Cambodia’s rapidly growing economy is opening up plenty of opportunities for young, motivated Khmer students to pursue promising careers. These workplaces are gradually adapting to international standards, offering competitive salaries, opportunities for promotions, and even health insurance coverage. However, due to these recent developments, with big international investors reshaping Phnom Penh with skyscrapers, office buildings, and gated communities, the cost of living has risen dramatically. Today, Phnom Penh has become the 2nd most expensive city in the ASEAN region – right behind Singapore. As living costs go through the roof on top of costly university tuition fees, the majority of young people, especially those from rural areas, face too many obstacles and find themselves unable to pursue higher education due to overwhelming financial barriers.
Raksa found herself in this exact situation. She grew up in a poverty-stricken community in rural Kampot in a family of farmers and factory workers. Despite excelling in high school and being highly motivated to continue her studies, her family did not have the means and resources to support her university enrollment.
This is where Thomlang – Cambodian Youth Support stepped in: upon high school graduation, we supported Raksa through the entire process of enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree at the National University of Management in Phnom Penh, as well as finding a rental room and settling into life in the capital of Cambodia.
Read her story in her own words below:
Hello everyone!
My name is Raksa. Today, I would like to take a moment to thank you for supporting me with my studies at university. It was my dream to study at university, because a degree is necessary for me to have a chance at a good job with a sufficient salary. I chose to study Management because I think this subject is really interesting and will create a lot of opportunities for me in the future.
I am truly in need of this NGO’s support, because I come from a poor family. My father is a factory worker, and my mother is a housewife. During the rainy season, we plant rice and other crops to try to feed ourselves. In addition to our humble background, my parents also have a lot of debt at the bank, so it would be impossible for them to support me to study in Phnom Penh, because they cannot afford my tuition, moto, rent, and daily meals.
In the future, I hope to be able to work as a businesswoman who earns enough money to not only provide for myself, but also my family on the countryside. Thank you so much for making this possible for me!
Thank you for supporting me!
All the best,
Raksa
We are incredibly proud of Raksa’s progress during her first year at university and are committed to supporting the aspiring businesswoman throughout her entire educational journey. Supporting committed and dedicated young women like Raksa means creating long-lasting impact on not only her and her entire family’s lives, but also to Cambodia’s next generation of leaders.
Support girls through education by donating to CYS today!
