Reaching the top!

​We constantly challenge ourselves in trying to assess how successful our programs are and where we can do better.  One of those measures is the 'Student Drop Out Rate' which is the prime educational / social issue we have been tackling.  In that regard we are very pleased to report that our current dropout rate remains very low at 1% (national average is 20%)!
 
Equally, if not more rewarding are the success stories we come across seeing how well the sponsored students are doing. Whilst this is a bit hard to measure in a meaningful way, these success story are really the evidence how you as the valuable donors and our passionate team of volunteers collectively supporting our students to pursue and fulfil their dreams!

It is our absolute pleasure to share that two of our sponsored students, KongHov and Sreymey, have just been awarded as the top students in the district school competition,  KongNov in Mathematics and Sreymey in Khmer! This is an amazing achievement and congratulations to the girls!

Out of the 7 secondary schools in the district and approx. 1,000 students in the same grade, these 2 girls have done so well to take the 2 out of 4 top student awards.  It tells you something about their dedication and focus on doing very well in school despite the limited resources they have at home.

Let's get to know KongNov and Sreymey a bit more...These two beautiful girls are currently staying in Grade-9 and they have a similar family background coming from a poor family with a number of siblings each at home.

This is a very common situation which means in particular that families such as theirs usually struggle to pay for the costs associated with school such as the uniform, text books and tuition.

KongNov at Chea Smonn Secondary School has been on our scholarship student for 3 years, while Sreymey attends Rolous Secondary School and has been part of the PeopleStories scholarship program for a year.

Coincidently, both girls want to become teachers when they grow up.  Such an important role in the communities!

​
Coming back to our success measure, there is no doubt in our mind that the combination of support for after school coaching, school supplies and bicycles together with an improved learning environment have a strong and direct impact to these girls.  Without the sponsorships, this may not be possible (sadly).
 
We are obviously never standing still and stories such as these inspire us to think what else we can do.  Imagine how well the students could do with access to computers and the internet (which they don't have today)!  There is definitely no shortage of new ideas and projects but what all of this is ultimately really about, are their dreams and us giving them a helping hand to build better futures and communities.