Cambodia
Education for Youth Employment
Access to high-quality education and subsequent vocational training has been a challenge in Cambodia for many years: Only slightly more than half of young people complete lower secondary school, and they often lack the basic technical skills needed to enter the workforce. We are therefore working to achieve a sustainable improvement in the quality of education in the provinces of Kampong Chhnang, Tbong Khmum, and Kampong Cham. Our goal is to improve the chances of children and young people to find a sustainable job as early as possible.
Background
Cambodia has made significant socioeconomic progress in recent years and is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. At the same time, however, this Southeast Asian country faces the challenge of adequately preparing its young people for the demands of the labor market. The necessary qualifications and other skills are often not part of the education system. For example, current teaching and learning methods primarily encourage rote memorization, and group work is generally not part of the school curriculum. Soft skills such as teamwork, personal responsibility, and critical thinking thus remain underdeveloped. The teaching of entrepreneurial and digital skills, as well as competencies in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and foreign languages, is also not yet widespread. Furthermore, vocational training opportunities are insufficient, and a lack of basic technical skills, in particular, poses a barrier to employment.
In particular, the participation of young women in the workforce is significantly lower, and young women are more vulnerable to precarious employment situations. In rural areas, access to educational and employment opportunities is further limited, which in particular also contributes to the spread of labor migration.
Furthermore, there is a lack of preschool programs that teach basic skills as a foundation for school attendance. This contributes to children dropping out of school early. However, a lack of education leads to low income—a vicious cycle into which many families fall. As a result, parents lack the money for their children’s school supplies, and the children, in turn, support their families by going to work themselves and neglecting school.
Häufig gefragt
What does ChildFund Germany stand for, and what is the goal of its work?
Our goal is to bring about lasting improvements in the future prospects of children in need, their families, and their entire communities. Through our commitment to these children and families, we aim to make a positive difference and create lasting improvements, always guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This enables them to exercise their rights, overcome poverty and dependency, and lead independent and self-determined lives.
How can I be sure that my donation actually reaches its destination?
The efficient use of the donations entrusted to us is our top priority. To ensure that our aid is used in a highly targeted manner, we rely on close collaboration with local partner organizations in all the countries where we operate, so that our assistance meets the specific needs on the ground. Furthermore, all our support is guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This ensures that the people in our projects benefit from long-term and lasting changes and, in the long run, no longer depend on aid but can live independently and self-determinedly. Our transparent and responsible handling of donations is also confirmed by the DZI Donation Seal, which we have been awarded continuously since 1995 by the German Central Institute for Social Issues.
How does ChildFund Germany work?
Our work is made possible by three sources of funding: sponsorships, other donations, and public funds. Our projects funded by sponsorships are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.
The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.
In all projects, ChildFund plays two specific roles: First, raising funds so that the project work can be implemented at all. And second, bringing together and building bridges between those who provide money and expertise and those who lack these resources. The goal is to maximize mutual benefit from the collaboration and to advance our projects in the most effective way possible.
What kinds of projects does ChildFund Germany carry out?
Our projects, which are funded through sponsorships, are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.
The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.
What regions and issues does ChildFund Germany focus on?
We operate in various countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Our work focuses primarily on education, nutrition, livelihood support, and child protection, as well as humanitarian aid in emergency situations. Issues such as health and climate protection are also central to many of our projects.
How can I support ChildFund Germany?
There are many different ways to support our work. From a one-time donation to a regular donation as a “Future Donor” to becoming a sponsor, you are free to choose the form of support that best suits you. Long-term and particularly sustainable support can also take the form of a foundation or a bequest. We also offer a range of customized support options for businesses and schools.