Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust teams up with Friends International to support the reintegration of children in Cambodia

The Situation… and Challenge:

Cambodia stands out among Asian countries for having one of the youngest populations - children make up 34% of the total population and half of Cambodians are under 26 years old. However, according to the UN (2021), Cambodia faces a severe issue of school dropout rates in the lower secondary level, reaching an alarming average of 27%. This percentage is even higher among disadvantaged groups. The long-term effects of Covid-19, ongoing economic instability, and inflation, means that marginalized communities in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are particularly vulnerable and exposed to further hardships. Children, in particular, bear the brunt of social and educational barriers that significantly impact their overall well-being. In light of these circumstances, the work carried out by Friends-International (FI) in disadvantaged communities becomes more crucial than ever, as it enables marginalized children to receive education and remain in school.

The Project:

Since 1994 in Phnom Penh (and 2005 in Siem Reap), our teams at FI have been dedicated to supporting education for the most vulnerable children. This includes children who live or work on the streets, or who are separated from their families. We also support children from families who face many challenges – they may be residing in marginalized communities or in extreme poverty, be victims of abuse or exploitation, be affected by HIV/AIDS, chronic illnesses or substance abuse, or migrants facing difficulties in their new environment.

 We provide assistance to out-of-school children who are struggling to get back into the education system, as well as in-school children who are at high risk of dropping out and require additional support to succeed. Before a new academic year begins, and once a student has caught up with the school curriculum, our team at FI assesses the child's abilities. We then choose the most suitable grade for them and provide the support needed to ensure that the child can enroll smoothly and happily back into public school. We also supply school materials, including uniforms, books, and class materials, as well as covering any additional costs, such as teacher fees, that arise. We review this over the course of the year to ensure the specific needs the family has to reduce the costs of their child’s education are met.

Once children are back in school, we also organize support classes to ensure that they are effectively adapting to the school curriculum. This is very important, especially for children who have little experience of being in a structured educational environment. It allows our team to closely monitor their progress and quickly deal with any potential difficulties.  These support classes, plus the educational materials we provide, help parents to cut costs and keep their children in school, preventing them from dropping out or returning to unsafe environments.

 Impact in 2022:

In 2022, Friends-International achieved significant results in Cambodia:

• We successfully reintegrated 675 children into public schools.
• We provided support to 4,306 children, enabling them to remain in public schools.

Funding needs:

Education plays a pivotal role in building independent and strong futures for children. Without access to education and the necessary skills gained, children are unlikely to become productive and self-sufficient members of society. 
To support the reintegration of each child into public school, FI needs an average of $35 per child.

Here's a breakdown of how your contribution can really make a difference:
• A donation of $11 can provide a school bag, school books, and a stationary set for one child.
• A contribution of $16 can cover the cost of a school uniform for one year.
• With $45, we can provide a bicycle to a child who lacks any other means of transportation, so they can travel to school.

(Please note these cost estimates mentioned above only include the listed items and do not cover any expenses related to our education staff, transportation, and overheads.)

 Your support will send 100 students back to school and will help keep them there.

 You will make a lasting impact on the lives of these children, empowering them to build a brighter future for themselves!

 Thank You!