Empowering Rural Cambodian Children through Education and Care!
The Problem
Government schools in Cambodia only run half days and are technically free for children to attend. However, in order to enroll, students must have a school uniform, and stationery supplies such as pens and paper. Unfortunately, most people from rural Cambodian communities are simply unable to afford these items. Therefore, a large number of children still miss out on receiving an education in Cambodia. This lack of education unfortunately tends to continue the cycle of poverty still common throughout rural areas.
The Solution
To be able to end the cycle of poverty, access to education is needed. In Cambodia this means being having access to school uniforms and stationary to be able to enroll in public school. Therefore, we provide the school uniform and stationery supplies to students in our programme so they are able to attend school. Then, we supplement their education at Helping Hands for the other half of the day.
Our Aim
At Helping Hands, our ultimate aim is to empower rural Cambodians to break the poverty cycle. We aim to do this by providing access to educational opportunities. To do so, we provide a locally staffed project, where the children receive free supplementary education. As well as assuring children are able to attend public school. Furthermore we aim to teach our students additional skills; opening up opportunities for a self-reliant and sustainable future. Ultimately enabling self-awareness, a healthier lifestyle and a brighter future. We believe in creating adeptness through education to become self-sufficient.
How do we do it?
By focusing on development of FIVE main areas: Education, Child safety, Sports, Health Care and Social Care.
Education
We teach up to 300+ students between the ages of 4 and 20 years old, from Monday to Friday. The core curriculum includes lessons in Khmer Literacy, Numeracy, English Language, Arts and Crafts, Sports and Music. We also teach Health & Hygiene and Life Skills. This is what sets us apart from many other organisations. At Helping Hands, we equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed both professionally and personally, giving them the best possible opportunity to advance in life.
We Provide University Scholarships!
In addition to the education we provide on-site, we provide University Scholarships to up to ten young adults each year. We support the young adults with school fees, educational materials and emergency medical care, to encourage them to continue their education, and pursue the career of their choice. For students wishing to pursue vocational training, we have close relationships with a number of hospitality and training schools in Siem Reap. We support our students throughout the application process, and regularly check in for updates on how they're progressing.
Child Safety
Globalteer’s Child Protection Project is designed as part policy, part research and part classroom curriculum. It is comprised of important modules addressing the key safety issues for children. The idea is that by teaching our children how to keep themselves safe, we acknowledge that our existing reach only goes so far and actively seek to extend our commitment to protecting children.
Sports
The Globalteer Sports Project is about working within communities to champion the rights of children and help them to enjoy their childhood, by bringing sport to children in their own communities. We provide free access to a variety of activities such as football and volleyball. By combining sports with physical education & social messages, children not only learn new skills but also grow in confidence and find ways to face challenges, assert their rights and voice their opinions.
Health Care & Nutrition
Nutritional Health
A key part of our Health Programme is to provide our students with a healthy and nutritious breakfast each morning. This breakfast contains fresh vegetables grown in our own onsite organic garden, and is prepared within the guidelines of the World Food Program. A nutritious start to the day forms and important part of educating children!
Medical Health and Hygiene
Our students receive weekly Health and Hygiene lessons. They are encouraged to practice washing their hands and brushing their teeth daily. We provide our students with toothbrushes and toothpaste to be able to do so. We also arrange dental care for those needing treatment. First-aid treatment is provided on site at the school, and we also pay for transportation to the free children’s hospital in Siem Reap for students who require more urgent medical care. We also support our students and their families with the additional food costs incurred whilst staying in hospital.
Social Care
Our dedicated Social Workers work to build and maintain trusting relationships with our students and their families. By having a trusted relationship, they are more easily able to work through issues such as low attendance, and ensure that students can keep attending both Government School, and Helping Hands. Our Social Workers can also refer individuals and families to support organisations in the area, allowing them access to advice and care that they previously were not aware of.
Uniforms and Stationery Supplies
We provide all students with a school uniform at the start of the school year. The school uniform is essential for our students to attend their half day Government School. We also provide the necessary stationery supplies such as pens, pencils and books so our students are fully equipped to learn!
None of this is possible without the amazing support of our donors, champions and volunteers who enable us to provide all of the above to the Rural Cambodian Community.
