Phymean Noun of the People Improvement Organization, one of JustWorld International's partners in Cambodia, was featured on the second annual 'CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute' which aired on November 27, 2008, on CNN. Photo Credit - none required

December 5, 2008 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia – JustWorld International is proud to congratulate Phymean Noun on being named a Top 10 Hero by CNN. Noun founded the People Improvement Organization in Cambodia and the majority of its operating budget is funded by JustWorld International. JustWorld International is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged children in the developing world.

In the special episode of ‘CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute’ which aired on November 27, 2008, Noun was recognized for her work with the People Improvement Organization which gives impoverished Cambodian children an opportunity to receive free education and job training. From over 3,700 viewer nominations, the top ten finalists were determined with each finalist receiving $25,000.

Hosted by CNN personality Anderson Cooper, the second annual ‘CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute’ showcased examples of ordinary people who have accomplished extraordinary deeds. Filmed in the Kodak Theatre, best-known as the home of the Academy Awards, the broadcast featured performances by Grammy Award winners Alicia Keys and John Legend. Each of the Top 10 finalists was honored with a documentary tribute and was introduced by a celebrity presenter including Cameron Diaz, Salma Hayek, John Krasinski, Forest Whitaker, Meg Ryan, Terrence Howard, Lucy Liu, Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale and Selena Gomez.

The founder of People Improvement Organization, Noun was recognized in the “Championing Children” category. Since 2004, JustWorld and People Improvement Organization have worked together to ensure that children have access to the education they both need and deserve by building a school. More than half of the operating budget at the school, which offers 240 children living in a municipal garbage dump access to education, as well as managerial support, is provided by JustWorld International.

“We are so proud to be a part of the work that Phymean Noun started,” said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “The People Improvement Organization has gone from a small organization operating with Phymean’s personal financial contributions to a JustWorld partner program that is being recognized on the international stage for its amazing work on behalf of Cambodia’s poorest and most vulnerable children. JustWorld has been able to help multiply the effects of Phymean’s vision through generous partnerships with Horseware Ireland, INSEAD, and Newman’s Own Foundation. We congratulate Phymean, and we look forward to continuing to work with her to ‘champion children’.”

Founded in 2002 by former grand prix show jumping competitor Jessica Newman, JustWorld International raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive education, health and vocational projects. For more information on JustWorld International and its upcoming fundraising events, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.