Education for 300 Urban Poor Children

A family stops to use violence after they attended the children and mother club.

“Last time, my mother beat me when I did not go to school or when I was lazy to help her to do housework. She scolded me and beat me whenever she got mad at me. However, she stopped beating me and scolding me now. She uses sweet words and always encourages me to study hard.” Sereyvat said.

Sereyvat is 13 years old and he studies in grade 7 at Arunvatey secondary school. He lives in Tropeang Agnchagn village 6. His family was selected into SCO’s program since 2017. His mother, Sokuntheary, is a widow and affected by HIV. His mother is 50 years old and she is a seller. She sells bread patte meat in the village. His father died in 2022 affected by HIV and alcohol drinking.

It is also noteworthy that Sokuntheary had a bad temper and used to beat her children when she got angry with them. She beat her son and scolded him with her loud voice. It was an unacceptable action toward her children. It was also a bad example for them. However, through club, she learned lessons regarding violence and parenting skills. Since then, her attitude has changed toward her children concerning the use of violence and way of her communication and fellowship in her family.

This change (of his mother) leads them to have a warm relationship. “I rejoiced when I joined the club where I have many friends. Now when I have a problem, I dare to tell my mom and talk to her. She always encourages and helps me to solve it. For myself, I see a lot of changing. I have more patience. I used to fight with other children at school. Now I do not have quarrels and fight with them in school. My teachers encouraged and motivated me to come to school regularly. When I had an issue with other students, the school principal advised me not to quarrel with other students. He also encouraged me to study hard. I should think of (pity) my mother, who tries to earn money for my study and future.” He added.

“Now, Sereyvat is a good boy. His attitude has changed. He used sweet words and helps me to do housework. He is not lazy. He listens to me and has not quarrel with his classmates. Last time he talked to me not to beat him or not to use violent in family. He even told me that if I still beat him or scold him, he will complain to organization about this. I am so thankful that the organization (SCO) helps my family and my children to study. SCO supports tuition fees for English class, stationaries, toothpaste, toothbrush, uniforms, bicycle, and water filter. She also provided food subsidies and emergency support to our family whenever we were in need,” His mother expressed.

“Previously, Sereyvat liked to fight and argue with other children. Furthermore, he accused other children and told his mother that students were troublemakers, not him. Then her mother came to school and shouted out loud. She had a bad temper and mood toward us. However, over these past three years, I have noticed that Sereyvat is much better. He no longer argues and fights with other children. He listens to teachers and other people. Besides, I noted that his mother had changed her attitude as well. Nowadays, she always comes to school and asks permission for her son with her smile and uses polite words with us when he does not come to class,” said his teacher.