Piotr Oller, a veteran of the UN peacekeeping mission, has forever etched his name in the history of Polish humanitarian efforts on the international stage. His service during the UNTAC operation (United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia) from 1992-1993 was not only a challenge for the young soldier but also the beginning of a deep bond with Cambodia that continues to this day. Nominated for the prestigious Stars Night Awards 2024, Oller is not only a veteran but also a social hero whose actions for children in Cambodia inspire people around the world.

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The Beginnings of the Cambodia Mission
In 1992, Piotr Oller, a young soldier from Poland, found himself in the heart of Cambodia's chaos, which persisted after years of civil war and the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge. The UNTAC mission aimed to help stabilize the region, conduct free elections, and ensure the local population's safety. As Oller recalls, his first steps in this devastated country were a shock— a nation ravaged by years of conflict, lacking basic goods, and with extreme living conditions being the daily reality. He not only saw death but—as he said—"he felt it."

One of the mission's most important tasks was protecting civilians and organizing elections meant to give Cambodia a fresh start. Although the mission was intended to be peaceful, the reality quickly turned it into a fight for survival. Polish soldiers frequently faced life-threatening situations.
Piotr does not hide that one of the hardest aspects of the mission was the separation from his family. In those days, communication was far more limited than today—without the internet and mobile phones, contact with loved ones was practically impossible. The young soldier left Poland, leaving behind a wife and a young daughter. The emotions related to longing are one of the key themes in Piotr Oller's book My Cambodia, which is filled with both dramatic and humorous moments from his mission.

After returning to Poland from the mission, Oller struggled to find peace for a long time. Like many soldiers returning from difficult missions, he grappled with trauma and tried to find meaning in normal life, but Cambodia never left his thoughts. As he says, that place will always remain in his heart.
Together with a group of former Polish soldiers, Oller decided to engage in helping the poorest children by founding a school in the Takeo province. Today, thanks to their efforts, more than 350 children from 19 villages have the opportunity for education, giving them hope for a better tomorrow.

The school he helped build is not only a way for him to give back to Cambodia but also a personal tribute to those who suffered during the war. All profits from the sale of his book My Cambodia are donated to support this charitable initiative. As Oller emphasizes, education is the key to a better future, and his goal is to provide children with basic knowledge and the opportunity to learn English, which opens up entirely new perspectives for them.

Piotr Oller has been nominated in the Stars Night Awards 2024 in the "Star of Inspiration" category. His nomination is a recognition of his work both during and after the mission. Moreover, Oller also won the "Audience Star" award, thanks to the support of viewers who appreciated his courage, dedication, and charitable involvement. His story inspires not only Poles but also people around the world who see him as an example of a true hero.
Piotr Oller has no intention of resting on his laurels. His plans for the future are ambitious—continuing to support the school in Takeo and developing other charitable initiatives that can help those most in need. His dream is to provide even better conditions for children growing up in Cambodia, as well as educational support that will open new opportunities for them.

As he says, his experiences from the mission taught him that the most important thing in life is to help others and give hope to those who need it. These are the values he would like to pass on to younger generations considering military service or humanitarian work.

Piotr Oller is an extraordinary figure—a man who not only brought peace to one of the most dangerous regions of the world but also dedicated his life to helping others. His work in Cambodia, both during the UN mission and afterwards, is proof that the fate of many people can be changed through determination and a great heart.

Editor Maria Anna Furman