September News
A word from our chair
Dear friends of Cambodian Kids Can,
Having just returned from visiting the CKC projects in Cambodia, I am starkly reminded of the importance of your personal contributions. Your generosity is providing young Cambodian students from disadvantaged backgrounds with an opportunity to better their lives through education.
During my recent visit, I reached out to several other NGO’s with similar missions to ours. This not only expands our network, but more importantly, provides our staff with the opportunity to learn.
On this trip, we had the volunteer services of a professional videographer, Ms Sang Meng, who put together three wonderful videos that give great insight into our two projects in Prey Veng as well as the Team House for the university girls in Phnom Penh. At Mekhala House we are currently caring for 35 young girls, and at Mekhala Learning Centre we are providing free English, computer Studies and internet classes for 60 students every six months. In Phnom Penh we currently have seven girls residing at the Team House and attending university.
Please enjoy this video portraying daily life at Mekhala House;
I trust this acts as a reminder that your financial support has an immediate and tangible impact. The amazing Year 12 results achieved has meant that our girls have gained scholarships to pursue their dreams at university.
Please enjoy this update on the work that you have made possible in Cambodia.
Regards, Patrick
A word from our students: Meet Lim Dany
“I am Lim Dany. I am 22 Years old and I have graduated from MLC’s Course. I am the second daughter in my family. I have a parent, an older sister, and two younger brothers. I live in Krong Village, Tektlar Commune, Svay Antor District, Prey Veng Province.
I am a second-year student at Chea Sim University of Kamchaymear (CSUK), Prey Veng branch. At the first day of university, it was very difficult to use the Computer, Internet and English as well. Every time I had an assignment from university it is very difficult to do it because I need to research some data from the internet and I could not use computers at all.
After I graduated from a six-month training course with MLC, I can use English, Computer and Internet well. MLC is a good Centre for poor students that don’t have the money for extra courses. Although, I don’t think I am a clever student I tried for six months at MLC to build a good enough level to have success in my study and employment.
As a result, I got employment at Amret Microfinance Institution, in the position of Teller. I was very happy when I got employment because it can help my family and support my study at university.
Thanks to all MLC teachers and FDCC staff that provide this opportunity for poor students like me. And especially, thanks to all donors that always donate for this project. I hope that MLC keeps having these courses.”
A word from our Teachers: Meet Yin Tola
“I live in Sangkat Kompong Leav Commune in the Krong Prey Veng District. I am an English teacher and I’m 28 years old. I have six people in my family- two older brothers and one older sister. My parents went to live with my brothers and sister in Phnom Penh. They are making a business there. I was a student studying at Chea Sim University of Kamchaymear (CSUK), majoring in English literature and a Master Degree of Business.
I have improved myself by having a job at MLC such as getting more experience in teaching English, knowing how to control the student and the tactic of teaching students, improving my knowledge. My salary helps me to study my masters’ degree and help with my family living cost.
I really enjoy working at MLC because it a chance to share my experience to the poor students in the Prey Veng community. I try my best to teach students at MLC to get the real knowledge. I hope that after students graduate from MLC, students have the ability to find a good job to get money to support their study by themselves and for help their families living.”
Get Involved
We couldn’t continue to support at risk young women in Cambodia to change their futures without you! And as a member of the Cambodian Kids Can community, we’d love for you to become even more involved in our work. And the good news is, there are a number of ways you can do this!
Join board member, Stephen Nyabadza and supporters, Rebecca Dabbs and Bronwyn Covill at the Melbourne Marathon on October 14 to raise funds. In 2016, Rebecca raised $1125 in her Melbourne Marathon efforts which was enough to fund a girl at Mekhala House for six months! T-shirt Automat will even throw in a Cambodian Kids Can t-shirt to all runners who sign up to the CKC team.
If running isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to get involved. Perhaps you’d like to spread the CKC message to your colleagues by hosting a lunch and learn with a guest speaker from the Melbourne based board. Or, you may like to run a fundraising event with your friends and family. If you’re interested in any of the above or have any other ideas then please get in touch today! You can email us at cambodiankidscan@gmail.com We can’t continue our life changing work without the support of people like Rebecca, Stephen and Bronwyn.
Dates for the diary
Join us for on the premiere night for an exclusive screening of the much anticipated remake of A Star Is Born with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga!
Thursday October 18th
Palace Cinema Como
Corner of Chapel Street and Toorak Road
South Yarra
6pm- 9.30pm
$40 for your ticket, champagne or beer on arrival, nibbles, popcorn and an ice cream
Get in quick! Tickets selling fast so get yours today: https://www.trybooking.com/YFAG
