The Larson Financial Foundation supports those who create lasting change and drive community growth. Recently, we had the privilege of answering the call for help from three dedicated partners in Cambodia: Pastor Kein, Pastor Pooy, and an orphanage run by Director Dara. Their tireless efforts in providing food and care for the vulnerable populations they serve inspire us. Here are their recent updates from the field.

Pastor Kein’s Vision for Sustainability

Pastor Kein has long been a pillar of support for widows and those in need. He lives and serves near a river, which often floods. And while some people look at floods solely as a curse, Pastor Kein considers it a blessing. Receding flood waters leave behind rich soil, creating an excellent opportunity for farming. However, planting watermelon, corn, and cucumbers by hand is arduous and time-consuming. Pastor Kein identified a used Vietnamese walk-behind tractor with a plow and cart for about half the price of a brand-new one. This plow will increase efficiency and save him untold hours of hard labor, and he expects it to last many years.

Additionally, Pastor Kein has a productive fishpond, however the demand for food far exceeded its capacity. He requested funds to expand and dig a second pond, doubling his fish production capacity. Ensuring nothing went to waste, soil from the newly dug pond was used to level out the field. They also created a raised pathway for walking to and from the pond during flood season.

Pastor Pooy’s Innovative Approach

Pastor Pooy is a beacon of hope in his community. We want to highlight his innovative methods, as he has essentially created and perfected an aquaponics farming system. The fish eat the plants grown in the system, and their byproduct becomes fertilizer for the plants, creating a self-sustaining cycle. However, to increase fish production, a supplemental food source was needed. Pastor Pooy’s solution was to raise crickets and black flies, starting with four cricket beds. Each bed is expected to yield 25 kg of crickets per month. This creates approximately 220 lbs. of protein-rich feed every month.

The first four boxes of crickets have successfully hatched and matured. The adult crickets are now laying eggs to populate the second set of four boxes. This innovative approach ensures a continuous and sustainable food source for their fish, chickens, and ducks. Once the cricket system is fully operational, the second fish tank set will be constructed. After this, Pastor Pooy’s aquaponics farm will be more than adequate to meet the community’s needs. His project not only addresses food security but also embodies resourcefulness and resilience.

Together, we are not just providing food; we are fostering resilience, sustainability, and hope for a brighter future.

An Orphanage’s Commitment to Nutrition

The local orphanage aims to improve the children’s diets by adding aquaponics to their large existing pond. Inspired by Pastor Pooy, Director Dara was driven to replicate his success with soldier flies and crickets. Because some of the boys have welding skills, they could construct the cricket boxes at a reduced cost. They already owned an incubator, boosting their chicken breeding, so they were poised to make substantial progress with additional funding.

A Testament to Strategic Philanthropy

In April 2024, the Larson Financial Foundation sent funds to Cambodia to support these remarkable initiatives. We donated funds to help increase their food supplies, directly benefiting the widows, children, and community members. These men are faithful leaders and exemplars of strategic resource management. They help ensure every dollar spent yields exponential returns in production.

Among the many projects we support, these three stand out for their strategic use of capital and the impact they achieve. Pastor Kein, Pastor Pooy, and Director Dara’s efforts collectively showcase how targeted investments can drive substantial community growth. Their work provides much-needed resources to those in need.

Looking Ahead

As we continue our mission to empower all to flourish, stories like these reaffirm our commitment to philanthropy. These stories are a testament to the profound difference which thoughtful support can make. Together, we are not just providing food; we are fostering resilience, sustainability, and hope for a brighter future.

Join us in our journey to create lasting change. Your support enables us to empower more communities to flourish, one project at a time. The Larson Financial Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3). Donate today to help us effect meaningful change around the world.