“The Dare to Dream workshops have been nothing short of life-changing for our kids at Sunrise Cambodia. I’ve watched children who were once shy and uncertain, emotionally damaged and lacking in confidence and self-worth, transform into confident young leaders with big dreams and even bigger hearts. These workshops don’t just teach business — they teach belief. They show our children that they can dream big, that they do have potential, and that their future is in their own hands.

The Dare to Dream team, run by Liz and Jesse Volpe, have been working with our young people since 2015. Over the years, they’ve run workshops for hundreds of our kids — giving them practical skills to prepare for the future. Many have gone on to university, and some have even launched their own businesses. That ripple effect is powerful. It’s proof that when you invest in young people, they rise.

What sets this program apart is the energy, the love, and the genuine care the team brings. It’s not about textbooks or theory — it’s about real-world learning, confidence building, and empowering our kids to step up and take charge of their own destiny. From running their own businesses to presenting their ideas with pride, the growth we’ve seen is extraordinary.

On top of everything, the Dare to Dream team have also raised over $600,000 to support our work at Sunrise. Their commitment goes far beyond the workshops — they are part of our family. As someone who’s spent decades fighting for opportunities for these children, I can say with all my heart — this program is a game-changer. And I know the kids will carry what they’ve learned for the rest of their lives.”

The relationship with Dare to Dream is one of a kind. It is not only all that they have done for the Sunrise kids, but the fact that many of these graduates are now living independent financial lives, working in the society and bringing up their families, but that there are very real and meaningful contact between many of the 100 Dare to Dream attendees. These relationships will last lifetimes.

If there were more Dare to Dream people in the world it would certainly be a better place for children and I believe that Sunrise has been blessed to have these people in our lives.”

— Geraldine Cox, AM

Sunrise Cambodia, Founder and Fundraising Ambassador