We Have Changed!

In the heart of rural Cambodia, our mission at PeopleStories is to empower deserving children to complete their education. Our quest is not an easy one, for it demands the most precious of all treasures: time and unwavering determination. Yet, with the benevolent support of our cherished patrons, we weave spells of change, transforming lives, one child at a time.

​Our journey began in 2017, and with each passing day, the power of time reveals the wonder we create.  

Our first group of scholarship recipients is about to graduate from high school, and we recently had the privilege of listening to their inspiring stories. We heard stories of how our School for Life scholarships have rippled through their lives, and we were humbled by the impact we have made.

Samkhan, one of our scholarship children, was just 13 years old when he embarked on his journey with us. Growing up in a family of six, with his father a farmer and his mother a fish seller, Samkhan knew the struggle of poverty. 

Yet, with our support, Samkhan discovered the magic of education and shared, “Being a student who used to be lazy in studying, I now study harder. I can also take extra after-school classes like the other students, with the support of PeopleStories.”

PeopleStories is all about empowerment and pursuing one’s dreams takes the core of our spirit. After graduation, Samkhan (who is now 19 years old) plans on continuing to further his education at a university and he aspires to be an architect. 

He is very grateful for the opportunity to receive a quality education and said, “If there was no PeopleStories scholarship, I would have definitely faced difficulties such as not being able to continue my studies, not having the chance to take extra classes, and I may have even dropped out of school so I could work and help support my family.”

Our founder, Victoria, established the School for Life scholarship with a powerful vision: “Education is power! Without education, it is very hard to get out of the poverty cycle.  PeopleStories is about empowerment and we hope to enable these children to complete school and ultimately uplift themselves from their poverty cycle.”

Channa, another scholarship child, shares this vision.  She lives with her grandmother for most of her growing up years as her parents have moved far away for work.  Channa has four siblings, and without our scholarship, education would have been a distant dream. 

Channa (who is now 18 years old) is very excited to be graduating from high school soon.  Studying harder with more subjects than before, Channa is proud of this change she’s seen in herself, “I understand more about the importance of education and I think that poverty is not the obstacle which can limit my future, but the lack of an education is.” She continued, “I can know myself more clearly and my dreams are my goals.”

​With so much sparks in her eyes, Channa proudly declared, “After graduating high school I plan to continue studying a skill that I like the most and it is my dream; that is to be a nurse.

We are honored to witness the transformation of these children, to see their dreams take flight, and to know that we have played a small role in their journey.  We congratulate all the children graduating from high school this year and encourage them to continue dreaming big. 

To our cherished supporters, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your generosity has made a difference, and we invite you to continue to weave spells of change with us. 

Together, we can empower more children to complete their education and transform their lives.  Donate to help a child goes to school now: https://bit.ly/PS_Donate2023

​Story written by: Volunteer Kathy Aunkst