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.
Synoeun Nov - Program Director
A former student, volunteer, Team Leader, Assistant Teacher, School Manager, and Program Manager, Synoeun has made numerous contributions to the organization through her involvement in leadership development of students and programs for youth over the past twelve years.
In 2015 she returned from studying one year at Bridgewater State University in the USA.
She is finishing her degree in Media Communications from Pannasastra University of Cambodia and has stepped into a major management position for EYC as Program Director overseeing all EYC operations. Synoeun wanted to give back to EYC for the opportunities it provided to her, and we are lucky to have her skills, leadership, and perspective. See her story here.
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.
