Adventure with a Purpose: Bringing Hope to Pra Oap Village

At the beginning of 2026, we travel on an extraordinary journey through the heart of Cambodia. Leading a group of four adventurous couples from Nienborg, Germany. We set out in our vintage Jeeps to explore the country’s most remote corners. This wasn’t your average tourist route. Our guests were true adventurers, allowing us to trade the paved highways for narrow dirt tracks and nearly impassable forest paths.

The Guardians of the Forest

Our destination was a hidden gem where Ben and Sharyn live with their daughters. For years, this dedicated family has lived off the grid, protecting a vast area of forest from illegal logging and poaching. Their commitment to conservation is inspiring, but their impact goes even further.

About 10 kilometers from their home lies Pra Oap, a small, isolated village. Here, Ben and Sharyn built a small school for the local community—a lifeline for families living in the “middle of nowhere.”

4wd in the forest of Preah Vihear

Vintage jeep Betreed

A Warm Welcome from the Nienborg Group

We couldn’t visit Pra Oap empty-handed. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our German group—Klaus, Rita, Guido, Elke, Maria, Volker, Otger, and Ute—we arrived with Jeeps packed to the brim with essential school supplies.

The excitement was palpable as we distributed packages filled with pens, pencils, notebooks, and reading books. In a place so disconnected from modern infrastructure, these simple tools are treasures. The teachers and students were deeply moved by the gesture. It was a powerful reminder that while the road to get there is difficult, the destination is more than worth it.

Remote school in Preah Vihear

Donation to Pra Oap school

Sports, Smiles, and Corn on the Cob

The spirit of giving continued a few weeks later when we returned to Pra Oap during a study trip with Anton and Yvonne from the Netherlands. Yvonne runs her own travel agency under the Travel Counsellors banner, and Anton had raised significant donations for a good cause.

This time, besides schoolsupplies, the focus was also on play and nutrition. We delivered footballs, badminton sets, and other sports equipment to encourage physical activity and fun. To make the day even more special, every child received a delicious ear of fresh corn. Seeing the joy on their faces as they enjoyed their treat and played with the new gear was a highlight of the trip.

Pra Oap school in Preah Vihear

Students at Pra Oap school

Resilience in the Jungle

During our visit, we spoke at length with the teachers about the daily struggles of running a school in such a remote location. Despite the lack of resources and the isolation, their enthusiasm was infectious.

What struck us most was the incredible discipline of the students. It was a scene of pure respect: children standing neatly in line, no shouting, hands raised politely, and singing the national anthem with pride before walking quietly to their classrooms. It is clear that education is seen as a precious gift here.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all the donors who made these contributions possible. Your support means the world to this community. Reaching Pra Oap is no small feat—it requires the rugged capability of our vintage Jeeps  and 4wd Car and a fair bit of determination—but seeing the impact of your kindness makes every bumpy kilometer worth it.

Thank you to the Nienborg Group and to Anton and Yvonne for proving that travel can be a force for good. Together, we are helping to write a brighter future for the children of Pra Oap.