LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
EYC offers a comprehensive 3-year leadership program, featuring a curriculum developed in-house in 2022. The first two years are designed for students aged 13-18, focusing on foundational leadership skills and concepts. In Year 3, known as The Team Leader Program, we specifically target students aged 16-22 to further enhance their leadership capabilities.
During the first and second years, students are engaged in various learning modules that cover essential topics such as critical thinking development, decision making, personal organization, and entrepreneurship basics.
The Team Leader Program in Year 3 enables youth volunteers to apply their leadership skills by managing sports programs and participating in school and community service projects. Additionally, we conduct monthly sessions that promote critical thinking, self-confidence, gender equality, solidarity, and other pressing issues relevant to today’s youth. Over 50 Team Leaders participate each year, a nod to its success and popularity among EYC students.
EYC’s Leadership Program has grown to become one of our most impactful initiatives. Thanks to funding from a USAID initiative in Cambodia, we conduct leadership workshops every three months, along with an annual leadership retreat. These opportunities allow students to gain insights into Cambodian labor trends, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the rapidly growing tech sectors in the country.
TVET Program
In 2023, EYC began its TVET program, which empowers individuals with practical skills essential for establishing sustainable livelihoods. Our program bridges the gap between traditional education and the demands of the workforce, particularly in sectors experiencing a shortage of skilled labor. We equip our students with industry-relevant capabilities after carefully selecting formal training providers, including The Don Busco Institute and Training Center, Mith Samlanh, Pour Un Sourire d’Enfants, and the National Polytechnique Institute.
While still in its early phases, EYC has already provided access to professional training for 14 students, and has conducted on-site visits of training providers with groups of 10 students.
Sometimes, due to financial or familial constraints, our students’ best options are not always to pursue pathways in higher education. We recognize that and understand the challenges faced by our students, leading us to adapt to their needs. Because of the delicate nature of this decision, EYC’s social work team carefully considers candidates to the TVET program, taking into account students’ academic work, familial and financial situation, and demonstrated motivation.
ART & MUSIC
Art and Music are not offered in Cambodian public schools. Through piano, guitar, flute, singing, and art classes, we give our students exposure to various art forms.
Art and Music offer children a different way to express themselves and interact with the world around them. Broadening their perspectives helps them think in new ways and brings joy, happiness, and confidence.
SPORTS
While exercise is not a part of the culture for many Cambodians, the benefits of exercise for both physical and mental health can be life-changing. EYC’s sports program provides students with a chance to get healthy, reduce stress, build confidence, and enjoy a little time out from their lives in the slum communities.
Sports help keep students from dropping out of school and provide a positive peer group that is an alternative to gangs and violence. Over 200 students participate annually in Cycling, Football, Yoga, Ultimate Frisbee, Swimming, Dance, and Ju-Jitsu.