Since 2012, Hannes has been helping children and families in Cambodia, one of the poorest countries in the world, through the non-profit association Smiling Gecko. In recognition of his exemplary commitment to the people of the slums of Phnom Penh, he was honoured with a Honorary Doctorate in April 2018 by the University of Zurich. Much of his time is now spent on building and shaping sustainable possibilities for those in need.
came to Cambodia years ago, I was upset to witness the realities of the poorest families here. Unable to understand and accept the reasons for such poverty, oft within a short distance from 5 star hotels and booming businesses, I started on a journey which I had never imagined to be so moving for me, a journey into a forgotten world. The disparity between the two worlds I live in has left different impacts on me. One led to the creation of Smiling Gecko, an NGO which you could read more about at smilinggecko.ch.
Hannes Schmid