Meet Phan. Phan is 14 years old and tragically lost her father during the Covid-19 pandemic. He was the family’s only income provider.
The grief was made even greater when the bank demanded that Phan’s mum repay the house loan immediately or lose their home. Thanks to the generosity and support of Vibol and LifeWay, Phan, together with her mum and sister now have the security of a home. But the struggle remains for Phan’s mum who cannot afford to pay for her daughters to go to school.
All children have the right to learn, whatever their circumstances. Young people in rural areas are particularly at risk. 25% of those in Grade 3 (9 year olds) cannot write a single word in a dictation test. While 80% of children in Cambodia finish primary school, the dropout rate for high school, particularly for girls, increases markedly. Adolescent boys and girls either don’t enrol in school, or are taken out of school so they can work and provide income for their families. By the time a young person reaches age 17, 55% will have dropped out.
We want to change that narrative.
Education is a gift that empowers all.
Education is a gift that inspires hope.
Education is a gift that grows opportunities.
Education is a gift that transforms communities,
... one life and one family at a time.
The LifeWay Cambodia Education and Support Sponsorship fund has been established as a way to invest in the education of those young people who are keen to learn and make a difference. We want to raise up the next generation of leaders in a supportive and encouraging Christian environment so they can be a part of changing the future of their nation. That’s where you can help.
Each year, we are raising money to support students from around the LifeWay Cambodia centre, by offering them education sponsorships including tuition, uniform and text books (approx. $1000 AUD per student per year) along with bicycles for students who don't have a way to get to school (approx. $120 AUD per bike).