June 2023 News
Chair’s Update
It’s been a busy time for Cambodian Kids Can with four new students welcomed to Mekhala House. The girls all come from rural villages in Prey Veng Province and will receive education opportunities at Mekhala House that will change their lives and the lives of their families.
Since our last update, Cambodia has celebrated Khmer New Year which marks the end of the traditional harvest season in April. It’s a special time for Cambodia and for Mekhala House. Fifteen students and eight staff went on a three-day tour to Mondulkiri Province, in the eastern region of Cambodia bordering Vietnam. For many of the girls, it was their first time visiting the Province, known for its natural beauty.
CKC held a raffle in May which raised over $700 to directly support Mekhala House students. Thank you to all those who participated and congratulations to the winners: Channy Ou, Travis Trewarne, Youla Michaelides, Patrick Arthur and Stirling Thorley.
As always, I want to recognise the tireless work of the CKC volunteers and supporters, who are the driving force behind our wonderful programs, that continue to make a difference to the lives of at-risk girls and their families.
I hope you enjoy reading our updates on the recent activities of CKC and I thank you again for your support. Please share the CKC stories with your networks to further grow our reach so more people can learn about how we are changing lives for the better!
CKC welcomes 4 new students to Mekhala House!
CKC is excited to welcome 4 new students to Mekhala House:
Sreypin, grade 9
Ano, grade 8
Sreymarch, grade 8
Ratha, grade 8
Each of the girls are from Prey Veng Province, mainly from rural villages. All have shown a passion for learning and education, despite the many barriers they face. The girls are from disadvantaged backgrounds, supported by parents or loved ones struggling to make ends meet. Distance and transport challenges can make attendance at school difficult.
Each student has a unique and inspiring story in their journey to Mekhala House, including Ratha. Ratha’s mother supports her through running a small snack stand while her father is unable to work due to disability. Her mother was concerned that she wouldn’t be able to afford to support Ratha to finish school, due to the family’s limited income. She was very grateful to Cambodian Kids Can in supporting her daughter to finish her schooling.
CKC is able to welcome new girls through funding from the Tucker Foundation. However, individual donors are also essential in supporting new students. Consider becoming a regular giver today. Your support will help us pay for essential items such as food, clothing, school supplies and utilities, so donate today.
Exciting trip to the Mondulkiri Province
On 23 April, 15 students and 8 staff from Mekhala House went on a tour for 3 days and 2 nights to Mondulkiri Province, known for its natural wonders, including forested hills and waterfalls.
The girls explored several sites, including Bua Sra Waterfall, Nam Lear Mountain, Dos Kramom Mountain and a local coffee farm.
It was the girls’ first time visiting the province, and they were delighted at seeing the unique and beautiful scenery.
Sreypin, grade 9 said she could hardly believe that she was seeing such incredible things: “It’s not long since I moved to Mekhala House and this trip is something that I will never forget.”
Sreyneth, grade 12 was amazed to learn Nam Lear Mountain was even located in Cambodia. “I was quite exhausted from climbing to the top but knew I could do it.”
CKC is proud to provide the girls with rich life experiences that can broaden their horizons, reinforce the beauty of their country and grow their appreciation for the natural world.
Support a girl to achieve her dreams through university sponsorship
CKC is seeking sponsors to support two very special young women, Chhin and Sreyeuy, to help them complete their university studies.
Sreyeuy had a difficult start in life. Her parents passed away when she was young, and she lived in poverty with her illiterate grandmother, who was unable to enrol her in school. However, once she came to Mekhala House she flourished. Sreyeuy went from being unable to read and write and struggling at school, to finishing year 12 and starting an accounting degree at university. Sreyeuy described passing her exams and getting into university as “the biggest thing I have achieved in my life.”
Chhin came to Mekhala House in 2016 when she was in grade 7. She found a nurturing home at Mekhala house, and has many fond memories from her time there. Chhin is in her second year at the National University of Management, studying marketing. Chhin explained that she chose a Marketing major because “it will help and improve my communication, think creatively and give me good opportunities for career advancement.”
CKC sponsors provide vital financial support for living expenses like rent, food, travel costs, and study materials.
To date, generous sponsorships have seen 17 Mekhala House alumni complete courses in law, nursing, accounting, marketing, hospitality, and information technology. Further education has opened doors for these young women to have skilled professions and careers that would not otherwise be available to them.
You can read more about these incredible young women and how to support them here.
Buy a unique CKC tote bag
Purchase an ethically made and locally printed tote bag, perfect for your every day needs.
The “Twin Tigers” artwork was lovingly drawn by artist and illustrator Duy Huynh, who has provided the signed design exclusively to Cambodian Kids Can.
Printed by the Das Automat team in Melbourne, the high-quality tote bags are 100% cotton, very durable, and completely ethical.
The design comes in two beautiful colour schemes: pink/orange, and blue/purple.
This batch is a limited edition, only 100 of each design will be available!
Order a tote bag now via the CKC shop, before stock runs out.