Supporting Young People in Their Personal Development in Cambodia

On-going project
Cambodia

Funds raised so far: 0%

The Karol & Setha project supports young Cambodians, helping them grow up in a healthy way, build self-confidence, and develop harmonious relationships. Through participatory workshops focused on emotions, identity, and relationships, the project helps break the cycle of violence and shape the caring adults of tomorrow.

What is the situation, and why is support needed?

Cambodia still carries the deep wounds of its history. The scars of the Khmer Rouge genocide continue to fuel domestic violence and destructive relationship patterns that pass from one generation to the next. In a context where taboos around emotions, sexuality, and violence remain very much present, many young people grow up with no guidance or support to help them build healthy, balanced relationships.

Today, young people make up nearly a third of Cambodia’s population. Yet many face emotional, physical, or sexual violence, as well as new risks linked to the digital world and exposure to unsuitable content. Without the right tools to understand their emotions, build self-confidence, and learn to communicate, many go on to repeat behaviours marked by anger, violence, or addiction.

What are Karol and Setha?

Since 2004, the Karol & Setha project has supported young Cambodians, helping them grow up in a healthy way, build confidence, and develop harmonious relationships. Through workshops tailored to each age and situation, young people are invited to reflect on their identity, their emotions, their relationships, sexuality, parenthood, and even their use of screens.

The project draws on an Experiential Action Method (EAM), which places young people at the heart of their own journey. Through life stories, group discussion, and participatory activities, each person is encouraged to express what they are going through, to understand themselves better, and to discover their own inner resources. The aim is to help young people heal certain wounds, regain confidence in themselves, and become agents of the common good within their families and their communities.

What makes this project so effective?

A unique experiential method: through life stories, group discussion, and role-play, young people discover their own inner resources and develop lasting changes in their behaviour.
Person-centred support: the workshops help young people learn to express their emotions, understand themselves better, and build calmer, more respectful relationships.
An approach accessible to all: the tools used, such as drawings and spoken stories, allow young people with little or no schooling to take part fully in the sessions.
An impact on families: by helping young people grow up healthily today, the project helps break the cycle of violence and shape the caring adults of tomorrow.

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Who will benefit from this project?

Each year the project supports nearly 2,500 children, students, and young adults across the regions where Children of the Mekong works. The workshops are tailored to the age and needs of the participants, to offer support as close as possible to the realities each of them lives.

The youngest explore subjects linked to adolescent life and the prevention of abuse. Teenagers work on respect, non-violent communication, and managing their emotions. Young adults reflect on building their personality and on their life choices. The project also supports couples and parents around positive parenting and lasting, balanced relationships.

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Supporting Young People in Their Personal Development in Cambodia — 2,500 children, students, and young adults are supported each year

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