In rural Cambodia, many children face family problems and a lack of attention and support, leading them to drop out of school early or migrate in search of income to help their families. Peysien HON, a 12-year-old girl, is one such example. Despite initial challenges, she has managed to significantly improve her education and, potentially, her future.
Through the intervention of Action Education’s Consortium for Out of School Children project, Education Above All’s Educate A Child programme and its collaborator, Youth Star Cambodia (YSC), her full potential was unleashed and paved the way for a future where every girl can dream big and achieve her dreams.
Peysien is in grade six at Chhouk Khsach Primary School in Baray district, Kampong Thom province. She is the youngest of two children; her older sister is in grade seven. Their father works as a construction worker and leaves early each day to support the family, while their mother takes care of the household and works as a seasonal rice farmer.
“Raising in a harsh environment, with financial difficulties and poorly educated parents, this young girl became withdrawn. Her upbringing in the solitude of cashew farms resulted in limited interaction with others, making her appear distant at school. These circumstances led to academic difficulties, feelings of loneliness and a silent desire for family affection and support,” said Ms. Reaksmey YEUN, a committed volunteer with Youth Star Cambodia.
This lack of support was reflected in Peysien’s academic performance, leading to concentration problems, low self-esteem, and minimal participation in class. In his free time, Peysien preferred to socialize with his village friends rather than study, avoiding books and showing little interest in studies.
After a discussion with the school principal and the identification of Peysien HON as an out-of-school girl in need of support, a visit by a Youth Star Cambodia (YSC) volunteer to her home in February 2024 allowed them to meet her mother and engage Peysien in the CCOCS project. To further support Peysien, YSC closely monitors her progress in class, devotes significant effort to her education, and consistently encourages her to seek clarification when she encounters difficulties. Over time, this initially slow learner has become more attentive to her lessons and has worked diligently to improve her reading and writing skills both in class and at home.
“Peysien’s commitment has been incredibly inspiring and her progress has been recognized. Her growth is impressive; she now actively participates in conversations, frequently introducing new perspectives and ideas that enhance everyone’s learning journey. Additionally, her passion for traditional Khmer dance has blossomed, and she displays grace and confidence in her performances that captivate her peers,” said Ms. Reaksmey YEUN, a dedicated volunteer with Youth Star Cambodia.
Youth Star Cambodia is committed to supporting Peysien through a multi-faceted approach. They have taken the time to visit her home, inspire and encourage her family to support her educational journey. In addition, they provide non-formal education classes in the form of tutoring sessions to help her keep up with her studies. Peysien is also actively involved in youth club activities, where she is learning valuable social and leadership skills. In addition, Youth Star Cambodia provides her with one-on-one counselling and essential academic support, including clothing, notebooks, stationery, and other educational materials, to ensure she has all the resources she needs to succeed.
Just one month after the first intervention, Peysien turned away from her leisure activities to go to her class with confidence, smile and hope. In addition, she joined a traditional Khmer dance group at Youth Star Cambodia as a member of the youth club.
“I have become more confident in my conversations with my friends. I now talk more and have reduced the time spent socializing. Instead, during my free time at home, I focus on improving my reading and writing skills. To my surprise, my academic performance has improved and I have developed a greater interest in learning than before. Every day, I am making myself more useful to my peers,” Peysien said.
Outside of the classroom, Peysien has become a role model for younger students, demonstrating that perseverance and hard work can lead to significant achievements. Her journey is a testament to the power of supportive educational environments and the impact of community engagement. As she continues to grow and face challenges, there is no doubt she will accomplish great things, inspiring others along the way with her story of resilience and determination.
“When I grow up, I want to do wrestling because when I was young, my friends had fun trying to hurt me, so I want to become stronger and protect myself. At the same time, I aspire to become a nurse,” Peysien explains.
Youth Star Cambodia and CCOSC partners are proud and excited to watch her grow and to be able to help her unleash her full potential in such a safe area. With every step she takes, she brings new energy and inspiration to the community. Her journey is a testament to the power of support and the impact a nurturing environment can have on young people. As she continues to thrive, she is a beacon of hope and a role model for others, showing that with the right encouragement and opportunities, there are no limits to what one can achieve.
“At Youth Star Cambodia, we believe that providing girls in remote areas like Peysien with access to education is essential to transforming their futures, enabling them to know their rights and make better decisions,” says Mr. CHIP Saroeut, Communications Director of Youth Star Cambodia Organization.
The joint efforts of Youth Star Cambodia and CCOSC, led by Action Education, not only provided her with the tools and guidance she needed but also fostered a sense of belonging and purpose. Together, they are creating a future where every young person can dream big and achieve their aspirations. This remarkable young woman’s achievement is just the beginning, heralding a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow for all.
On the occasion of the celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, Mr. Sampors VORN, National Director of Action Education Cambodia, reflected on this story:
“So many girls around the world still face challenges, with their right to education not being prioritized, often leading them to drop out of school. This October 11, on International Day of the Girl Child and beyond, let’s raise awareness of the unique challenges girls face, advocate for policies and promote actions that empower girls to overcome these challenges. Peysien’s story is a testament to the extraordinary potential that can be unleashed when girls are given the opportunity to thrive. Every girl deserves the right to learn, to dream about what she wants to become, and to make that dream a reality.”
(Article was published on Action Education / Publication date 16 October 2024)
