Building the confidence of young people in Cambodia

Twenty-two-year-old Chanrath is filled with energy. Chanrath is one of 26 young people from 13 different communities in Svay Rieng who were recruited and equipped with the leadership skills to support their peers in developing social and emotional skills.

The training sessions are a part of ChildFund Cambodia’s social and emotional learning project. that aims to build the skills and confidence of children and young people so that they can contribute to their community.  

They start each session by identifying diversity and existing prejudices in their community and then together brainstorm how they could be a more inclusive community. Through the training they build their problem-solving skills and learn how to voice their experiences and ideas to local leaders.

The young leaders then use these skills to advocate for young people who might be socially excluded to, like those living with disability or come from poor families, make sure their experiences are included in community planning.

The project instills a sense of self-awareness, self-management, social and relationship skills and responsible decision-making processes in children and young people.

One participant, Chanrath said she felt hopeless and was going through a difficult period in her life. Her mother was facing health issues and she couldn’t afford to go to university. After attending the training, she felt better equipped to face these challenges. “I feel more driven after joining the program. My communication skills have gotten better, and I am grateful to be able to work in a role that will benefit the next generation and improve the whole community.”

"After the first session, I learned more about myself and I am now keen to build a new me with more self-confidence, a stronger mindset, and more ability to help society," said one participant, Chanrathana, 18, who joined Chanrath's program.

Chanrathana went on to say that she would pass on this knowledge to other children and young people in her village so that they can all become better advocates for those who experience disadvantage or are socially excluded.

ChildFund is collaborating with Santi Sena, a local NGO in Svay Rieng. One project staff member said “the training also encourages children and young people to stay away from joining local gangs and instead encourages them to become role models and contribute to building a better community free from violence.”

This project will run from November 2021 to September 2023 and will directly benefit more than 5,000 children and youth in 13 communities across the Svay Rieng province.