Help Cambodian college students learn English

Summary

This project provides 24 very disadvantaged, first-generation, sponsored college students with ongoing supplementary English language instruction, critical to obtaining good jobs.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

The Sharing Foundation sponsors 28 students from the rural Cambodian countryside for university study in Phnom Penh. These students come from subsistence farming families; their parents and siblings are mostly illiterate with only a primary-school education. Earning a college degree is an enormous accomplishment. Communicating well in English will give them a huge advantage in a very competitive job market. The cost of supplementary English classes is not included in their sponsorships.

How will this project solve this problem?

In addition to a full college course load, taught in Khmer, these students take English classes, taught by native speakers, five days/week for two hours/day at the Australia Center for Education (ACE) in Phnom Penh.

Potential Long Term Impact

With solid English language skills in addition to a college education, these students will be able to access jobs that will help them lift their families out of poverty, create better lives for themselves, and become leaders in their communities.

Project Message

"I'm most proud of the fact that three years ago, 10 village students sponsored by TSF through high school were [the first from their village to be] accepted by handpicked universities in Phnom Penh."
- Nancy W. Hendrie, M.D., Founder and President of The Sharing Foundation

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources