Project description
The challenge
For many young people in rural Cambodia, early marriage can bring education – and future opportunities – to an end far too soon. Poverty, family expectations and limited awareness of other possibilities can make early marriage seem like the natural path. Many students have never seriously considered university, further education or the careers that could follow.
Our solution
We help young people see that they have choices. Over the course of a full school year, students take part in workshops, personal mentoring and practical experiences exploring early marriage, gender equality, leadership, goal setting, careers and further education. They visit universities, meet role models and learn how to talk with their families about continuing their education. Importantly, we also involve parents, teachers and community leaders, because lasting change requires more than changing the mind of one young person.
The impact
This is already making a difference. Young people are reconsidering early marriage and beginning to see education as a real alternative. Some students have found the confidence to tell their parents that they want to continue their education rather than marry early. Students have even taken the lead themselves, organising an Early Marriage Awareness Day and bringing the message to families and surrounding villages. Along the way, they are developing confidence, leadership and a stronger belief that their future can be shaped by education rather than circumstance.
Made possible by
This important project is made possible through the generous support of SE Asia Foundation and Mr. Dave Richter. Their support is helping young people challenge expectations, stay in education and imagine a different future – while engaging families and communities in creating the change needed to make those choices possible.
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