J1135N Young Entrepreneurs Cambodia Project

During the last 20 years, Cambodia has undergone a significant transition as it has reached lower middle-income status. The Cambodian government’s goal is to attain upper middle-income status by 2030. To underpin this goal, the provision of education focusing on the youth in modern Cambodia is a priority, as this age group (15-29 years) comprises about 43% of the working-age population.

For both rural and female youth, the secondary school dropout rate due to financial limitations and poverty is high. Cambodian youth are further exposed to vulnerabilities, such as physical and mental weaknesses, violence, abuse and migration.

Young Entrepreneurs Cambodia project seeks to provide a holistic approach to improve youth capacity and provide them with the opportunity to develop their potential in education, employment, health, and decision-making and participation in the development of their families, communities, the nation and the world. It does this through:

1. Education: Providing scholarships for tertiary & vocational training.
2. Business Mentoring for Young Women: Forming small business cohorts for regular mentor meetings and support groups.
3. Small Business Enterprise: Support for a start-up enterprise - Day Pro Shoes, with developing an online presence, promotion and driving sales.
4. Emergency Relief: Responding to needs identified within the community - food relief, health care, funeral costs, etc.

The Young Entrepreneurs Cambodia Project contributes to the self-sufficiency, employability and self-confidence of youth living in Phnom Penh and surrounding areas. It is improving the education, business literacy and also the living conditions of local village people by responding to urgent and emergency needs.