From dedicated volunteers to accomplished professionals
In rural areas of Cambodia, they grew up volunteering for the development of their communities. Through Youth Clubs, they discovered a taste for community service. For many of them, this experience was a real gateway to the academic and professional world. Let's take a closer look at these volunteers.
A stepping stone to the future
Being both a beneficiary and a participant in Sipar's programs has often meant much more than just an extracurricular activity. For young people from modest backgrounds, it has been an opportunity to believe in their abilities and to envision a future they never thought possible.
This is the case for Sreyleak, a former member of a Youth Club in Prey Veng province: “Thank you to Sipar for helping me, a young girl from a disadvantaged background, to obtain my university degree in computer science. Thanks to you, I am now a teacher.”, she said.
Like her, many former volunteers have followed inspiring paths. Theang, Reaksmey, Chantou, Chanry, Samoun, and Samoeurn all began volunteering at a very young age. Today, they are university students, librarian-educators in Sipar's mobile libraries, engineers, or entrepreneurs. What they have in common is that they developed a sense of responsibility and a desire to serve their community at a very early age.
skills for life
By leading academic support, reading, and awareness activities, these young people gradually gained confidence. Many were shy and did not dare to dream of higher education. Over the years, they have become true local leaders.
Through their involvement, they acquired essential skills: communication, teaching, creativity, coordination, management, critical thinking, teamwork, and emotional management. These skills proved to be crucial to their personal and professional success. They were able to leverage the skills they acquired and demonstrate them beyond the Youth Clubs.
In rural areas of Cambodia, dropping out of school remains common once students enter secondary school. The fact that all seven of these young people have continued or completed higher education is therefore a remarkable achievement. It demonstrates the tangible impact of Sipar's actions in support of young people.
Testimonial: Chantou's journey
My name is Chantou, and my story with Sipar began in 2012 when I joined a youth club as a volunteer. I had a strong desire to get involved in my community and help children gain access to education and reading.
Within the club, I quickly became president. My role consisted of organizing community activities, leading reading sessions, and supporting children in their learning. This experience was instrumental in developing my sense of responsibility and my desire to work with young people.
I then went on to study public administration at university. This training allowed me to strengthen my communication and coordination skills, which are essential qualities in my fieldwork. In 2018, I joined the Sipar team. I now work as a librarian-educator in brick factories.
Sipar has played a major role in my life. Thanks to my involvement, I have gained confidence, leadership skills, and organizational abilities. I learned how to manage my time better, work in a team, use digital tools, create educational activities... All these experiences have shaped the person I have become. I am proud of my journey and deeply grateful to Sipar. This organization has given me the opportunity to grow and, in turn, contribute to the future of my country's children.