DYP Cambodia Story
The DYP Cambodia story began with lived experience, friendship, research, and a shared belief that people with visual impairments deserve access to education, skills, independence, and opportunity.
Founded
14 January 2021
How It Began
2013 – 2017
Scholarship to University
Vanndy received a scholarship to study Business and Administration Management at Angkor University in Siem Reap and completed his Bachelor’s degree in 2017.
A clear need
Support After Graduation
His experience showed that students with visual impairments needed more than school completion. They needed independence skills, training, guidance, and pathways to a meaningful future.
The foundation of DYP began before the organization existed. It started with real experience, real barriers, and a clear understanding of what young people with visual impairments need after school.
The DYP Cambodia story began with the personal journey of Mr. Sang Vanndy, who became blind at the age of seven after an accident in 1998.
Between 1998 and 2013, Vanndy studied at the special school and dormitories of Krousar Thmey, where children with visual impairments from different provinces were supported with education and daily living needs. Through this support, Vanndy completed his high school diploma in 2013.
After leaving Krousar Thmey, Vanndy faced a difficult transition. The organization supported students until high school graduation, but there was limited structured support for young adults with visual impairments to continue education, find employment, live independently, or build a stable income.
To survive, Vanndy used his strong English skills to reconnect with foreign supporters he had met through Krousar Thmey. Together, they raised funds to support not only him, but also others with visual impairments living in similar situations.
A Friendship That Became a Mission
Co-Founder Story
In 2013, Vanndy met Mr. Keuk Sengthai while they were both studying Business Administration at Angkor University. What began as a friendship between classmates grew into a strong partnership built on trust, empathy, and shared purpose.
For four years, Sengthai supported Vanndy throughout university life. He helped read lessons from the whiteboard, assisted during exams, supported daily mobility, and helped ensure Vanndy could fully participate in his studies.
Their connection extended beyond the classroom. Together, they joined charity activities and helped collect donations for Angkor Hospital for Children. These experiences gave Sengthai a deeper understanding of the barriers faced by people with visual impairments.
University Friendship
Vanndy and Sengthai first met as Business Administration students in 2013.
Daily Support
Sengthai supported Vanndy with lessons, exams, mobility, and university life.
Shared Service
Together, they joined charity activities and helped collect donations for children’s healthcare.
Shared Vision
Their experience became a foundation for creating opportunities for people with visual impairments.
Our Journey
DYP was built step by step through personal experience, community service, research, partnership, and a deep commitment to people with visual impairments in Cambodia.
At the heart of our story
Our journey began with lived experience, friendship, and a clear understanding that young people with visual impairments need more than education alone. DYP was created to provide independence skills, vocational training, practical support, and new opportunities for the future.
A Life-Changing Accident
At the age of seven, Sang Vanndy became blind after an accident. At that time, access to services and education for people with visual impairments in Cambodia was still very limited.
Krousar Thmey School and High School Graduation
Vanndy studied at Krousar Thmey’s special school and dormitories, together with other children with visual impairments from surrounding provinces. With this support, he completed his high school diploma in 2013.
University and Community Service
After leaving Krousar Thmey, Vanndy faced many challenges as a young adult with visual impairment. During this period, he received a scholarship to study Business and Administration Management at Angkor University and graduated in 2017.
At university, Vanndy met Sengthai. Together, they started the Angkor University Students for Charity group, raising funds to support poor families in rural communities and helping collect donations for Angkor Hospital for Children.
Sparking the Idea for a Learning Center
Vanndy and Sengthai met a representative of the iHerb Charitable Foundation who was working with Krousar Thmey. They discussed the urgent needs of students with visual impairments after high school graduation and began exploring the possibility of creating a dedicated Learning Center.
Research on Living Conditions of People with Visual Impairments
Under the umbrella of the Cambodian Children’s Advocacy Foundation Organization, Vanndy and Sengthai conducted research on the living conditions of people with visual impairments in Siem Reap province.
A detailed questionnaire and database were created to understand their medical conditions, living situations, educational background, abilities, interests, and future goals. The research showed that a dedicated Learning Center was both highly feasible and deeply needed.
Founding of DYP as an NGO
Discover Your Possibilities was officially founded by the iHerb Charitable Foundation and registered as a local NGO with the Ministry of Interior in Cambodia under Prakas #114.
DYP’s primary focus was to support people with visual impairments through basic education, vocational training, independence skills, and practical pathways to a better future.
Preparing and Launching the DYP Learning Center
To ensure high-quality education, Mr. Sang Vanndy visited six schools for people with visual impairments in Thailand and Australia to learn from their established programs.
A former hotel in Siem Reap was rented from April 2022 to March 2025 and transformed into the DYP Learning Center, with offices, student accommodation, classrooms, and outdoor spaces for training and daily activities.
Pilot Cohort and Teacher Training
DYP launched its pilot project with the first 12 students. To build a strong foundation, DYP brought international experts to train its teachers in Independent Living Skills, Orientation and Mobility, and curriculum planning for students with visual impairments.
Today, DYP continues to grow by using the experience from the pilot cohort to strengthen its team, improve its programs, and expand opportunities for people with visual impairments in Cambodia.
DYP Learning Center
The DYP Learning Center was created to respond to the needs identified through research and lived experience.
A former hotel in Siem Reap was transformed into a safe and accessible learning environment where students with visual impairments can study, live, practice daily skills, and prepare for greater independence.
- Offices for DYP staff and program coordination
- Student accommodation and dormitories
- Classrooms for small-group teaching
- Outdoor areas for orientation and mobility training
- Dining and activity spaces that support daily living practice
Teaching students with visual impairments requires more than standard classroom instruction. It requires trained staff, accessible learning methods, patience, and strong personal support.
DYP continues to strengthen its team through training, exchange programs, international collaboration, and direct experience with students. The organization believes that with the right support, people with visual impairments can build confidence, independence, and meaningful futures.
What This Story Means Today
DYP’s work continues through education, independence training, research, and practical support for people with visual impairments and their families.
Education
Supporting learners with visual impairments to build knowledge, confidence, and life direction.
Independence
Helping learners develop daily living skills, mobility, communication, and self-confidence.
Opportunity
Creating practical pathways through vocational training, support, and community connection.
From Our Story to Your Part in It
Our story continues through education, training, research, and practical support. By supporting DYP, you help create opportunities for people with visual impairments to learn, grow, and live with greater independence.