By Narath Keo | Program Coordinator
Project Update: Support 2000 Students in Cambodia
October 2024 - January 2025
The This Life in Schools (TLIS) programme continues to make remarkable progress in expanding access to education in Siem Reap Province. Through our community-driven approach, we are addressing critical challenges that prevent children from completing their education, particularly in rural areas where only 40% of students reach Grade 9.
Key Achievements
Youth Development and Education
A total of 77 participants (including 26 young women, one with disabilities) engaged in 20 personal development sessions covering critical topics such as relationships, emotional management, legal awareness, child rights, substance abuse prevention, coping skills, financial literacy, job seeking, and labour rights. These sessions aimed to empower students for responsible adulthood by enhancing their life skills and promoting mental well-being.
In addition to group sessions, 34 instances of one-on-one support were provided to participants facing challenges during their skill-learning experiences. The training encompassed essential life skills, with a strong emphasis on female participation, and included topics such as goal setting, stress management, and career guidance. This equips participants with valuable tools for both personal and professional growth.
To address dropout rates and improve attendance, programme staff implemented counselling support and conducted regular home visits. These collective efforts reflect a dedicated commitment to empowering individuals through education and support while fostering community resilience and entrepreneurship.
A particularly significant achievement has been our support of the Basic Education Equivalency Programme (BEEP), where 41 out of 42 enrolled students (including five young women, with no identified disabilities) successfully passed their examinations. This initiative enables learners to complete their lower secondary education through free online courses without disrupting their full-time skill-learning commitments. With technical support from the programme team, students who complete BEEP receive a certificate equivalent to Grade 9, accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) and the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT). This certification allows them to enrol in skills training at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes under MLVT or continue at General and Technical High Schools under MoEYS.
Testimony from a BEEP Graduate:
"I am thrilled to say that I will receive two certificates at once—my skill certification and the BEEP certificate. This accomplishment means a great deal to me and will enable me to continue my education at a government skills institution, helping me reach higher levels of vocational training. Thanks to This Life, I have been given a tremendous opportunity—not just for myself, but for others who have missed out on formal education."
Addressing Project Challenges
Tackling School Dropout Rates
Our multi-faceted approach has made significant strides in addressing accessibility issues. We have:
Providing bicycles and educational materials has had a tangible impact, improving school attendance and easing financial burdens on families. Students now arrive at school on time more consistently, and participation in vocational training courses has increased.
Community Engagement
The TLIS team’s active participation in the Siem Reap Education Support Team (SEST) has fostered valuable partnerships with nearly 40 NGOs. This collaboration has enhanced resource allocation efficiency and improved teacher training initiatives, creating a more robust educational support network.
Our involvement in the Provincial Education Support Working Group has strengthened local partnerships and improved community capacity for managing school improvement projects. This collaborative approach ensures sustainable, community-led solutions for long-term educational development.
Looking Forward
Our commitment to supporting 2,000 students in Cambodia remains strong as we continue to:
Your continued support enables us to break down educational barriers and create lasting change in Cambodia’s education system. Every contribution, whether $10 for a school uniform or $300 for a school garden, directly impacts a student’s ability to access quality education.
By Narath Keo | Project Leader/Program Coordinator
By Alan Morgan | Strategic Partnerships Mentor
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