This project,started Dec. 2013 has grown and provides a job track for 9 teens/young adults, Our youthful workers include a dance program graduate,new college graduate,5 college students from rural Prey Veng,two apprentice " practice" dancers and a high school student. These young people are eager to work in administrative or maintenance work , or by filling in as a practice dancer in classes.This work provides needed income to help students to support themselves while attending college.
Jobs for young people are scarce and offer low pay whether for accomplished students and dancers or academic candidates. Young people often rely upon uncertain short term jobs,some of which may be dangerous such as unregulated low level factory or construction jobs or as bar boys and girls, which in Cambodia is often a route to prostitution and which can interfere with their studies.
We offer year round employment to these young people and create an opportunity for them to continue their studies and improve their team skills. Our college students come from extremely poor families who can't afford to pay for food and board. We provide free housing and pay a modest salary for working at the camp/school. We require our teachers to study English and improve computer skills to enhance their future employment prospects.
In the US we often hear a student is the " first" in his family to attend college.For our 5 college students,there are many "firsts": achieve literacy, attend school, have a paid job, attend college. They are making the giant leap from rural peasant life to educated student,preparing to enter society as a young professional upon graduation. We see our young workers learning teamwork,mentoring and other skills. They will be better prepared for adult life personally and professionally.
