This project, started Dec. 2013 continues to provide a job track for teens and young adults. Our youthful workers include a music teacher, dance teachers, college students ,apprentice " practice" dancers and high school students. Young people work greeting guests, teaching, or doing administrative and maintenance work , or by filling in as a practice dancer in classes. This work provides also essential income to help students to support themselves while attending college and build skil
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. Our program keeps students in school an teaches work skills that helps with upward mobility toward a middle class life.
We offer year round safe employment to these young people and create an opportunity for them to continue their studies and improve their team skills. All of our staff come from low income backgrounds and our college students come from extremely poor families who can't afford to pay 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 college students,there are many "firsts": first to achieve literacy, to 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.
