November News

A word from our chair

“Dear Friend of Cambodian Kids Can,

It’s hard to believe that the end of 2018 is already approaching.

I’m thrilled to share another video from my recent trip to Prey Veng. This time, introducing you to some of our brightest Mekhala House alumni currently undertaking studies in Phonm Penh: Meet the Mekhala House Alumni. It is so exciting hearing these young women progress with their studies with an eye to a future they could only dream of in their younger years.

And the good news doesn’t stop there!

During this Khmer school year (finishing in August 2018), we had four girls completing year 12, and incredibly, all of them have now started tertiary studies. One of the students has commenced a law degree in Phnom Penh- the first Mekhala House alumni to enrol in law!

This exceptional outcome, means we now need four new university sponsors ensuring all of our 13 girls at university are supported throughout the duration of their tertiary studies. You’ll hear from two of these girls in this newsletter and we would love to hear from you if you would like sponsor one of these students personally or if you’d like to rustle up a few friends and support a university student collectively. Please get in touch!

Our newest board member, Bronwyn Covill,  recently travelled to Cambodia with her daughter whose reflections are included in this newsletter. Bronwyn also caught up with Melani Daruis, our longest serving board member, who is spending six months in Cambodia on sabbatical. Together they visited several NGO’s to expand the opportunities available for Mekhala House alumni.

You might also notice that we have recently launched a brand spanking new website - generously designed and built pro bono by a long term supporter, Ed Redman. Thank you Ed for all of your tireless work in putting this together. We love it!

Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your amazing contributions to the ongoing success of our programs. We look forward to seeing you at our end of year function and wish you all the very best for the festive season.

Cheers,

Patrick”

A word from our girls: Meet Sok SreyEay

“Hello,

My name is Sok SreyEay. I am 19 years old. Before I came to Mekhala House, my life was so difficult. My parents both died when I was very young. I have 3 siblings, all girls. I am in the middle. My oldest sister went to the rice field to harvest the rice or dry the rice for our neighbors to get some money to buy food and rice. Even though she worked very hard she still allowed me to school. I only ate cold rice before going to school. Sometime, I did not have anything to eat before going to school. After school, I went to find crabs and snails in the field. Fortunately, I and my two sisters were selected to stay at Mekhala House in 2011. My life was changed. I go to school regularly. I have enough materials and food to eat. Mekhala House not only provides me food and a place to stay but also education. I learn English, Computer and also life skills. On 20th August 2018, I took the Year 12 national exams and I am very happy because I passed. This is a good bridge for me to go to University. I want to continue to study Bachelor Degree on Marketing at Chea Sim University of Kamchaymear. In the future I want to work in a company. Finally, I would like to say thank you for all donors who always support Mekhala House. Without your support I could not be in Mekhala House and achieve my goals.

Thank you.”

A word from our girls: Meet Poy Sopheary

“Hello,

My name is Poy Sopheary. I am 21 years old. My life before coming to Mekhala House was very bad. I had a father who liked using domestic violence and drinking alcohol every day. He did not allow me to school. But my youngest sister and oldest brother were allowed to go to school. I cooked at home. After my parents divorced I was sent to study in grade 1. I did not have enough school materials and clothes as other children. After school I went to the field to find snail and crab for food. My family was very very poor. I studied there until I was in grade 3. Fortunately, in 2006, my youngest sister and I were selected to stay in Mekhala House. My life was changed. I never thought that I could get that. I think I was born again. Everything here is perfect. I have good food to eat, good place to stay, enough materials for study. I was sent to study grade 1 again and the staff here are friendly and kind. They are my second family. Day by day my study is getting better. I passed year 12 exam this year and I am going to University in Phnom Penh soon. I really want to study at University and I want to study Law. I think it is a hard subject but I hope that in the future I can become a good lawyer because I want to help and solve peoples problems. I know only you that can help me to reach my goal. Thank you very much for your support. Without your help I don’t know where I would be. You have changed my life and world.”

Dates for YOUR diary

Join us for an intimate end of year dinner in celebration of your support!

Thursday December 6
6:00pm for a 6:30pm start
@Ease Thai Restaurant 
195 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
$65 pp includes 3 course Thai feast and wine on arrival.

All proceeds will go towards providing disadvantaged young girls in Prey Veng, Cambodia with a comprehensive education, personal development programs and a loving hom

Get in quick! Tickets are limited! Buy yours here today!