity, brought together VIPs, influencers and government officials committed to ensuring the school’s future.
An official support
MoEYS’s H.E. Dr. Som Ratana, high representative of H.E. Professor Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Youth, and Sports, addressed the distinguished crowd and expressed the government’s support for Tiny Toones. The initiative led by the CICC to sustain it. H.E. Som Ratan emphasized the importance of art as a means of expression and the unwavering support of the government for any project that puts forth investment in human capital and technology development.
The gala event was held with the distinguished presence of H.E. Orna Sagiv, the Ambassador of the state of Israel to the kingdom of Cambodia, and Israel’s newly appointed Honorary Consul, Neak Oknha Suo Vireak who both expressed their commitment to support the development of qualified human Capital in our kingdom among others through the CICC’s free coding and robotics program for underprivileged children launched in collaboration with Oknha Pech Bolene’s Westline schools.
“I Am Great” Art Competition Live Auction
A key highlight of the evening was the charity auction, which served as the final stage of the “I Am Great” art competition, a unique initiative celebrating creativity and collaboration between Cambodian at-risk youth from 5 partnering NGOs (Tiny Toones, ISF Cambodia, Ptea Clara, Aokas, and COLT) and professional artists. The competition showcased a collection of art that tells the story of this improbable encounter, with the final auction selling 18 out of 22 pieces, raising nearly USD 9,000, as part of the common efforts to support and sustain Tiny Toones.
The winners of the “I Am Great” competition were announced during the gala:
- Grand Prize Winner: Van Vart, with his masterpiece “Life of Nature”
- First Runner-Up: MonyNearth Ponn, with her Sculpture ”I am Great”
- Young Talent Prize Winner: Chrieya Chhin, with her oil painting “Charlotte the Artist”
These talented kids and artists contributed to a powerful message of resilience and creativity, reinforcing the importance of education and self-expression for young people.
The “We Are Tiny Toones” Fundraising Campaign
The Gala Night marked the official launch of the “We Are Tiny Toones” fundraising campaign, which aims to raise a total of USD 50,000 to help reform and sustain Tiny Toones. The funds will allow us to reform the school’s administrative structure, improve its physical infrastructure, and implement a sustainable model that will allow the school longevity.
The Campaign will last 4 months and will include social network activities, as well as physical and public surprise events, engaging the community to help save one of the most iconic schools of Phnom Penh and the only one that provides such a wide platform for artistic expression for your children.
“Saving Tiny Toones is not a one man’s job, it is also not our responsibility as the CICC. It is the responsibility of all Cambodian people. We must come together as a community to support the extraordinary work done by the school’s management team, supporting kids in need and providing them with a support system for growth and success. These children were neglected by our society, and it is therefore our common responsibility to make sure they have a fair chance for a good future” concludes Moran Hadad, President of the CICC and a serial social entrepreneur.
Tiny Toones: A School at Risk
Founded in 2005, Tiny Toones has served over 10,000 children, caring for and offering free education and mentorship with a focus on tolerance and self-expression through art, dance, and music. Currently, the school supports around 150 students daily, but financial challenges have placed its future at risk, making this campaign crucial for its survival.
“With about 80% of its kids being reinserted into the national schooling system, Tiny Toones plays an essential role in the lives of many children, offering not just education but also a safe space and support system,” said Leap Pheakna, project lead at Born for Greatness “This campaign is about securing the school’s future and ensuring that these children continue to have opportunities for learning and personal growth. The alternative unfortunately is for these kids to go back to the streets, which is something we are not willing to accept”
A Heartfelt Thank You
The success of this event and the launch of the “We Are Tiny Toones” campaign would not have been possible without the generosity and support of our guests, VIPs, Influencers, and government officials who answered the call and mobilized and took a very important stand, showing they care about every Cambodian child, and are willing to support this important initiative generously.
We also extend our deepest gratitude to the artists who contributed their time and work, and, most importantly, the children of Tiny Toones, whose strength, talent, and aspirations give true meaning to this initiative. This campaign is about them, their futures, and the opportunities they deserve.
Last but not least, a big thank you to our partners and sponsors. Sra’Art Gallery, CashewNotes Cambodia, AZ-Group, Vireak Buntham (VET), Three Corner Coffee, Samai Rum Distellery, Céliers d’Asie, Kado Khcambo, Station 350, Hanuman Beer, Bodia Spa, and Seekers Spirits,Simple Cambodia whoplayed a crucial role in making this evening a reality.
How to Support
The campaign will continue beyond the gala, with opportunities for individuals and organizations to contribute in any way. Donations can be made directly through the campaign’s official donation platforms, or via the following link (https://link.payway.com.kh/ABAPAYlQ337973X).
Any other type of support is also welcome, subscribe to the project’s social media platforms, like, share, and help spread the word and grow the Tiny Toones support community. Together, let’s make a tangible difference and make the Tiny Toones kids smile again.
About Tiny Toones
Tiny Toones Cambodia provides a safe, nurturing, and creative environment for at-risk children in Phnom Penh, providing them with free schooling and encouraging them to explore their potential and develop crucial basic skills that will enable them to better their livelihood and become a catalyst for the improvement of the social and economical conditions of their families and communities. Tiny Toones follows the national education curriculum and offers additional music and dance classes encouraging creativity and self-confidence among its students.
About the Cambodia-Israel Chamber of Commerce (CICC)
The Cambodia – Israel Chamber of Commerce (CICC) is committed to promoting economic and social growth in Cambodia through the development of impact-oriented initiatives aiming at resolving commonly encountered obstacles, with a particular focus on technology development and agriculture. By advocating for education, creativity, and community engagement, the CICC aims to drive innovation and further strengthen local skills to create lasting positive impacts.
