Behind the Impact: Boramey Hun

Behind the Impact.

Creating real change for the children, families and communities ChildFund Australia supports doesn’t happen alone. It takes a team working across borders, timezones and challenges. Our Behind the Impact series gives you a closer look at what drives our team. Here Boramey Hun, ChildFund Cambodia Country Director, shares the women, lessons and moments that have shaped who she is, and the children who inspire her work.

A purpose shaped early

Since I was in high school, I always wanted to do something where I could give back to my community. I believed the non-profit sector would allow me to support communities in need and contribute to positive change.

Now, as Country Director of ChildFund Cambodia, I am able to put that belief into practice by working alongside our teams, partners and communities to create better opportunities for children.

Why opportunity matters

When I think about why I do this work, I always come back to children. Children I meet through ChildFund projects come from different backgrounds and face different challenges. Some do not have access to basic services like education, healthcare and safe environments. Others face barriers because of their gender, disability or circumstances.

How can a child reach their potential if they are not given the same opportunities as others?

We work alongside some of the most marginalised and excluded children, including those living in remote areas. Their challenges can be significant, but what stays with me most is their strength, determination and the dreams they carry.

One moment I often think about is meeting a boy with hearing impairment who told me he wanted to become an agricultural expert so he could help his parents improve their farming and livelihoods. That conversation reminded me that disability does not limit a child’s potential – lack of opportunity does.

This is why disability inclusion is such an important part of our work in Cambodia. Every child should have the opportunity to learn, participate and shape their own future.

Creating space for every child

In our work, we focus on understanding what children and communities need and how we can support them. We help girls access education, work with communities to help keep children safe and support children with disabilities so they can communicate, build confidence and be part of their communities.

We are intentional about addressing the barriers that prevent children from being included and able to participate. This includes strengthening child protection, promoting gender equality and creating more inclusive learning environments.

Leading alongside communities

One of the most important things I have learned is that communities know their own realities best. Local organisations and community members understand their priorities, the challenges they face and what approaches can make a difference.

Our role is to listen, work alongside communities and support them with the skills and resources they need. We will not be there permanently. It is communities who will continue the work, lead future action and create change for their children and generations to come. A big part of my role is listening, understanding what people need and removing barriers so they can succeed. The best organisations are built when people are trusted, valued and connected to a shared purpose.

A team united by a shared commitment

I am surrounded by an incredible team who are hardworking and deeply committed to the mission of the organisation. I cannot do this work alone. We are connected by a shared commitment to creating change for children and communities, with clarity around our roles, open communication and mutual respect.

Good teamwork is not about everyone thinking the same way – it is about valuing different perspectives, learning from each other and supporting one another. It also means accountability. I do my part well, and I trust others to do their part well too.

Seeing impact firsthand

Some of the most powerful moments come when children share how much our programs mean to them. I remember a child with hearing impairment telling me that ChildFund’s support helped them learn how to write and communicate with others through writing.

I have also heard from local organisations we work with about how our collaboration has helped them feel valued and empowered. These moments show me that meaningful change is not just about what we provide – it is about working alongside children, communities and partners to build confidence, skills and opportunities for the future.

The advice she still carries

As a young girl, my mother would often tell me: “Don’t let gender determine your future. When you work hard, you can achieve anything like others. Don’t let social norms keep you low.”

Her words have stayed with me throughout my life and continue to shape how I think about creating opportunities for girls and women.

What keeps her grounded

I am an introvert, but I am energised by meaningful conversations with grounded and purpose-driven people. They remind me that even the smallest act of kindness or service can create lasting change.

When I’m not working, I enjoy travelling with my family, but I also find a lot of satisfaction in staying at home. Simply organising my kitchen – even though I don’t really cook – helps me recharge. There is something calming about knowing everything is clean, tidy and in its place.

That sense of calm carries into my work. My day usually starts with reviewing my to-do list, emails and messages. There are always decisions to be made around programs, staffing, policies, priorities and resources. The hardest part of my role is balancing immediate priorities with long-term impact. Every day, we make decisions about where limited resources can have the greatest impact – responding to today's challenges while building stronger futures for children and communities.

I also have small rituals that help me reset throughout the day. I like to snack. It gives me a moment to pause before moving into the next conversation, decision or challenge.

A song she returns to

When things get hard, I often come back to When You Believe by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. This song reminds me that there can be miracles when you believe. Though hope is fragile, it’s hard to kill.

Creating change together

I believe the strongest change happens when we listen, work together and trust the communities who know their own realities best.

Every day, I see the dedication of our teams, partners and communities who are creating change in their own way. I’m also deeply grateful for our donors, whose support helps make this work possible and gives more children the chance to learn, participate and shape their own futures.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.