Overview

This project supports motivated children from the poorest families to complete their secondary school certificate and pursue further tertiary education. Families from remote villages across the province of Mondulkiri face many barriers to education and parents often feel pressure to put their children to work, with early marriage widespread, especially for girls. This project addresses these barriers by providing a dormitory, run by a Bunong family and overseen by Bunong leaders. It offers a safe place to sleep, study, and socialise. Students receive nutritious meals, toiletries and healthcare, and staff stay in touch with families. To preserve culture and identity, the project includes lessons in Bunong literacy and music, helping students stay connected to their roots while attending school. In such a learning environment, students are empowered to achieve their dream of securing a job that can lift their families out of deep poverty.

Why support this

Mondulkiri has the lowest upper secondary enrolment in Cambodia—just 5% of boys and 3% of girls continue past lower secondary. Many of the villages have only a primary school, if any. Bunong children must learn to read and write in Khmer, their second language. Combined with frequent teacher absences, this puts them at a significant disadvantage from the start. Learning outcomes are poor and school dropout is common. Motivated students who want to attend secondary school must leave home to study in the provincial centre, placing a financial burden on families, while their peers may already be working.

Budget

$29,000 for a 1yr project.

Expected Life Change

• Girls are freed from the prospect of early marriage to equally poor families
• Students complete government school and can enter tertiary studies
• Students become future leaders in their communities