Many of the schools in the Cambodia villages have football teams but often sports are offered for boys and not the girls.  PeopleStories strongly believes in gender equality, too.  Physical education is a part of quality education.  Sports education gives plenty of benefits not only in physical growth but soft skills like teamwork, confidence building, etc.  We’re very excited to host a football tournament again this year and the grand final will be on May 28th.  Our love for sports is strong and our love for gender equality is even stronger!  In agreement with our supporting schools, girls football teams were established and the girls are competing in our tournament too!

From a teacher’s perspective, Tip expressed his pride when he saw his students learning and succeeding and said, “When my children or students learn happily and safely from my teaching, I feel happy as well and that is my success.” Victoria Miloschewsky, PeopleStories CEO & Founder reminds us that we’re all about helping children complete school and pursue their dreams.  She excitedly shared, “I truly hope that this football tournament is making a milestone for greater equality in the rural community we serve.  For those girls, as well as the boys, out there, I hope you have the courage to stand firm in what you believe and have the strength to chase after your dreams!  I can’t wait to see you all at the football ground and on the grand finale day!”

Victoria echoed this message with the upcoming football tournament in mind, “Why wouldn’t girls be allowed and encouraged to pursue sports if they enjoy it?  Why do girls have to be discriminated against if they enjoy playing sports?  These questions need to be answered and more importantly addressed if we truly want to have equality in our world.” As a female referee, Narun Deourn joins us for the tournament and shares, “I love football and have been playing since 2012.  It is not easy to be a footballer, especially as a woman, as there isn’t enough equipment or support.” ​Everyone is entitled to pursue their dreams; in career, interests, hobbies, and even sports.  PeopleStories will do its part to make sure the children; boys and girls, can pursue their dreams equally.

An instant mood lift ​ ​​A very visible and almost instantaneous effect that we have witnessed as a result of the exposure to playful activities is a change in mood. Students who were unmotivated were now raising their hands in class. Volunteers who tired easily were lifting heavy bookshelves without complaints. One of our volunteers had also said that being more active had actually helped her destress. The more she played with the children in the sun, the more the tension in her life was diffused. ​Most importantly, through playing, a stronger rapport is built between the people in our communities. Our teachers, volunteers, students and their parents have the opportunity to socialise and interact more with one another. This creates a culture of sharing and strengthens trust amongst one another. When we have trust, it is much easier to work together towards a common goal- helping these children gain a better and brighter future.