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.