Cambodian Kids Can

The peoples of Cambodia have endured incredible hardship and loss of life, initially during the Vietnam war and subsequently under rule of the Khmer Rouge.Not only were millions of lives lost, but almost a whole generation of educated professionals were eliminated. And whilst overall poverty in Cambodia is ever so slowly reducing, the gap between urban and rural areas varies greatly with 50 percent of Cambodians currently living on less than $2 a day. More than half the population is under 25 years old and less than half finish high school. A staggering 36% of children are forced out of school and into work that is poorly paid menial labour. Sadly, girls are most at risk within Cambodia, especially so in rural areas. Cambodian Kids Can (CKC) has worked tirelessly over the past fourteen years to provide at-risk girls from Prey Veng, a poor rural province in Cambodia, with a safe, nurturing environment at Mekhala House, in which they can complete high school. CKC then provides continued support as these young women pursue their dreams at university. CKC also cultivates a culture of learning in the community through Mekhala Learning Centre, thereby providing young students with the chance to dramatically change their futures. Since 2005, Mekhala House has provided over 73 girls with a supportive home environment and access to formal education and personal development programs; with 14 of these girls have completed high school and are currently pursuing tertiary studies; and A further five girls have already graduated from university and are gainfully employed in the workforce. Since 2009, Mekhala Learning Centre has provided 12 six-month free semester courses for 598 students in English, Computer Studies and Internet; and allowed 600 local community members to visit the library each month, including providing internet access for student research.