Go Where Your Money Goes™

“The world is full of miserable places. One way of living comfortably is not to think about them or, when you do, to send money.” - Dr. Paul Farmer, Mountains Beyond Mountains

At PEPY, we believe that “giving” isn’t only about writing a check. Nor does it need to be a week of laying bricks. We believe that giving both time and money is essential to understanding a cause, allowing people to change from donors into investors and from volunteers into partners.

Many people support projects they will never visit, but PEPY Tours provides an alternative—an opportunity to not only help fund a cause you believe in, but also to witness first-hand its initiatives, to meet those who are managing them, and to interact with the people who benefit from them.

PEPY Tours requires both a trip fee and a fundraising/donation minimum. This funding is crucial to the programs we support, but “Go where your money goesTM” offers an additional benefit as well. PEPY Tours gives travelers the chance to participate in long-term, sustainable social development programs. As a result, participants see the effect of their funding and often become ambassadors for the programs.

Many discredit the human side of the interactions brought about by rural tourism, deeming them insignificant compared to the potential harm of exploitation by western influences. We at PEPY, on the other hand, believe that through relationship building and participatory community decision making, these facilitated interactions can further sustainable development goals.

In addition, tour participants are often inspired to change their lives. Following a PEPY Tour, past participants have changed careers, enrolled in graduate programs relating to the PEPY mission, moved to Cambodia to be a part of our team, and led PEPY activities around the world. A trip with PEPY Tours is not only a one-of-a-kind journey, but also a chance to realize the difference you can make in the world.

Funding and tour participants have made these things possible (and more!):

  • Construction of The PEPY Ride School in Chanleas Dai village and The PEPY Friends School in rural Stung Treng province.
  • Implementation of English and Computer programs and organic farm and environmental training, and the installation of solar paneling, clean water and toilet facilities, and internet connection at The PEPY Ride School.
  • Development and implementation of The Road to Literacy Program in Chanleas Dai, including a full library and trained librarian.
  • Opening of The PEPY Friends School in Stung Treng province.
  • Launch of PEPY's Bike to School Program in Chanleas Dai and Stung Treng, increasing access to education by providing bicycles to 190 rural 6th and 7th graders.
  • Creation of 8 environmental clubs at primary schools in Kralanh district.
  • National recruitment partner for the Asian University for Women, recruiting and selecting outstanding Cambodian women for competitive BA/MA scholarships.
  • The construction and maintenance of a Child Care and Educational Center as part of Heritage Watch's sustainable tourism and community development initiative in Koh Ker.
  • Construction of 4 rainwater collection units for rural schools without access to clean water through partner RDIC
  • Construction of 3 buildings for orphans at the Sangkeum Center for Children

If you are interested in joining a PEPY trip and want to know where your money will go, please read our guide to rural Siem Reap Province to learn how PEPY hopes to evoke change through education.