Since Dec. 2013, this program has continued to provide a job track for teens and young adults. Our youthful workers have included a music teacher,art tea dance teachers, college students ,apprentice " practice" dancers and high school students. Young people work greeting guests, teaching ,doing administrative or maintenance work and filling in as a practice dancer in classes. This work provides essential income to help students to support themselves while attending college and build skills
Young people often rely upon uncertain short term jobs,some of which may be dangerous such as unregulated low level factory or construction jobs. Many may work 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 and 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 offer free housing if needed and pay a modest salary for working at the school. We require our students to study English and improve computer skills to enhance future employment prospect
In the US we often hear a student is the " first" in his family to attend college.For our students,there are many "firsts": first to achieve literacy, to attend school, have a paid job....They are making the giant leap from rural peasant life to educated student,preparing to enter society as a young professionals. We see our young workers learning teamwork,mentoring and other skills. They will be better prepared for adult life personally and professionally and the added income helps a lot.
