Residing in a metropolis provides us quick access to training and numerous data sources. Nevertheless, have you ever ever thought of the training challenges confronted by kids in rural areas? Even acquiring a fundamental training in major and secondary faculty is usually a tough journey for them.
Phong Makara, a 24-year-old from Chi Meal Village, confronted quite a few challenges to attend faculty. Regardless of these struggles, he remained decided to be taught and efficiently accomplished highschool. Nevertheless, he was unsure about learn how to fulfill his dream of going to college. Then, to his amazement, he obtained a scholarship via the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Mission.
“My identify is Phong Makara from Chi Meal village in Andong Teuk commune, Botum Sakor district, Koh Kong province. I’m a third-year Pure Useful resource Administration and Growth pupil on the Royal College of Phnom Penh (RUPP) and the youngest of three siblings,” says Makara.
“Throughout my major faculty years, finding out was a problem attributable to my household’s monetary state of affairs. My mom, a resilient widow, labored tirelessly to assist each my training and our household’s wants. As I transitioned to highschool, our monetary circumstances grew much more tough, with overwhelming bills for our research. Regardless of typically feeling helpless, I discovered power in contributing at dwelling by chopping wooden, amassing inexperienced leaves, and gathering grass for animal feed. Strolling 2 kilometers every day to highschool from grade 1 to grade 12 was a each day take a look at, particularly and not using a bicycle or motorcycle like many friends. My mom’s dedication impressed me as she labored to make sure my siblings and I may pursue greater training, a dream she had been disadvantaged of in her youth. Fortunately, she gained data in sanitation and literature, permitting her to be taught to learn. My mom, Sum Savorn, sells snacks like truffles and sweets, embodying exhausting work and perseverance. My father, Num Phorn, has handed away, however his reminiscence fuels my ambition to beat adversity,” ponders Makara.
Makara found a glimmer of hope when Wildlife Alliance, via the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Mission, introduced scholarship alternatives in his village. Fueled by dedication, he poured his coronary heart into the appliance course of.
“I first realized about this scholarship from our village and commune chief. Inspired by my household and the village chief, I made a decision to use, and once I obtained the scholarship, I used to be overwhelmed with pleasure. Upon my arrival in Phnom Penh, I rapidly realized that finding out and residing within the metropolis have been a world other than the agricultural village I had identified. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces, I additionally confronted a fierce competitors for job alternatives.

”My mom holds the scholarship in excessive regard”
My mom holds the scholarship in excessive regard, because it generously covers my college tuition for 4 years right here in Phnom Penh. After I graduate, I aspire to turn out to be an environmental officer and am desirous to return to my neighborhood. I sit up for sharing invaluable data concerning the significance of defending our forests and wildlife. Moreover, I hope to assist my mom whereas inspiring my pals and the youthful technology in my village to work diligently of their research and domesticate a deep appreciation for nature,” says Makara with a smile.
Makara is crammed with deep gratitude for Wildlife Alliance, particularly Dr. Suwanna Gauntlett, the CEO and Founder, and the Ministry of Surroundings for initiating the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Mission scholarship program. This outstanding initiative helps underprivileged college students who aspire to pursue a college training in Phnom Penh for 4 years, offering important sources reminiscent of lodging, a month-to-month allowance, tuition charges, provides, clothes, medical insurance, and medicines. Makara needs for the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Mission and Wildlife Alliance to proceed thriving, empowering extra underprivileged college students to grab the chance to observe their desires and pursue their research in Phnom Penh, simply as he has.