From November 12th to 26th, I had the indescribable fortune to see our children again in Cambodia. The warm welcome and the beaming faces of the children touched me deeply. Our reunion was full of joy and tears, and saying goodbye was even harder for all of us. The children were overjoyed with the small gifts they received from their sponsors - each carefully selected and presented with love.
Supported since 2019 kleine herzen in cooperation with the "Future Light Organisation" (FLO) two education centres for poor children, one centre in the capital Phnom Penh and one centre in Banlung in the Ratanakiri region in the north-west of the country. These children come from extremely poor families, some are orphans. The hardship of these families is great and often there is no room for the children's education. Although nine years of primary school is free in Cambodia, the indirect costs such as transport, school materials, school uniforms and medical care are an enormous burden.
Many children are forced to drop out of school to work in factories or on the streets to support their families. Few complete high school and even fewer can afford university.
Therefore, the work of kleine herzen and FLO so important. The two education centers each offer 70 children between the ages of 5 and 19 a safe home and a chance at education. The children attend a public school, receive additional support, learn English and computer basics, and receive advice after high school and are sent on to vocational schools or universities.
The centre in Banlung, Ratanakiri region, takes in children from ethnic minorities living in remote villages. These children return home to see their families during school holidays.
The success of the FLO centers is impressive: almost 95% of the children who have lived in one of the centers have received vocational or higher education, found a job and are now supporting their families. These successes show how much hope and future prospects can be created through education.
Poy's dream is to become a doctor. She needs us to make it come true.
Education is the key to escaping the cycle of poverty. Let's help Poy and the children at the Future Light Organization's education center to realize their dream of a fulfilling career that will allow them to live a dignified life.
Together we can ensure that these children return to school full of confidence and enthusiasm for learning. Let us make education possible for every child - their future is worth it.
