Education for 300 Urban Poor Children

Chamroeurn is 18 years old; he studies in grade 12 this year, 2022. He has a sister and three brothers. His family lives in Tropeang Anchanh I village. His mother, 55, is a housewife; his father is a scavenger, while at the same time, he also buys scraps and sells them to the scrap store. “My family is poor in the village. My parents collect (pick up) scraps everywhere in the village and on the streetside for daily food. I went to school to study and helped my parents collect scraps, as my sister works in a factory. Sometimes, my father and I looked for scraps in the rubbish bins; we picked up recycle stuff that can sell. When I was a young boy, I remembered, I sat in a cart; I sat on the pile of collected stuff or scraps in the cart, I mean. That time maybe I thought this was happy and fun, but now I learned that it was dangerous. Sometimes our neighbour asked my father to help them through their garbage away and they gave us some money, 5000 or 10000 Riels, maybe.” Chamrouen said.

Chamroeurn did not have a good time studying; he had to help his father by collecting recycled stuff for selling. For this reason, his study was not well; he failed some subjects. “I was not a good student. My study result was not well. I was a weak student in my class. I had no opportunity to study in supplemental classes because my parents could not afford this, while my brothers stopped studying and went to work to support the family. I did not understand my lessons, and I was lazy to study. I failed in some subjects then.” He said. In this sense, he needs to attend the supplemental classes as other friends in his school. Unfortunately, he had no chance for this as his family is poor; his parents cannot afford his extra classes. However, his study gets better when SCO’s staff encourages him from time to time. “Since I was selected and got support from SCO, I was encouraged to study and go to study regularly. SCO has supported school fees for my sister and me in supplemental classes. We had the opportunity to attend the extra classes; I studied those subjects I did not understand with the support of SCO. As a result, I passed my high school national exam. I am glad about my study’s result. Moreover, I have learned many good lessons from the youth’s club such as child rights, the plan for the future, social communication, etc.” He expressed with his smile.

Chamroeurn is also a boy who has a notable change regarding personal hygiene. He is clean and always wears a nice and clean dress. “Concerning hygiene, previously, my hands and body got dirty most of the time as I picked up the recycled things from the rubbish bin. I never learn this topic. For daily practice regarding health and hygiene in my family, I think we are all careless on this matter as my family has to collect recycled stuff from the street side or piles of scrap. However, my family is much better now regarding hygiene, while we learned through clubs conducted by SCO’s staff. We usually wash our hands before eating. I usually brush my teeth at least 2 to 3 times and shower three times. We all brush our teeth daily. I would like to express my gratitude to SCO for providing me with the toothbrush, toothpaste, study materials, school uniforms, and food subsidy, which have helped to reduce some of my family’s expenses. We all use them daily and properly. My parents buy more toothpaste when we run out of it. Additionally, my family had saved some money to repay to the bank and buy daily necessities at home.” He added.

Chamroeurn always involves in youth activities, and helps the youth’s club. He has a very good relationship with other children in the club. He is happy now with his school result. “I am delighted now that I passed my examination. I finished high school successfully. I want to study in a university and have a good job when I finish my studies. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to teachers (he refers to SCO's staff) and donors that support me and my family. Without this support, I cannot do it,” Chamrouen expressed.

Amara is an eight years old girl who studies in grade 2 at a primary school. Unlike the other children in the village, she lacked warmth from her family and faced many difficulties in life. She has been living with her grandparents in Samaky Community since her father abandoned her and her mother. Amara's mother does not have time to take care of her. She works and lives in Kampong Som Province; her work is uncertain, and her income is low. She seldom comes to visit Amara. Her grandmother is the person who makes income, while her grandfather usually gets sick.

Amara was selected in July 2021 for the project of Sunshine Cambodia Organization. Through the support of SCO, her grandparents are very happy because this helps them to reduce their daily expenses and their burden.

Amara never learned English because her grandparents could not afford it. Now she enjoys studying and can join the children's club, where she always has fun with other children. Interestingly, she is more courageous than before; in the children's club, she always raises her hand to answer questions, even though she is young and does not know much about the lessons or the answers. “My grandchild, Amara, has changed a lot since she was accepted to the project of SCO. She goes to school regularly, especially in English class. I have noted that my grandchild is more courageous. She is clean and wears nice cloth. She is a talkative girl with a nice smiling face. She likes speaking with her friends; when she speaks, she always has her sweet smile.” Her grandma said

Through the observation of SCO’s staff in children’s club, previously, Amara did not have good hygiene; she smelled bad and usually tied her hair in a messy inappropriate, but now she is clean and has good hygiene, especially when she comes to the club. She ties her hair properly and her clothes have a good smell. She looks very different than the first time she attended the club, where children have time to build their self-confidence, and courage, exercise and enjoy child rights, improve their health and hygiene, and they also can enjoy learning music, singing songs, drawing, playing and having fun activities with their friends. She is a girl who always has a nice smile when she comes to the club.“I know a lot about hygiene now because in the children’s club my teacher (she refers to SCO’s staff) taught me about health and hygiene. I am very excited because I have more friends and can plan a lot in the children’s club. I feel very warm now, and the teachers love me. I like attending the children’s club because I can play with my friends and have time to draw the picture. I have a dream; I want to be a doctor.” Amara said.

She would like to give thanks to SCO for helping her and providing food for her family. “When the teacher (she refers to SCO’s staff) gave the food subsidy to my family, my grandparents were very happy because we did not have enough money. Since the pandemic of COVID-19, my grandmother faced a very hard time earning income; I feel not warm. My mother does not live with me. She works in Kampong Som Province and does not visit me for long. I miss her. I am very happy that I received a food subsidy, school materials, and other gifts from SCO. My grandparents are very happy too. I would like the expresss my gratitude to the organization (SCO) that helps me when I am in need. Also, I thank SCO’s staff that always encourages me, plays with me and teacher me in the club. They make me warm and feel happy.” Amara said.