Education for 300 Urban Poor Children

There are nearly 500 direct beneficiaries in the Sunshine community including 70 families, their children and their neighbours. Our current 3 year goal is to see at least 80% of Sunshine families enabled to meet the basic needs of their children by themselves and have their children developing well according to their age. So in August 2012, we adopted a new a community-based approach and are encouraged to see greater parental responsibiity emerging. How is this happening?

• 20 SC parents learnt a small business course
• 7 people got job training
• 21 people formed a 2nd savings group (the first savings group has 25 members)
• 2 people found new jobs
• Parents Days enjoys an 88% attendance rate
• Half of the families have learnt to set short term goals
• An average of 24 neighbors attended Community Days to learn about parenting skills

This is the story of Phana, a Sunshine mom.  She had no home nor regular income and with an invalid husband, she struggled to support her two daughters' education. "The burden on my shoulders reduced when Sunshine covered my children's schooling and food," says Phana. "Now they can continue their study. I want them to have a good job and a secure future. Now I work as car washer and my monthly salary supports my family." Phana rarely misses any Sunshine activities or events. She is also committee member in each of the savings groups. "I am illiterate and I don't want my children to be like me. My heart won't be blinded; I have the heart to learn and participate in Sunshine's activities and I don't want any compensation for attending. I thank Sunshine staff and donors for their continued support and for working with my family. Right now, I really need this help." Phana's daughters are outstanding students at school, always in the Top 5. Phana laughs, "I can smile happily now!"

Now let's hear from one of our high school students:

"Wake Up!" Vanny is a grade 11 student but wasn't doing well at school and often skipped classes. In fact, he wanted to quit school. However, Sunshine staff constantly encouraged him to persevere and recently, his behaviour began to change. "I won't miss class anymore, I will be on time for school, I will work hard and try to get better grades," Vanny said. "I'll do my homework and study for exams. I don't want to waste time and be a lazybones anymore. I'm grateful to Sunshine staff who have given me advice and motivation." Vanny now hands in his monthly results on time, comes to meetings and asks for help from Sunshine staff with whom he has a good relationship. Vanny hopes he can get a job as a civil servant, "Because I want to serve my people and country."

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