We were delighted to hear member Helen presenting on a possible new project for our Club PAC at our recent business meeting. The club has been sponsoring a young girl through 3 years of education in Cambodia which completed this year in her graduation.
The new project will empower girls to remain in education, receive mentorship and develop life-skills to build self confidence and make positive career choices.
Secondary school girls will participate, increasing their self-esteem, encouraging long term planning and decision making. This will result in capable, ambitious and ethical future female leaders
Once established, the project will then be shared with other schools.
The need: in Cambodia, many girls leave school early without achieving any formal qualifications.
They leave for: poorly paid unskilled work, early marriage, unplanned pregnancy, domestic duties, childcare for siblings and sex work.
There are very few good role models of successful female leaders in Cambodia. Most politicians and prominent leaders are men. School girls need empowerment and confidence to continue their education and work towards their chosen careers.
This new proposal gives us the opportunity to sponsor several girls at one time as their education progresses. Take a look at the presentation here to see what is involved.