EYC is a collection of hundreds of talented young people hungry for change and the chance to create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
EYC students range in age from 6 to 24 years old and live in slum communities where their families typically lack job prospects, have low levels of education, have 3-6 children, and live at or near the poverty level.
Despite their circumstances, our students have strength and determination, and we see them thrive when surrounded by like-minded peers in a positive and supportive environment.
With over 50% of our staff made up of current and former students, our team strongly represents the individuals and communities we serve. Our team of paid staff and volunteers are dedicated to helping young people gain the confidence needed to achieve their goals. They are passionate about supporting their communities and contributing to a positive future for Cambodia.
Raphaël Poutignat - Managing Director
Raphaël holds a Master’s degree in Economics and International Development and completed different courses in humanitarian project management, child protection, and education. After a brief experience in the private sector in France as an Economist, he moved to South America, where he worked for the protection and the education of children, teenagers, and youths among the most marginalized in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Quito (Ecuador).
In 2018, he started to work in Cambodia, managing a youth student center in which he implemented a vocational training center for students from rural areas coming to study in Phnom Penh. After this and before joining EYC, he worked for First Step Cambodia, a local NGO supporting survivors of sexual abuse in Cambodia as a Development Manager.
Sonoeurn Soem - Education Coordinator and Partnership Manager
Sonoeurn brings 5 years of experience in program management as EYC’s Education Coordinator and Partnership Manager. She helps EYC form and nurture partnerships with vocational schools, career counselors, and academic advisors. Before joining EYC in 2018, Sonoeurn successfully pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
Chhenghak Veng - Outreach Program Manager
Chhenghak brings 10 years of professional experience in communications and outreach. A former EYC alumna, since 2013 she is now our Outreach Program Manager. Among her duties, Chhenghak manages student funds, finds eye clinic and birth control clinic partnerships for the EYC medical program, and provides sexual education trainings to EYC students. She holds a Bachelor’s in Community Development.
Rany Prak - Education Program Manager
Rany is an expert in academic management with 20 years of experience working in the education sector. He began his career in early 2004 as a public-school teacher, then transitioned to his role at EYC in 2011 where he now serves as the Education Program Manager. Rany teaches English at the Aziza Thmey School and holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration.
Kunthea Sun - Finance, HR, and Admin Manager
Kunthea brings 14 years of work experience, including 4 years as an educator and over 9 years in finance with non-governmental organizations. Her core competencies include financial planning, budgeting, accounting systems, and facilitation. Additionally, she has a working knowledge of taxation and the education sector. She is passionate about social development and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance and TESOL.
EYC has built a reputation as an effective, professional, and compassionate organization which has enabled us to forge quality partnerships that enhance our work.
With over 27 partner organizations and international volunteers, we are able to deliver expanded programming and opportunities to our students and communities. Our partnerships provide free or reduced medical and dental clinics, English tutoring, music classes, and more.
Formed in 2015, EYC’s Board of Directors is composed of a dedicated group of volunteers both in Cambodia and outside of the country working to support the organization and ensure correct governance and long-term sustainability. Click below to meet our board.
