After a hectic five weeks since I’ve been back from Aussie I’ve finally managed to put some thoughts together to give you a much needed update on all things Cambodia!
I came back to the news that we had to move house and the lease on our little shop was also up at the same time. After my initial panic an opportunity came up which allowed me to secure a shop house where I can live and run the shop and project in the same place. So a lot has been happening here setting it all up. The shoe store initiative has grown into not just shoes but also clothing. We opened two days ago and so far have seen a good response so I’m sure this will bring in a little bit of profit to help the project continue to run here and use what we can to support education and community needs here in Cambodia.
Education Update
Our new scholarship students start studying this week. Three new students on full scholarships. Two of them will be studying their masters in business management. They were outstanding students in their degree course.
The third student will continue studying graphic design year three and four.
We continue to support 14 Grade 12 students education needs by providing financial assistance for their extra classes… the main objective is to support these students by increasing their access to education they can’t afford.
The project continues to provide two teachers with monthly salaries.
We also provide support classes in English both in communication and grammar.
In Cambodia, 1 in 5 young people are still deprived in 2 or more well-being dimensions, including health, employment and education.
The quality of education at all levels is challenging and many children do not reach age-appropriate learning standards including basic literacy and numeracy. In addition, only 2% of secondary school enrolment is in technical and vocational training. Cambodia still remains one of the poorest countries in South East Asia.
One pressing issue that continues to trouble the country of Cambodia is access to education, particularly for those living in extreme poverty and rural areas. The good news is that we are helping to change this and together we are making a difference!
The average number of backpacks we continue to give away each month full of school supplies is usually around 25 to 30. Thank you again to those who give to assist this initiative for the poorer children... it always makes my heart so happy to see the joy on their faces when they receive their backpacks full of goodies usually during a very exciting school assembly.
Alongside Followers of Jesus Church and Living Seeds the Aroha Project has been operating in poverty-stricken areas of Phnom Penh for 7 years now. We believe the children scrounging through junk piles to make a living deserve a chance to achieve their dreams. Paying the families $1 a day to allow their child the freedom to leave the rubbish tip and attend school has seen amazing results. The decision to financially support the Jesus School and the students right through to their grade 12 year will undoubtedly improve education in this part of Cambodia and assist in a small way to help end child poverty… at least for these children.
We are making an impact. Children feel hope for their futures. We are eliminating gaps in education and therefore giving students greater choices. The target areas where our students come from are underdeveloped with very few jobs available for the families of the students.
Community Update
When funds are available we are able to provide emergency assistance to destitute families or finances for unforeseen hardships.
This last 3 months we have been able to provide:
Rice, sauces and basic household goods which include mosquito nets, mats, tarpaulins and cooking utensils for a family that became destitute following a flood.
Medicine and treatment to a pastor that needed an urgent gallbladder operation.
Electricity payments for a widow for the last 3 months.
Ongoing monthly food provision and rent for an elderly widow.
Micro finance for a small business (a generator to enable him to be able to wash motorcycles) they are a young family that recently lost a child and had no income.
A few months ago another one of my past students lost her child. It was a devastating time and we managed to be able to support her financially and practically during this difficult time for her and her family. Together we have achieved a lot…
I wanted to share a few messages I have received recently, about how lives are being impacted through the Aroha Project...
As a pastor of a local home church, my heart has always been dedicated to serving our community and trusting in God's provision. However, the past few months have been incredibly challenging for my family and me. We have been taking turns falling ill, and on top of that, I lost my job, leaving us in a difficult financial situation. It was during this time that we reached out to our dear friend, Annie, from the Aroha Project. She listened to our struggles with empathy and kindness, and was able to provide us with some much-needed financial support. Her generosity reminded me of God's faithfulness and how He provides for us in ways we may not expect. The Aroha Project has not only touched our lives, but also the lives of the students in our church by providing them with student allowances to support their studies. We are incredibly grateful for their support and kindness during this difficult time. Thank you, Aroha Project, for supporting all of us with your love and generosity.
My name is Srey Pheak Chea. I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the allowance support that the Aroha project has provided to me and my family over the past months. Your support has been helping me pay for extra classes and easing the financial burden on my family. Your kindness and generosity have made an impact on my life and thank you, Pastor and the Aroha project.
My name is Selapich, Sern. I just wanted to express my gratitude for the student allowance that I have been receiving. It has been a huge help in paying for my extra class tuition fees and has also relieved some of the financial burden on my family. I am truly thankful for the support that I have received from the pastor and the Aroha project. Your kindness and generosity have made a significant impact on my life, and I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for me over the past few months.
My main ask for the end of this year is for:
1. Education: continuing support and partnering with me by continuing with scholarships and supporting poorer students with their extra classes.
2. Community: support for the backpack appeal - $25 (will buy a backpack full of school supplies for students) and continued general giving for emergency needs.
3. Help me meet my goal of 50 people committing to $50 a month so I can do more.
Would any of these three things be a possibility? I know we can all do something together. Drop me a line back and let me know your thoughts or just say hi…
