Observations on the Achievements of the Sombath Somphone Memorial Fund
In 2024, the Sombath Memorial Fund received 101 applications from Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Lao, Vietnam, and China. Through a rigorous selection process, the SMF Committee finally selected 15 awardees. The results of the work of these 15 awardees have been impressive.
These 15 young individuals and organizations have used the small grants they received to improve education and support community empowerment in their local schools and communities. Though the grants are small, they have had a large impact mostly due to the dedication and commitment of these individuals and groups who believe that they can, through their creative efforts, resolve the many challenges they face, whether in their schools or communities and lift the lives of the people up. The awardees’ work has truly continued the legacy and lifework of Sombath Somphone, who has always believed that sustainable change and development must come from within and through the work of people from their own areas. I hope the readers of the Report will be as touched as I am on how committed individuals and local organizations can through their own efforts and with small support transform their own lives and their own communities in a meaningful and dignified manner one step at a time.
Ng Shui Meng,
Founder of the Sombath Somphone Memorial Fund
5 February 2025
To view or download the Sombath Somphone Memorial Fund 2024 Annual Report [PDF] please click the button below
