Free To Shine

Free To Shine is an Australian-founded charity working with rural Cambodian communities to advance girls’ safety, education and leadership, and prevent trafficking and exploitation. Their vision is educated girls, free from sex trafficking, shaping and leading their communities and country.

Girls in rural Cambodia have the right to safety, education and meaningful choices. Poverty, debt, food insecurity, violence, family separation, unsafe migration, gender inequality, disability and limited service access can restrict these rights. When crises interrupt school participation and access to trusted adults, protective support can fall away quickly and exploitation risks can escalate.

Free To Shine works before harm occurs. Their Cambodia-based team works alongside girls, families, public schools, local authorities and community partners to identify concerns early, strengthen protective relationships and support access to education, safety and services.

Donations will fund critical individualised case management, home and school visits, safety assessments and planning, counselling, crisis support, mentoring and referrals to government and local services. They will also support collaboration with families, teachers and local authorities so concerns are recognised and addressed early.

In 2024–25, Free To Shine conducted 1,197 safety visits and delivered 736 social work interventions. Among supported Grade 12 students, 97% passed the national examination.

Timely funding means a trained social worker can be present before a concern becomes a crisis—and before a crisis limits a girl’s safety, education or choices.

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