J1212N Rise & Shine Community

The Situation

A myriad of political and human rights challenges persist in Cambodia after the upheaval experienced during the Khmer Rouge regime during the 1970s with the killings and displacement of the Khmer people. Some of the issues include a high prevalence of child marriages (according to the UN – 19% are under 18 and 2% under 15), the trafficking of girls from Cambodia to China, and poverty, with 17.9% of Cambodians living below the poverty line (Asia Development Bank). Accessibility problems to clean drinking water, toilet facilities and transport are impeding students’ ability to attend high school as families desperately struggle to meet basic needs.

The Objectives

Rise & Shine Community seeks to improve the quality and longevity of education standards for vulnerable people in the Soutr Nikom and surrounding areas of Siem Reap. The project will address the basic human needs of education, human rights, health and safety for families over the next three years through the following activities:

·      Improve health and sanitation by building toilets, wells and water bores for homes within the community.

·      Raise education levels in the area by improving attendance with transport support (bicycles) and the provision of study materials.

·      Increase awareness around human trafficking through community training.

·      Assist with the reintegration of girls who have been trafficked, providing support funding for education, vocational training or small business startups.

Through these initiatives, project Rise & Shine Community aims to empower vulnerable families and foster sustainable development in Cambodia, breaking the cycle of poverty and enhancing educational opportunities.