By Ariel Mario Tudela | Partnerships and Development Manager
This quarter, PEPY’s three programs collectively served thousands of young people in Siem Reap Province, delivering measurable outcomes in academic retention, career readiness, and life skills development. The results below reflect the direct impact of donor support on real young people navigating real challenges.
Dream Management Program
Reach: 2,210 students enrolled across 12 partner high schools. 88% average class attendance rate. 164 curriculum topics delivered across Grades 10–12.
Key outcome — keeping students in school: 326 students who were at risk of dropping out received individual support from Dream teachers. 256 of them (78%) returned to regular attendance. In a context where rice-planting season and economic pressure pull students away from school, this is a significant result.
Career exposure: 552 Grade 12 students attended the Annual Study Tour to visit universities and vocational training institutions. 614 students attended the Skills Fair, engaging directly with 38 companies and higher education institutions. Four scholarship connections were facilitated for graduating students.
Student voice: "After joining the Dream Class for nearly three years, I have become more responsible, confident, mature, and committed to achieving my goals." — Taing E, Grade 12, Sna Techo 317 High School
SHE Scholarship Program
Retention: 29 of 30 current scholarship students completed their first university term on schedule. The program maintains close contact with each student through bi-monthly meetings, counseling sessions, and ongoing individual follow-up.
Key outcome — new cohort selected: The 2026–2027 scholarship selection process screened 280 applications, interviewed 170 candidates, and conducted home visits with 115 finalists before selecting 20 new scholarship recipients. The process prioritizes students who demonstrate determination in spite of genuine hardship, not only academic achievement.
Community impact: The Annual Parent Meeting (169 participants) gave families direct insight into their children’s progress and reinforced the broader network of support around each student. Alumni returned to share their experiences, including Sambath — a 2021 PEPY scholarship graduate who completed a Finance and Banking degree and now volunteers with the organization.
Scholar voice: "Higher education has changed my life by giving me knowledge, confidence, and hope for a better future. I would like to sincerely thank all donors and supporters who made this possible." — Noy, SHE Scholarship student
Learning Center Program
Graduate employment: 100% of the 2024–2025 Learning Center graduates are employed. 48 are in full-time jobs, 2 as paid volunteers, and 9 in part-time roles while seeking better opportunities. This is the program’s most direct measure of impact.
Current cohort outcomes: 60 students completed the quarter with an average curriculum progress score of 71 (up from 44 at the start of the period) and a 98–99% attendance rate across all three classes. A CV and interview training pre-to-post test showed improvement from 34 to 71, indicating strong skill acquisition.
Key outcome — employer feedback: An employer visit to Phum Khmer Lodge, where four PEPY alumni are employed, found all four rated as highly responsible, reliable, and fast learners. Management reported that PEPY alumni "have become the backbone of our daily hospitality service." Identified areas for development (English fluency, confidence, digital skills) are being incorporated into the next Job Refresher training.
Next cohort ready: 60 students have been selected for 2026–2027 from 151 applications across 13 schools — a strong pipeline that reflects growing awareness of the program in the region.
Student voice: "Education is very important to me because I believe it is the only thing that can make my future better." — Nam Narong, Promotion 14, currently studying IT at Build Bright University
Conclusion
In this report we get to follow a young person who stayed in school, got a job, prepared a CV, spoke in front of an audience for the first time, or simply had a conversation with someone who took the time to listen. PEPY’s programs work because they are consistent, personal, and designed around what young people in Siem Reap actually need to reach their fullest potential.
The support of GlobalGiving makes this possible. Thank you.
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