20 New Scholarship Students

Since 2005 we’ve been working with students from Chanleas Dai commune in Kralanh District. A lot has changed over the past eight years, but one thing remains the same, our dedication to supporting students from this rural area. As you may know, our latest goal is to increase the percentage of Kralanh graduates accessing skilled employment, and to achieve this, we’re focusing on higher education and extra-curricular career skills.
We’re super excited to give you the first big step towards this goal, and we’d love to introduce you to 20 students who have just received the news that they are getting PEPY scholarships to attend university or vocational training college in Siem Reap!
In 2012, we launched the first PEPY scholarships. To trial this work, we offered two scholarships to two very dedicated students from Kralanh District, called Vy and Vouet. This year, we’re pleased to expand this work and offer 15 university scholarships and 5 for vocational training. In 2014 and 2015, we’ll also be enrolling 20 students per year too.
Say ‘hello’ to 20 new PEPY scholarship students!
These hard-working and inspiring youths have been selected from 50 applicants. All prospective students have undergone a thorough application process, including an interview and social investigation (where we chat with their families to ensure they fully support their child to pursue further education).
“Congratulations! I am so happy for them for this exciting opportunity. They have shown a lot of enthusiasm for education and I am very proud of them for pursuing their dreams” – Sarakk, PEPY Program Manager.
What makes PEPY scholarships unique?
1. Beyond higher education
In 2012, the National Education Agency (NEA) in Cambodia conducted a survey with businesses in Siem Reap to identify issues within the labor market. They found that there was a chronic skills shortage in high school and university graduates. Employers were struggling to fill positions as the workforce was leaving education without appropriate skills for employment. Therefore our Scholarship Program is more than just higher education, every student also benefits from our Learning Center services to improve their language and soft skills.
2. Creating a cycle of giving back
We’re cautious of giving things away, and the challenges this can create in development work. Therefore, all scholarship students are required to ‘give back’ to their community by committing to voluntary work within their village. Many students express a desire to teach once they have completed their studies. Wouldn’t it be great if we could support the development of a new generation of teachers for Kralanh District? All equipped with leadership and critical thinking skills?
3. Pulling students, not pushing
Did you ever read our article in The Guardian about our approach to pulling students through education, and not pushing them? We believe in local change-makers and the power of role models. We want to help create a generation of inspirational young people that children in Kralanh District can look up to and follow in their footsteps. By saying ‘hey, here’s an opportunity, come and get it!’ we’re pulling students through the education system by supporting students achieve their dreams after school.