Road to STEM

We started just over 3 years ago to support underprivileged students and schools in rural Cambodia.  It has been an incredibly rewarding journey as we have seen the many students growing up from children to beautiful teenagers.  Talking to some of them feels just like family nowadays. 
 
Just more than a year ago, we started exploring collaboration opportunities outside of rural Siem Reap and we are absolutely grateful to have formed meaningful partnerships with some of the leading schools and organisations supporting education in the capital city of Phnom Penh.   

One school that impressed me particularly is the e2STEM school.  This is a joint venture between Singapore and Cambodia.  It may not be a flash school with shiny new building and the students may not be wearing the best tailor-made uniforms, but what sets them apart is not only the emphasis on academic achievement but also how they foster curiosity and personal growth. 
 
I delightfully learnt about their daily reflection and sharing sessions which are facilitated by the teachers with the students.  This happens at the end of school day where students have the opportunity to share their learning experience as well as reflecting on their behaviours (and values).    Looking back at my own childhood, I don’t think I was anywhere near these students showing such a great combination of kindness, openness and maturity at only the age of 15 or 16. 

Seeing this school we started immediately to dream and think … “what if some of our rural students could attend this school?”,  “How would their lives be and that of their families change if they attend one of these leading schools in the capital city?”  Oh, we were so excited about the possibilities! 

​Just a few weeks ago, teacher Sarith took 4 of our students to participate at the entry exams in the capital city.  We were over the moon when news came for the 2 students who had passed the exams!  When their families were notified about the results, no words could describe their joy, excitement, proudness, and more importantly the hope for a brighter future!  

Last week, we even hosted interviews with the 2 students together with their families via Zoom.  Yes, you guessed right - It was the parents’ first time seeing a laptop, let along having a conversation with us from overseas!  One parent gave us an emotional sharing as she was reflecting on her underprivileged life… how little that she has and how much she wants to seize this scholarship to help her daughter to change her life through better education.  The believe in education and how it can transform their lives is simply overwhelming. 
 
The dream, well, our dream of sending deserving students to this STEM high school has come true! I am very excited and proud to share that these 2 amazing girls have passed the difficult entry exams (average passing rate is only at 33%) and the interview about commitment and life skills.  With the support of their parents, they will be moving to the capital city soon and start their new journey on STEM high education. 
 
It is immensely satisfying and humbling when a plan comes together and a dream comes true.  

Sometimes we all wonder if the effort we put in is really going to pay off?   Sometimes it will and sometime it won’t.  Nevertheless, that should never stop us from trying as the times when we succeed make it definitely worth it! 
 
Please join me to wish these 2 girls ever success with their upcoming life changing experiences. 
 
 
Together, we can transform lives.  Please give us your helping hand and make a contribution to 100Dreams today. ​​​​