In August 2019, the Cambodian Children’s Fund (CCF) launched a new learning center with the support of UNESCO, providing a new learning opportunity for students falling behind in school.
The centre at CCF’s Sambok Chab School started running a Basic Education Equivalency Programme (BEEP), an e-learning-based learning system targeted at Cambodian youth who struggle to complete a basic education.
BEEP is a joint initiative between UNESCO, the MoEYS (Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport), and the MoLVT (Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training). It aims to address dropout issues among Cambodian youth at the lower secondary level.
The programme is free of charge and is open to students aged 14 and over.
Five years on, the programme has been a success at CCF with 45 students completing the course. All the BEEP graduates have continued their learning at technical or vocational schools and found jobs to help support their families.
“With their Grade 9 equivalency certificates in hand, these learners are now poised for the next phase of their educational journey. They can enroll in Technical High Schools or specialized vocational education and training institutions, where they can further develop their skills in fields such as mechanics, hospitality, and information technology, among others, based on their interests. The road to more and better employment opportunities is wide open, and these learners are ready to take the next step forward," said Yeang Sethsamprathna, CCF's Youth Development Manager.
Sreykar: A Beacon of Hope
Like many others in the Steung Meanchey area, Sreykar's family faced financial hardships. Her father, a hardworking tuk-tuk driver, and her mother, a factory worker, struggled to make ends meet. Sreykar had her own struggles at school. She was lagging behind in class, unable to keep pace with her peers. She contemplated dropping out of school.
BEEP offered a chance to bridge the gap between her current situation and a promising future. The programme allowed her to study remotely while attending the center several times a week. Each lesson became a stepping stone toward her aspirations. Sreykar thrived and proudly graduated from the programme, earning a Grade 9 equivalency and armed with a newfound confidence. BEEP provided access to vocational training, enabling Sreykar to explore potential future careers in civil engineering and hospitality. Her heart is now set on a career as a baker. “My aspiration is to provide a better living for my family and get a good job,” says Sreykar.
Visal: From Scavenger to Chef
Growing up in Steung Meanchey, his family’s financial struggles weighed heavily on young Visal’s shoulders. As the eldest child, he had to care for his sisters while his parents toiled as scavengers. Education was a distant dream for Visal. When he was in Grade 9, he thought about dropping out many times due to the family’s situation and his struggle to keep up with lessons. With CCF’s support, Visal was committed to taking the final Grade 9 exam. He failed the exam but was given a second chance with the BEEP and vocational training pathways.
“I think BEEP is very helpful for me. It was like going back to school with a better feeling and understanding of the lessons,” says Visal. BEEP enabled him to see an alternative way toward a brighter future. His destiny was not merely to be a scavenger’s son. Visiting vocational training centres in Cambodia opened his eyes to new possibilities and fuelled his determination to succeed. Where he once failed at school, he stood tall and proud as he graduated from the BEEP programme with fellow CCF graduates. Visal is currently enrolled in a cooking class at one of CCF’s vocational training partners.
