Support students at the Sisophon Education Centre in Cambodia
Funds raised so far: 27%
What is the project about?
The aim of the Children of the Mekong’s Centre in Sisophon is to educate students so that they can become men and women who are capable of helping their country by actively contributing to its development, and so that everyone can find their place in Cambodian society, according to their desires, abilities and the vocational training available.
What is the purpose of the centre?
Local teams guide and place mentees in qualifying training programmes with a view to helping them enter the job market. In addition to their university studies, it is essential for Children of the Mekong to provide personal development training so that mentees become well-rounded and competent professionals.
What is Children of the Mekong’s response?
We offer a comprehensive education, ensuring the development of academic and linguistic knowledge as well as the intellectual, emotional and moral development of students, in a healthy and safe environment.
Academic training
- Knowledge development: Languages: English, Thai, Chinese, French. Openness to the world and interculturalism. Awareness of professional life. Development of job search skills. Development of know-how (agriculture, gardening, etc.).
- Training time: Training A+B=3 on financial management. Karol and Setha’s programme on emotions and relationships.
Holistic training
- A healthy and safe living and working environment: enabling them to succeed in their studies.
- Developing talents: sports (volleyball, football, etc.), gardening, library, traditional Khmer dance, drawing, etc.
- Emotional development: Training on relationships with oneself, others (friendships, couples) and group relationships (family, community).
Why is the centre necessary?
The school system in Cambodia is somewhat biased. Teachers often provide basic education based on repetition rather than reflection. Although the quality of teaching and education in state schools is not always up to standard, it is improving!
How does the centre help children and what impact can you have?
The Sisophon centre welcomes more than 140 children into its homes to provide them with access to quality education. The centre goes beyond material resources by building strong human bonds, thereby helping to shape informed and responsible citizens. In addition to academic instruction, the Sisophon centre offers extracurricular programmes such as artistic, sporting and cultural activities. These activities aim to stimulate the children’s overall development, strengthening their social, creative and physical skills. By supporting the Sisophon centre, you are offering a bright future to more than 1,500 poor children in Cambodia.
How is education changing in Cambodia?
Alternative university courses are developing, particularly in the provinces, and vocational training courses are multiplying. Partly organised by the government, they are becoming increasingly attractive and opening up increasingly rich and varied prospects.
Who will benefit?
The aim is to promote student autonomy and independence. The project is being implemented directly in two student residences at the Centre and one student residence outside the Centre.
SEREYNATH
A FIRST YEAR LITERATURE STUDENT AT SISOPHON
My name is Sereynath, I am 20 years old, I live in Cambodia and I have been sponsored for 10 years now. I moved to the Children of the Mekong Centre in Sisophon six years ago. I was born in a village about 50 km from here, to which I return three times a year and I call my family once a week. Thanks to the sponsorship, I have been able to get a full education, and I am starting my first year of study in Chinese literature. Without it, I would have worked with my family in the fields or at home, and would not have had time to study.
In 3 years, I will graduate with a degree in Chinese literature and wish to become a Chinese teacher. I originally wanted to teach Physics, but that was not possible because this year the government graduated my entire class because of the pandemic. However, access to studies to become a physics teacher in Cambodia depends on the grade of the Baccalaureate, so no one has been able to embark on this path this year. I’ve been interested in Chinese for some time, so I decided to go for it. I would be happy to come back and live with my family when I start working. On the other hand, I would also like to work for Children of the Mekong, by giving Chinese lessons for example.
In addition to a solid academic background, I have learned a lot from people here. I learned to live together with a diverse group of people, and have learned to adapt to a new environment. I also had to change some of my habits. I like living here because the atmosphere is cheerful and I have made many friends. The environment is nice, there are many trees, it is very green and well maintained. There is no waste on the ground. When I arrived, I immediately felt welcomed. We did not know each other, so we smiled and asked each other questions. I was helped to find a bed, and my new life began!
TESTIMONY FROM PHANNA, IN HER THIRD YEAR OF STUDIES AT THE CENTRE
I have been living in the centre of Sisophon since I was 13. I arrived in 2017, when I was in Year 8 (equivalent to Year 10). My father passed away when I was only 6 years old. It was very difficult for my mother. We were already living in extreme poverty. I have two younger sisters: one is in Year 11 (Year 12) and the other is in Year 2 (Year 3). The youngest lives in our home village with our elderly grandmother.
My mother and stepfather work in Thailand as labourers. So you can understand how happy I am to live at the Sisophon centre! Children of the Mekong has become my second family. It’s a home where I can study in good conditions and, above all, make wonderful friends. In my free time, I like to go to Khmer dance classes. I also enjoy badminton. I’m not a fan of football, but I do like volleyball!
I am currently in my second year of public administration at MNU, the University of
Sisophon. I really enjoy my studies, they are very interesting. I still live in the Centre’s hall of residence. I live with 10 other students, it’s great fun! My career goal is to work in administration in Phnom Penh. I would love to experience life in a big city.
My dream is to earn enough money through my work to help my family and support my sisters in their studies. On a personal level, I dream of skiing in the Swiss mountains! One day, perhaps?
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