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As we approach the close of 2024, we at PeopleStories are filled with immense pride as we reflect on the transformative impact we’ve made in the lives of children in rural Cambodia. This year has been one of remarkable achievements, growth, and life-changing moments for the children we support, and none of it would have been possible without the unwavering generosity of our supporters. With deep gratitude, we are excited to share a recap of our key activities throughout 2024, our financial performance, and our aspirations for the coming year. A Year of Growth and Transformation in 20242024 has been a landmark year for PeopleStories, with significant growth in both our programs and our financial health. Our total income, including direct donations and other sources of revenue, reached $66,706, while our total expenditure amounted to $56,032. The positive financial balance not only ensured the sustainability of our current programs but also positioned us to reinvest in expanding our reach and deepening our impact in 2025. Thanks to your generous support, we have been able to maintain a surplus that will allow us to broaden our initiatives and continue transforming lives. Here is a closer look at the key activities that defined our success in 2024: 1)School for Life - Expanding Scholarship Opportunities One of our proudest accomplishments this year is the continued growth of our flagship program, School for Life, which provided scholarships to 180 children in 2024. Since 2017, we have supported a total of 978 children, with the number of scholarships growing steadily from 21 in our inaugural year to 200 in the current academic year. This progress is a testament to the ongoing need for educational support in rural Cambodia and our commitment to fulfilling that need. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are on track to offer an additional 50 scholarships by April 2025, further empowering children through access to quality education. 
Looking Ahead to 2025As we move into 2025, we are excited to build on the successes of 2024 and set even more ambitious goals for the future. Here are some of the key initiatives we plan to pursue in the coming year:
1)Expanding Our Reach to New DistrictsIn 2025, we aim to extend our educational programs from one district to three districts in rural Siem Reap. This expansion will enable us to provide even more children with access to quality education, ensuring that they have the tools and resources they need to succeed in school and beyond. 2)Scaling the Mobile Digital School ProgramBuilding on the success of our Mobile Digital School, we plan to double our capacity by adding a second mobile unit in 2025. Our goal is to deliver 30,000 digital learning hours, reaching even more children with our innovative e-learning solutions. This expansion will continue to bridge the digital divide in rural Cambodia, equipping children with the critical skills needed for the future. 3)Supporting University EducationFor the first time, PeopleStories will begin sponsoring children to pursue university education. This represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower children through education, and we are eager to see our children pursue higher learning and achieve their academic and professional dreams. 4)Seeking New Grants and PartnershipsAs we expand our programs, we are actively seeking new grants and partnerships to help us reach more children and enhance our impact. We look forward to collaborating with like-minded organizations that share our commitment to education and community development. A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Donors! All of these accomplishments and future aspirations would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. Your contributions have made a direct and profound impact on the lives of hundreds of children, giving them the opportunity to learn, grow, and build brighter futures. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support and look forward to working together to create even more positive change in 2025. Together, we are transforming lives, one child at a time. Stay connected with us as we continue this important work in the coming year: www.PeopleStoriesCharity.org Story written by: Volunteer Caroline van ‘t Hoff
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At PeopleStories, we are constantly inspired by the incredible journeys of the children we support. One such story is that of Sreymey, an 18-year-old girl whose perseverance, passion for education, and resilience in the face of personal challenges exemplify the values we aim to nurture. As she steps into 2025 with clear goals for her future, we are excited to share her journey with you in this newsletter. Sreymey first joined the PeopleStories community in 2019 as a Grade 9 student. In 2021, she was awarded the STEM4Girls scholarship, a pivotal moment that not only supported her education but also marked a significant turning point in her life. At the time, she had recently lost her father, a devastating event that placed immense emotional and financial pressure on her family. Despite these hardships, Sreymey remained determined to continue her education. Over the past years, she has completed high school and started working full-time with PeopleStories, all while balancing her job with personal responsibilities and future aspirations. Here is her inspiring story in her own words. "My name is Sreymey, and I am proud to say that I am 18 years old. People often call me hardworking, though I don't always see myself that way. I know there’s always room for improvement. I first received a PeopleStories scholarship in 2019 when I was in Grade 9. My family was going through a really difficult time because we had just lost my father, who was an important figure in our lives. In January 2021, I received the STEM4Girls scholarship, which allowed me to move to Phnom Penh and live on my own. There were many challenges, but despite it all, I always tried to keep a smile on my face." "After finishing high school, I felt a bit lost. However, PeopleStories gave me the opportunity to explore myself again. Now, as we head into 2025, I’m excited to continue my journey. I will be starting university soon, supported by scholarships from PeopleStories. I also work for PeopleStories that helps me earn an income to support my family, including my two younger siblings. I’m happy to help them in any way I can, even if I can’t give much yet."
"While studying at E2STEM Education Cambodia, I gained a lot of knowledge—not just academically, but in terms of life skills. I learned the importance of teamwork, which is crucial when entering the workforce. Being responsible and independent became second nature to me, and I now feel more confident in my abilities. I can see that many young people lack the confidence to take on challenges, but this program helped me build the courage and self-assurance I needed." 2)You’re now working full-time with PeopleStories. How does it feel, and have there been any memorable milestones this year? "It feels very special to have come this far. I vividly remember a conversation I had with Vic (founder Victoria) when I was unsure about my future. I told her, "I don’t know what to do next. I want to take a gap year to explore myself, but I’m not sure what I’ll do during that year." Vic reassured me, saying, "It’s okay to feel lost sometimes, but you should keep as many options open as possible. Don’t limit yourself!" She also promised that PeopleStories would create a work experience program for me to join, which they did."
"Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher because my family holds teachers in high regard. In my community, being a teacher is often seen as one of the best career options, so I didn’t really explore other paths. After high school, I even took the teacher training exam several times but didn’t pass." "During my work experience with PeopleStories, I coached children and realized that teaching wasn’t the right fit for me. I started taking on various tasks in the office, and what really excited me was finance. I enjoyed solving problems and felt energized by the challenge. I could sit in meetings for hours discussing strategies and was always eager to contribute ideas, even if they weren’t perfect. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue a career in finance."
5)What are your personal goals for 2025? "I have a few important goals for 2025:
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December 2024
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