The end of the year is a time to reflect on our work and progress in the past year, and evaluate goals for the upcoming year. We at Thomlang – Cambodian Youth Support are currently working on our first annual report and financial report, which will be available on this website in early 2022.
Pictured in the cover photo: Aung & Founder Julian at Aung's workplace.
Read the full story about how CYS helped him with applying for his first student job here:
But we can already say that our first year, since our launch in January 2021, has been a successful one. We have been able to build a platform that empowers young Cambodians on their way to an independent adult future. We achieve this mainly through funding education and providing professional mentorship, but also through providing stability during times of insecurity and uncertainty for young individuals and the people in their surroundings, who play important roles in their everyday lives.
After Cambodia experienced a sharp decline in COVID cases this fall, I was fortunate enough to be able to travel to Cambodia for 2 weeks in early December. While this was my 10th trip to Cambodia overall, it marked the first one as founder and executive director of this organization. And although it was the shortest trip that I ever made to Cambodia, it was more important than ever to be there in person. I was able to meet our students and beneficiaries, to see their progress and to create new memories.
It truly feels like a family reunion whenever I get to be there every year and work for them. Even though we are in touch every single day through our phones, it is always important to be present and to have one on one time. It reassures our strong bonds and, most importantly, gives them a feeling of security and comfort. We get to talk about their personal achievements, what they yet have to accomplish, and put together plans for their futures that will empower them in achieving all of their goals.
There are many stories to tell, but I will keep them for future website posts.
For now, I simply want to wish everyone happy holidays and a happy new year. This past year has once again proven to be extremely challenging across the globe. This makes me even more humble and proud, that we were able to accomplish so much in 2021 despite the circumstances. And it makes me that much more appreciative of every single person and family, that supported us through donations. Thank you so much for believing in what we do!
I wish you and your loved ones a safe, healthy, and prosperous new year!
Yours,
Julian
