Uplift Cambodian Artists and Talented Rural Youths

Hello PEPY supporters,

Today, we are celebrating the progress and impact of PEPY’s Youth Empowerment Project made possible by supporters like you! Currently, 54 students (4 students were accepted into prestigious secondary teacher training programs outside of Siem Reap and 2 students were just accepted into the military training program in Phnom Penh) have gone to over 3 university and vocational institution tours, helping them determine where they would like to enroll. In addition to the school visits, local professionals, university professors, and trainers have spoken and given presentations to the students, allowing them to imagine their futures through the experiences of Cambodians who come from a similar background and ask questions about their career interests. Our students also had several trips to businesses like hotels and education organizations where our alumni currently work to get a clearer understanding of what their professional life would look like and to network with some likely future mentors. As a result, our students were armed with confidence and knowledge when enrolling in their chosen higher education institutions. By the end of January, all students were enrolled and had selected degree programs ranging from IT to Accounting.

Inside PEPY’s Youth Empowerment Project at the Learning Center, students have taken part in several fantastic project activities and workshops. Most recently, students participated in a Writing Through Workshop which develops students' critical thinking and writing skills in English. The week-long workshop culminates to each student crafting their own poem utilizing the grammar, creative writing techniques, and literary devices that were taught to them. On February 21^st, Writing Through and the students completed the workshop by having the students share their poems with PEPY staff and each other. The students were incredibly supportive of one another and the poems were inspiring to hear! We will be publishing the poems through our social media and we encourage you to follow us to get inspired (facebook.com/pepyempoweringyouth/)!

There was also an in-depth training and open discussion on reproductive health given by Reproductive Health Association of Cambodia (RHAC) which helped students engage in important discussions about topics that are generally not discussed in their communities. The students were shy at first but felt encouraged by one another to express areas where they hoped to gain more understanding and express concerns. In addition, students were taught basic first aid. 

In early February, 57 students went to Bartia Sarem Gallery, where they saw the oil paintings of local artist Theanly Chov. The students were incredibly inspired by his work that was focused on surviving in society with several students feeling inspired to pursue art as a medium for espressing their beliefs and feelings. 

The participating artist alumni from our "Our Story' Art Showcase and event will be receiving support from PEPY to conduct their own events. Funds from this campaign will go towards the supplies and event costs for artist Chhunly to host his first stand alone art exhibit this year. In addition,aspiring fashion designer Chantuo's material costs will be covered for her to first her own fashion show in the future and for putting together a clothing line. We are so excited to see how their efforts develop and believe in our students chasing their creative dreams. 

In the coming months, our Youth Empowerment students will be working on SDGs and developing their art and dancing skills. The students are enrolled in yoga class and soccer weekly, but will also start to attend Khmer dancing classes. We look forward to updating you on their progress and sharing student stories in the next report!

Links:

• Students on one of their school visits
• Students learn from freelancer & Tourist Guide Phear Kimthuon
• Blog of Our Story Event & PEPY artists