The Impact of an Opportunity Lasts a Lifetime

When Synoeun joined EYC in 2006, she was a 16-year-old garment factory worker who had left school because her family could no longer afford her education. The future she imagined felt out of reach. EYC offered her a second chance.

Eleven years ago, Synoeun shared her story in the video below.

Today, nearly twenty years after joining EYC as a student, she reflects on that experience in her own words.

Synoeun Reflects on Her EYC Journey

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Empowering Youth in Cambodia (EYC) in 2026, I find myself reflecting on a journey that began two decades ago – a journey that redefined my future.

My history with EYC began in November 2006 at Aziza School. At sixteen, my reality was defined by working in a garment factory and dropping out of school due to family financial hardship. However, EYC offered a “second chance” that felt like a distant dream. Today, I stand before you not as the school dropout I once was, but as a successful scholar and leader.

My academic and professional milestones are a testament to the power of EYC’s mission:

• 2025: Completed a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education (Sydney, Australia).
• 2015: Participated in a prestigious international exchange program at Bridgewater State University (USA).
• 2012 -2024: I progressed from a teaching position to the role of Program Director at EYC.
• Current: Serving as an Alumni Member of the Board of Directors, dedicated to guiding the organization that once guided me.

Education is the catalyst that allowed me to break the cycle of poverty. Beyond traditional academics, EYC provided the “bright light” needed in marginalized communities: English proficiency, digital literacy, and essential leadership training. These programs are more than just classes; they are lifelines for students facing unstable socio-economic conditions.

The soft skills and professional development I acquired through EYC built the foundation for my career. Furthermore, the global network of friends and mentors I gained through this community continues to be a cornerstone of my professional success.

The culture of “giving back” is deeply ingrained in the EYC’s DNA. It has been my distinct honor to transition from a student to a volunteer, a donor, and now a board member. Investing in EYC is not just a donation; it is a direct investment in human potential. I have seen firsthand how every dollar transforms lives.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish to thank our founder, Drew McDowell, as well as our donors, teachers, volunteers, and partners. Your belief in our potential allows us to reach heights that once seemed impossible.

I am a proud product of EYC, and I am steadfast in my commitment to carrying forward the legacy of empowerment and excellence that this organization planted in me.