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Assistance for teenagers
Fr Heri, writing from Siem Reap (June 2006)
Beyond study
Because many of the young people are poor, they cannot continue their study. With those who drop out, we help them to join some courses in vocational skills so that they can be helped to find jobs.
For example we can send them to take driving courses, or language courses, or courses in cooking, or in other skills. For young people from villages that we know. we have to provide places to stay as well as food.
The following is the approximate cost of living and some courses:
- driving courses, until they get a driving licence £90
- rent a room for one month £20 (one room for 2 people)
- food for one month £20
- English language classes for one month £10
Skills for a future
Some young people who are qualified can join courses run by non government organisations (NGOs) for free. There are several courses that they offer like silk weaving, bakery, skills in working in hotels that include cooking, house keeping, front desk receptionists, etc. These courses run for one year, 10 months or 3 months.
Even though some NGOs offer these courses free, we still have to provide places for the young people to stay and food to eat. depending on the basic skills that they have, and the skills they want to acquire, we will need about £250-£350 to help one young person to take some courses and to find jobs.
Helping these young people can be more meaningful and fruitful, because in a relatively short time they can find a job and then support their family.
We have tried this programme for several years, even though we cannot reach many people. usually we help students for one year, we can continue or stop depending on their achievement and development. We sponsor some children and young people from spontaneous donations that we receive.
We realise that what we can do is small compared to the enormous problems that they have. But we do what we can to bring some hope, some joy, some light to these young people. United with many other people of good hearts, we continue to help them.
Will you join us?
Fr Heri
What can I do?
Links
Fr Philip's visit - more to come...
Greetings in Khmer
"Chuum reapsur" - Hello
"Soksabye?" - Are you happy?