The Starfish Project Building

Website: https://www.starfishproject.org/

Based in Sihanoukville, the Starfish Project supports impoverished locals in dire need of funding and training, and has provided direct assistance to thousands of at-risk people who fall outside the reach of larger aid organisations. Its projects are deliberately narrow in scope, with fixed and achievable goals. The name comes from the parable of the monk who, walking a shore strewn with countless stranded starfish, throws one back into the sea; asked why he bothers when he cannot possibly save them all, he replies, “It makes a difference to that one.”

Visitors can support the work at the Starfish Bakery and Café, where sales of cookies and fresh-baked breads cover all of the project’s administrative costs, while a massage parlour and various products for sale fund housing, medical care and business development. There is no formal volunteer programme, but the project is grass-roots enough to put willing helpers to work when their skills happen to fit.

The Starfish Project is based in Sihanoukville (Kampong Som) on Cambodia’s coast. You can reach Sihanoukville by intercity bus from Phnom Penh (about 4-5 hours) or by a short domestic flight into Sihanoukville Airport; from the town center a tuk‑tuk or short taxi ride will take you to the Starfish Project’s shop/office and nearby beaches.

• Check opening hours and book craft or training workshops in advance - The Starfish Project runs scheduled training sessions and the shop can close for classes.
• Visit in the afternoon when staff and trainees are more likely to be available to talk about the social-enterprise programs and the provenance of products.
• If you want a deeper experience, contact them ahead about volunteering or attending a sewing/cooking class; purchases from the shop directly support the project's training work.