BSDA: Empowering change in Kampong Cham
Buddhism for Social Development Action (BSDA) is a Cambodian NGO founded in 2005 by seven monks in Kampong Cham. Their mission spans education, community development and support for vulnerable children and youths facing social marginalisation. BSDA works to create long-term, meaningful change through skills training, safe environments and opportunities for independence.
One of BSDA’s core initiatives is the SMILE Institute, where young beneficiaries can continue their education and learn essential livelihood skills. The Institute also operates the well-known Smile Restaurant on the Kampong Cham riverside, providing real hospitality training for local youths while serving as a popular meeting point for travellers and residents.
Hanchey Bamboo Resort is one of the BSDA’s flagship social-enterprise - as a training centre, we provide hands-on experience in hospitality, tourism support, kitchen work and maintenance for young people from BSDA programmes. We also host training days, workshops and team-building for SMILE and BSDA staff, strengthening both skills and community connection.
BSDA’s Work in Kampong Cham
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![A bowl of spicy Thai yellow curry with vegetables and chicken, surrounded by fresh fruits and herbs on a bamboo mat.]()
Smile Restaurant
Located along the Kampong Cham riverside, Smile Restaurant offers professional hospitality training in a real working environment. Young trainees learn service, kitchen basics, customer care and teamwork while the restaurant supports BSDA’s community programmes.
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![Three young people and a woman are gathered around a coffee roaster inside a bamboo structure, watching and operating the equipment.]()
SMILE Institute
SMILE provides education support, life-skills training and vocational pathways for vulnerable youth. Students can continue their studies, build confidence and prepare for apprenticeships in hospitality, administration, mechanics and other fields. It is the heart of BSDA’s youth development work.
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![Young woman in traditional Khmer costume standing barefoot on grass in front of ancient stone ruins of Wat Nokor Bachey during sunset, performing a traditional dance gesture.]()
Apsara Dance & Cultural Projects
BSDA preserves and shares classical Khmer arts through its cultural programmes. Children learn Apsara and other traditional dance forms, gaining confidence while keeping Cambodia’s heritage alive. Performances also provide small income opportunities and community pride.
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Mekong Kampuchea Kids (MKK)
MKK supports orphaned and vulnerable children with education, scholarships and daily care. The programme includes vocational skills training such as weaving, hospitality basics, arts, Apsara dance and practical life-skills. MKK also runs livelihood initiatives like vegetable gardens, chicken-raising and fish ponds to help families build sustainable income.
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Livelihood & Community Development
Beyond youth programmes, BSDA supports families through women’s groups, community health awareness, small enterprise training and local democracy initiatives. These projects strengthen rural households, build resilience and create safer environments for young people to grow.
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Social Enterprise Initiatives
BSDA operates several social enterprises—such as Smile Restaurant and Hanchey Bamboo Resort—to create long-term employment pathways and fund its education and community programmes. These enterprises allow trainees to gain real experience while directly supporting BSDA’s financial sustainability.
Visit the flagship Smile Restaurant in Kampong Cham
When you’re in Kampong Cham town, we warmly encourage you to stop by Smile Restaurant, BSDA’s long-running social-enterprise eatery along the riverside. The restaurant doubles as a training hub where young people from the SMILE Institute learn real hospitality skills while serving Khmer and Western dishes to locals, expats and travellers. It’s a welcoming space, full of energy, laughter, and the spirit of community growth.
Dining there directly supports BSDA’s programmes, helping trainees build confidence, earn income and take their first steps into the world of professional hospitality. For visitors, it’s also a chance to enjoy good food, meet the youth behind the project, and experience the heart of Kampong Cham’s social-enterprise culture. A delicious meal with real impact — highly recommended before or after your journey to Hanchey.
