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For many, what comes after graduating school is quite clear and attainable. For the children in rural Cambodia, the path is not always clear. Quality education is not a given in these rural villages. With high dropout rates and families not having money or transportation to send their children to school, the future is often uncertain and scary. As our children and community grow, Peoplestories is growing too. We are right there on the ground, helping many deserving children access quality education. There are success stories along with a lot of work still to be done. SreyMey and Tola, who have both recently graduated from school (high school and university), have just completed their 3-month PeopleStories Elevate Work Experience program! ‘Elevate’ is designed to offer hands-on work experience and further learning and development opportunities to young people who are yet to have a taste of professional working life.
SreyMey shared with me how she learned about the Elevate Work Experience Program saying, “I was about to graduate high school and at that time I was so confused, and had no specific goals. Victoria introduced me to this program in PeopleStories and I was so interested as I always believe that working will let me learn more skills.” SreyMey continued, “I also wanted to give back to the community and PeopleStories as I feel so grateful to have gotten support from them for four years of my education.” Tola also learned about the program from Victoria, saying, “Victoria shared her positive experience with the program and highlighted its emphasis on skill development and hands-on experience and it immediately piqued my interest. With Vic’s recommendations and my own research about this opportunity, my decision to pursue it was solidified.”
The congratulations don’t end there for Tola and SreyMey! They now have earned permanent roles with PeopleStories! Tola was overwhelmed with the news of being appointed as our Program Officer for Mobile Digital School, sharing, “It was a culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I felt so many emotions - joy, pride, gratitude, and even a hint of nervousness.” Knowing that his contributions during the Elevate program had been recognized and valued enough to warrant a permanent position with PeopleStories had Tola feeling proud and he said, “It instilled in me a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to making a positive impact in my new role.” SreyMey is equally proud of her new role with PeopleStories as a Learning and Administration officer and she said, “After three months of Elevate work experience, I found myself enjoying going to class and I love to do administration work so I am so happy to get this role. I hope to work along with the team for continuous learning and development.”
Learning new skills, having new experiences, and working in different roles can certainly bring on changes to goals and dreams and as SreyMey explained how she was a little bit lost about her future she thinks this new role with PeopleStories will be a very good thing and she shared, “I hope this new role will lead me to find my dreams again. I wanted to be a teacher and now I have a role as a Learning Officer. They are so related to each other, so I hope this role can help me be sure if I still want to be a teacher or not.”
Tola feels his new role will also help him realize his goal. He explained, “My goal remains the same - to make a meaningful and lasting impact in the field of education and technology.” He continued, “With this new role at PeopleStories, I am one step closer to realizing those dreams. A future where education is accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance.” SreyMey and Tola are very focused and taking advantage of the opportunities their hard work is offering them. I look forward to following them along their continued education journey and watching them make their dreams come true. Congratulations SreyMey and Tola!!! Help us to empower children in rural Cambodia complete school: https://bit.ly/Donate_PS2024 Story written by: Volunteer Kathy Aunkst
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In the heart of rural Cambodia, the journey to effective student support is an inspiring testament to perseverance and dedication. At PeopleStories, we are committed to a comprehensive approach, collecting detailed information on children school performance each semester. By working closely with local authorities and schools, we gain invaluable insights beyond mere numbers. These insights help us understand each child's unique needs, enabling us to offer targeted interventions like home visits that address academic concerns, broader socio-economic challenges and celebrate achievements.
Making a Tangible Impact on Children Well-being - The tangible outcomes of these efforts are profound. “I’ve noticed that most students show better study results and improved attendance after the home visits,” Sarith notes. This improvement reflects our holistic approach, addressing educational needs and emotional and socio-economic factors. The positive changes in children school performance and attendance underscore the effectiveness of our support system, which prioritizes each child's well-being. Sarith continues, "Furthermore, we also celebrate improvements made by the children and those are top performers in their class. The recognition is done in front of the family and what a proud moment we share!"
Memorable Moments and Deep Connections - Teacher Sarith recalls a particularly touching home visit. “There was one family where both parents were sick and unable to work, and their children were studying at school. Seeing their difficult situation made me feel deeply sorry for them, but I didn't know how to help because it seemed beyond my ability.” Such experiences highlight the profound challenges many families face and the deep empathy required in our work. Witnessing the Impact - Despite the challenges, Sarith remains motivated. “I regard home visits as a chance to go sightseeing in the villages,” he says with a smile. “It’s our role to help our children, and I stay motivated by seeing the direct impact of my efforts on their academic performance and motivation to succeed.”
Her impact has been profound. "Our local team's communication skills have vastly improved," she observes. "Children now view us as a support system for school-related matters." This trust-building has translated into better attendance and literacy rates among the younger generations.
Collective Efforts for a Brighter Future - PeopleStories’ work in Cambodia demonstrates how collective efforts and strong partnerships drive lasting change. “Gaining permission is paramount,” Jacy emphasizes. “It goes beyond formality—it’s a sign of respect and trust-building. Whether it’s separating parent-child sessions or sharing information for joint sessions, seeking permission lays the groundwork for a supportive relationship.” With thorough assessments, resilience in overcoming challenges, measurable impacts, sustained motivation, and collaborative empowerment, PeopleStories creates a powerful blueprint for effective educational support. By addressing both academic and socio-economic factors, this holistic model not only improves academic outcomes but also enhances the overall well-being of students. Together, educators, volunteers, and communities are paving the way for a brighter future for the younger generation in rural Cambodia. Help us to empower children in rural Cambodia complete school: https://bit.ly/Donate_PS2024 Story written by: Volunteer Eira Raye Gruta In the heart of rural Cambodia, where opportunity often feels like a distant dream, a beacon of change emerges: the Critical Thinking course. Spearheaded by PeopleStories, this program seeks to equip children with the tools they need to navigate a complex world and seize control of their destinies. But behind every great initiative lies a team of dedicated individuals, each lending their expertise to shape the course's vision into reality. Victoria, the founder of PeopleStories, stands at the helm of this transformative initiative. When asked about the development of the Critical Thinking course, she doesn't mince words. "Back in 2019," she begins, her voice resonating with purpose, "we conducted a Khmer Literacy Assessment with 400 children, it revealed a glaring gap in our children's education: while their memorization skills were commendable, their critical thinking abilities lagged behind."
Victoria is quick to acknowledge that she didn't embark on this journey alone. "I am proud to lead a team of over 30 volunteers from all over the world," she states. "From E-Learning Designers to Editors to Coaches, each member brings a unique skill set to the table, united by a shared commitment to empowering our children." Among these dedicated individuals is Andreas (https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreas-fischer-sydney/), the brilliant E-Learning Designer whose expertise in instructional design has been instrumental in shaping the course's curriculum. When asked about the challenges he faced during the design process, Andreas doesn't shy away from the truth.
Roberta https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-thomson-a5777918/, the meticulous Editor, also played a crucial role in bringing the Critical Thinking course to life. When asked about the assessment methods used to measure students' critical thinking abilities, Roberta's response is direct and to the point. "Children are assessed digitally through informal knowledge checks and group assignments," she states. "These assessments are designed to evaluate their understanding and application of key concepts, ensuring that they are equipped with the skills they need to succeed."
And so, as the Critical Thinking course takes root in the fertile soil of rural Cambodia, it heralds a new dawn of possibility—a testament to the power of education to transcend barriers and transform lives. Through the dedication of Victoria and her team, the seeds of change have been sown, promising to bear fruit for generations to come.
Help us to empower children in rural Cambodia complete school: https://bit.ly/Donate_PS2024 Story written by: Volunteer Caroline van ‘t Hoff |
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December 2024
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