Credit Suisse Supports Critical Education Needs

SANTA MONICA, CA, June 05, 2013 (Press-News.org) Credit Suisse continues its support of some of Cambodia's most impoverished children by donating $75,000 to fund the operation of three schools in Phnom Penh. The schools, run by Cambodian Children's Fund (CCF), were built in 2012 through a separate $90,000 grant provided by Credit Suisse.

The satellite schools bring education opportunities where options were once limited. Many children in the impoverished Steung Meanchey community have to work part- or full-time to supplement their family's income. Some have full-time family commitments and many simply can't afford to attend school at all. The classrooms were built where these kids live so they have the chance to learn without having to travel. The classes are free and more than 500 students are enrolled, with demand quickly rising.

"The satellite schools provided by Credit Suisse allow us to help hundreds of children who wouldn't otherwise receive an education," said Scott Neeson, founder and executive director of CCF. "We're already seeing tangible results at these schools in just one year, as some children are attending class for the very first time."

Once a child joins the program, CCF works with their families to undertake a more in-depth assessment of their living situation, including the many obstacles they may face. If necessary, immediate assistance is provided to them. A long-term improvement plan is then developed with individual families to help them achieve financial independence.

"At Credit Suisse, we believe that education and training are the most important investments in people, and the key drivers of growth and success. Gaining access to education is a means of lifting many people out of poverty.This is why we support numerous projects around the world that provide schooling for children and young people. We are delighted to partner with Cambodian Children's Fund in meeting this critical need for education through the satellite schools, a cause that is clearly very much aligned to Credit Suisse's philanthropic philosophy," said Patrick Kerrigan, head of Human Resources Asia Pacific and member of the Credit Suisse Asia Pacific Philanthropy Committee.

About Cambodian Children's Fund

Founded in 2004, Cambodian Children's Fund educates nearly 1,800 students from one of the capital city's poorest communities. In addition to providing life-changing education, the non-profit organization aids entire families with its free medical center, nutritional programs and vocational training. CCF works to create the self-sufficiency needed for families to lift themselves out of poverty. More information can be found at http://www.cambodianchildrensfund.org.

About Credit Suisse

Credit Suisse AG is one of the world's leading financial services providers and is part of the Credit Suisse group of companies (referred to here as 'Credit Suisse'). Credit Suisse provides specialist advisory services, comprehensive solutions and innovative products to companies, institutional clients and high net worth private clients worldwide, and also to retail clients in Switzerland. Credit Suisse is headquartered in Zurich and operates in over 50 countries worldwide. More information about Credit Suisse can be found at http://www.credit-suisse.com.