An Ely-based education consultant has raised enough money to support even more vulnerable children in Cambodia.

In February, Peter returned with enough funds to secure education for another 15 children, the sons, and daughters of garbage collectors in Phnom Penh in addition to the 25 whose schooling has been funded by the money raised from his walk along the Camino last year.

Peter Harris completed the Camino with fellow ‘peregrinos’ across Spain from Sarria and Santiago de Compostela on October 14.

He has walked the same path for the last 12 years and the Camino for the previous 20 years in a bid to support his charity, the Centre for Children’s Happiness (CCH) and other charities.

Established to house and educate abused and orphaned children working in hideous conditions, CCH is run by former Dumpster, Mech Sokha.

To date, more than £100,000 has been raised by Peter’s efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable children who would otherwise work sorting rubbish on the dumps of Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh.

He said: “I am incredibly grateful to the people of Ely who have been the backbone of my support for abused and orphaned children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, who we’ve helped.

“Children were earning up to $1.20 a day sorting garbage. One hundred forty-three have now been given a basic education, and seven have now graduated from American universities.

“One even has a PhD in and 64 have completed two-year vocational training courses at Don Bosco in Sihanoukville which will give them skills for life."

Ely Standard: Established to house and educate abused and orphaned children working in hideous conditions, the Centre for Children's Happiness is run by former Dumpster, Mech Sokha.Established to house and educate abused and orphaned children working in hideous conditions, the Centre for Children's Happiness is run by former Dumpster, Mech Sokha. (Image: Peter Harris)

Peter is currently negotiating with an international school in Phnom Penh to provide the Centre for Children’s Happiness, with ongoing pedagogic support and has committed to walk the Camino again this year.

With his supportive partner Liz and friends, he hopes to raise funds for School uniforms, rice and educational materials as well as six more computers and IT training.

Peter added: “Life is about walking your talk, being of service to others, rather than being obsessed with what’s in it for me.”