PeopleStories 2024 in Review

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.
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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.

2)School for Life - Storytelling Competition
Creativity and self-expression are fundamental to the holistic development of children, and this year’s School for Life Storytelling Competition was a celebration of those qualities. The event provided children with a platform to showcase their storytelling talents, with each participant presenting unique and heartfelt stories. The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by the children were truly inspiring, and we extend our warmest congratulations to the competition winners. Our esteemed panel of judges, which included representatives from the Ministry of Education and other prominent organizations, was deeply impressed by the performances. Competitions like these help foster confidence and communication skills, encouraging children to find and use their voices in impactful ways.

3)School for Life - Annual Football TournamentEducation extends beyond the classroom, and at PeopleStories, we place great value on the physical and social development of children. Our annual football tournament, held at Phum Ou Primary School, was a highlight of the year, bringing together boys and girls for a day filled with fun, teamwork, and friendly competition. The excitement was infectious, with children showing not only their athletic prowess but also their enthusiasm for being part of a supportive and joyful community. Events like this underscore the importance of nurturing both the minds and bodies of children, and we look forward to continuing to promote physical fitness and camaraderie through sports.

4)Mobile Digital School - Expanding Access to E-Learning
​Our Mobile Digital School (MDS) initiative has been a game-changer for education in rural Cambodia, and 2024 saw this program reach new heights. Over the course of the year, we delivered more than 15,000 digital learning hours to 780 children, bringing our total to over 37,000 hours for 1,800 children since the program’s inception in 2022. We were deeply honored to receive recognition from the District Ministry of Education for being the first organization to bring mobile digital learning to rural areas. In addition, our MDS initiative was awarded the prestigious Best E-Learning Project Award from LearnX, validating our commitment to using technology to bridge educational gaps and provide children with the tools they need to succeed in the modern world.

5)Strengthening Our Team
Our ability to deliver impactful programs hinges on the dedication of our team, and 2024 saw us welcome four passionate new members to the PeopleStories family. Tola joined us as Program Officer for the Mobile Digital School, while Chanthy came on board as the Program Manager for School for Life. Sreymey, who previously worked on our STEM for Girls initiative, has been promoted to Program Officer, and Chanreas, a former scholarship recipient, has joined us for work experience after completing high school. These new additions have strengthened our capacity to expand our programs and ensure that we continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children we serve.

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.
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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