Bring Well Being & Education to Children Globally

Can you believe it? PIO has its first university graduate!

We are so excited and proud to share with you that Veasna, a former PIO student and current teacher at PIO, has completed his program. A former PIO student and teacher at PIO, Veasna was the first first graduate from PIO to attend university and now is PIO's first student to have graduated university- a amazing milestones for both Veasna and and PIO. 

When Veasna was a child, his mother passed away, his father moved to Thailand, and he was sent to live with his aunt. They both moved to Phnom Penh in search of a better future and worked as scavengers in the streets of the city. They never had enough food or money and slept on the street. However, Veasna had always wanted to student and found the English language faschinating. He used to listen to the English lessons while hiding outside of the classroom at a school in his hometown and his aunt felt very sad that she could not afford to send him to school. However, when she found out about PIO, she immediately sent him to school. He was 10 years old at the time and started in Kindergarten. He has come a long ways since then, studying Finance and Banking at Western University, and wants to start his own export business with goods 'Made in Cambodia by Cambodians' to let the world know about the beauties of his country and skills of the people of Cambodia. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your donations are making a difference today AND tomorrow. Not only was Veasna able to attend school at PIO at no cost to his family, but he is fulfilling his dreams and inspiring others. 

This year, there are 873 students at PIO and we are helping to support 650 of them- providing classroom instruction and nutritious meals for students so they can have the opportunity to follow their dreams too.

Like Veasna, many children do not start PIO at the grade level corresponding to their age. In fact, at least 20% of students at PIO currently are at least one year older than the expected age for their level of study. This is a result of enrolling children who are of school age, but not attending school- some have never attended school while others attended briefly and then left because of family circumstances. Without the support of PIO, many of these children would never be able to complete their education.

Currently, 81% of students are passing the Khmer curriculum; 80% are passing their English tests; and the PIO high school students have a pass rate of 97%. With PIO's new high school being established, students in PIO's elementary school can feel confident and supported as they progress through their academic careers. They are on their way to achieving success and thanks to your support, the future is brighter than ever.