Education for 300 Urban Poor Children

Project Summary

Sunshine Cambodia Organization’s project has supported girls and boys in five poor urban communities in Phnom Penh by accessing them for education in both public and private schools so that they will be equipped well for their better future job options and will become main actors for improving their family living condition. Through SCO’s project, girls and boys have the opportunity to build their self-confidence and exercise their rights fully. Moreover, they were prevented and protected from abuse, violence, trafficking, and exploitation through the participation of the legal and moral duty bearers such as teachers, local authorities, including the community committee of women and children (CCWC) as well as their parents.

It is a great outcome to see the participation of the legal duty bearers with SCO’s project activities as the project had engaged them in various activities to enhance their abilities and roles to serve their community and its people. Besides, the project also endeavours to increase the responsibilities of parents toward their living conditions, health, and their children’s studies. It is noteworthy to see, through home visits and the interview with them, some family businesses are running well, while many SCO’s parents spend their quality time with their children to follow up and check their studies mostly.

SCO’s support brings smile and a great opportunity for Chorvy’s education.

Chorvy is 19 years old. She is a student from Thnout Chrum village, a poor community in Phnom Penh. Her father is a Tuk-Tuk driver, and her mother is a seller who sells sesame balls and Cambodian donuts in her village by walk. Last time, due to her parents’ busy-work, they did not have much time to take care of her and her sister, Mardey. They had no time to follow up on their studies. Moreover, they often have some quarrels. These made Chorvy and her sister, Mardey, felt unhappy and worried. The dispute and relationship of her parents affect her character, her study as well as her feeling. “I was a quiet and coward girl. I was also not a good student. I am unhappy and very worry when I saw my parents had some quarrels with each other very often,” she said.

After her family was selected in 2015, Chorvy and her sister, Mardy, have received school uniforms, stationery, and school fees for both English and Khmer supplemental classes. At the same time, her parents attended parents’ clubs conducted by SC’s staff. Through clubs, they learned useful lessons such as child’s rights, child’s protection, domestic violence, parenting skills, and the plan for the future. “My husband reduces drinking alcohol and works very hard to support our family. Previously, we used to have lots of quarrels. However, in the meantime, we rarely quarrel with each other. Our family relationship is much better than before. We also have time for taking care of our children and for following up their studies,” Chorvy’s mother said.

While SC supports their family, they had a family saving plan. Then, they bought a Tuk-Tuk, which has brought them a better daily income. Since then, Mr. Kheng and his wife have worked very hard for supporting their family and children. They also have a better family relationship and have time for their children. Chorvy and Mardey are happy now. This is because their parents have more time with them and follow up on their studies. “I am very happy that my family has a better living condition now. Now I enjoy my life and my study. My parents work hard for our family, and they also spend time with us. They do not quarrel as much as before,” Chorvy said.

Chorvy always attends the youth's club with other students regularly. Her study is much better than before. Through clubs, she meets and plays with other friends; and she has a good relationship with them. She has many friends and becomes a courageous girl now. She does not only attend the club as a participant but also as a facilitator. She facilitated the lesson to her youth group. “I am very happy that SC supports my family and study. Nowadays, I studies management in my second year at a university.  I would like to express my sincere gratitude to donors who support me and my family,” she said.