What’s In Store For 2025
2024 was a successful year for Empowering Youth in Cambodia (EYC). Thanks to our dedicated staff, supporters, and strategic partnerships, we enhanced our programming and expanded the scope and quality of our initiatives. The collaboration with skilled volunteers significantly boosted our efforts, especially in STEM education, where their expertise has empowered local teachers and opened new opportunities for our students.
An increase in institutional funding in 2024, reflecting our team’s dedication and innovative spirit, as well as the trust of our partners in our vision, allowed us to further strengthen our programs, particularly our Leadership Program. Longtime partners like Matesabroad have made significant contributions to our English and Computer programs. Additionally, 2024 marked a smooth transition in EYC’s Board Chair, ensuring leadership continuity for future success.
A Look Ahead:
As we approach 2025, EYC is committed to building on this strong foundation by adapting to the evolving needs of our students and communities. One of our top priorities will be to accommodate students’ busy school and work schedules by increasing our evening sessions. We will also strengthen the curriculum across all our programs, ensuring it is both comprehensive and relevant, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the Cambodian labor market.
This year, meaningful partnerships will remain central to our mission, as collaboration brings vital resources and innovative ideas that enrich our initiatives. EYC is dedicated to integrating external expertise while building local competencies and empowering our staff and volunteers to sustain and expand our impact.
Excited for the future, EYC is committed to advancing youth empowerment through education, leadership, and opportunity. With the support of our partners and dedicated team, we are ready to tackle the challenges of 2025 and continue transforming the lives of the 800 young people we serve daily. Outlined below are details on some of our areas of focus for this year.
English Program
We remain committed to training local teachers and enhancing our curriculum in partnership with Matesabroad, a key ally who has been pivotal in improving the quality of our English education. Our 2025 plan includes expanding our library program to offer students an enriched learning environment that fosters a love for reading and access to educational resources. This initiative reflects our dedication to holistic education and empowering youth through knowledge.
STEM Program
In 2025, we will continue delivering our General Computer Program while empowering local teachers to confidently teach new courses in Scratch, LEGO, and robotics. For advanced students, we proudly maintain our partnership with Sabai Code, which allows us to offer specialized learning opportunities. This year, we’re excited to introduce an advanced Arduino course, further enhancing our students’ technical skills and career readiness. Our approach aims to engage more students in this field, opening doors to rewarding professional opportunities in the Cambodian labor market.
Scholarships
EYC remains committed to offering scholarships for high school, university, and vocational training. In 2025, we aim to increase support for university students, helping them manage home responsibilities, job searches, and income generation. We will also maintain our internship program, targeting 12 interns this year. This initiative provides EYC youth with their first professional experience, equipping them with essential skills, confidence, and connections for their career paths. These efforts reflect our mission to empower students in their education and professional journeys.
Leadership
In 2025, we are excited to expand upon the success of the micro-grant program which was launched in 2024 and empowered students to create and execute their own initiatives. This expansion will offer even more students the chance to enhance their leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills through hands-on experiences, developing projects they are passionate about. Additionally, we plan to invite industry professionals from various fields across Cambodia to engage with EYC students. By sharing insights about their careers and providing valuable mentorship, these experts will help expose students to diverse role models and practical experiences. Our goal is to inspire and equip them for successful career integration.
Social Work
In 2024, our social work initiatives expanded to tackle emerging issues like protecting against online abuse and promoting gender equality. Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to launch a new financial literacy curriculum designed by EYC’s dedicated social work team. Additionally, we remain committed to ensuring that all our students have access to basic healthcare services, prioritizing their well-being as the foundation for their education and development. This expanded focus underscores our commitment to addressing the evolving needs of our community.