About Kamboo Project
Further INFORMATION is available here.
Mission Statement
We combine donations and voluntary work with a dedicated team in Cambodia to enable children to learn in a safe environment. We draw on our in-depth understanding of local needs and build effective partnerships with teachers, parents and local communities to achieve a lasting impact.
Who we are
We were founded in September 2014 as a Swiss non-profit association. Since then, we have been carrying out projects in Siem Reap Province, Cambodia, focusing exclusively on rural districts. In addition to this clear geographical focus, we limit our activities to three core areas where we can have the greatest impact: drinking water and sanitation, sustainable construction and renovation, and education. Kamboo Project is guided by the principle of ‘helping people to help themselves’ – through our projects, we help local people to improve their own living conditions in the medium to long term.
Our development has taken place in several phases. Initially, through smaller projects, we learnt just how much can be achieved on the ground with limited resources when local expertise is specifically integrated and supported. In January 2017, the association’s board was significantly strengthened with experienced, volunteer members. Through our teamwork and improved fundraising, we have seized the opportunity to significantly expand and professionalise our organisation on the ground in Cambodia.
Since 2026, we have been part of the Danish non-governmental organisation BAMBOOS, a former project partner of Kamboo Project. Since then, BAMBOOS has been managing day-to-day operations on the ground in Cambodia and overseeing implementation, whilst Kamboo Project continues to raise funds and organise volunteer work in Switzerland. This contribution forms part of BAMBOOS’s international initiative and enables us to expand our activities on the ground in line with our vision and mission.
Legal form: Association / Tax status: tax-deductible / State-licensed NGO in Cambodia
Executive Board in Switzerland
Thomas Gilbert (President)
(*1971, Swiss & German), teacher and trained scientist. Head of our Finance Committee and Co-Head of our Projects & Programmes Committee. Quote:"Material aid is one gratifying aspect. The magic of giving back the smile to an elderly lady or a student an even greater good. There is nothing quite like my time spent with Kamboo Project in Cambodia."
Kim Thurnherr (Vice President/IT manager)
(*1992, Swiss), Chief Technology Officer, Head of IT and Member of Kamboo Project’s Finance Committee and Co-Head of our Marketing, Communication & Media committee. Founder of KDT-Solutions. Quote: "With drive and efficiency you can achive a lot which gives you a a great feeling."
Stephan Lienin (Executive Board)
(*1970, Swiss), Ph.D, education in natural science at ETH Zurich, co-founder of Sustainserv (2001), a consulting company in Zurich and Boston focused on sustainability. 20 years of experience in sustainability strategy, implementation, and communication. Co-heads our Marketing, Communication & Media committee and is a member of our Projects & Programmes committee.
Stefanie Steiner (Executive Board )
(*1974, German & Swiss), qualified business economist with a focus on human resources, with 25 years of professional experience in various HR roles, in vocational training since 2014. In 2019, Steffi worked as a coach for the Geberit social project in Cambodia for two weeks. Quote: "I immediately fell in love with this fascinating country with its rich culture and history and the friendly, open-minded people. Helping to make their everyday lives a little easier fills me with great joy."
Stefan Pfister (Executive Board )
(*1968, Swiss), pastor of the Evangelical Methodist Church Langenthal (since August 2023), regularly travelled to Cambodia for 10 years on behalf of the church. Actively involved in the project management of Kamboo-Project.
Team Cambodia
