Exploring Happiness in Bak Dov, Cambodia

Empowering Beyond Boundaries and Limitations (EBBL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to uplift students in six impoverished communities and schools globally: Bak Dov, Cambodia; Tilak Nagar, India; Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota;  Old Tappan and Denville school districts in New Jersey; and schools in Turkey. Founded in 2017 by current high school student Eesha Bhatia, EBBL takes a three-pronged approach towards alleviating generational poverty by tackling infrastructure and resource gaps as well as addressing systemic issues through our financial literacy program, Smart Cents. Bak Dov in Cambodia is a community EBBL has been working with since its inception six years ago. From hosting three teacher training programs to building hand-washing stations during the onset of COVID-19, EBBL has transformed Bak Dov Primary’s environment and curriculum. EBBL members, including founder Eesha Bhatia, even took a recent trip to speak with the administrators, teachers, and students to set up a plan moving forward. Recently, we asked the students to photograph: “What Makes You Happy?” They didn’t have their own phones but through borrowing their teachers’ they were able to capture some wonderful moments, giving us a small glimpse into their lives.