In the remote villages where we work, we see the same reality again and again:
Children who cannot read or write even after several years in school.
Families who cannot afford notebooks or school uniforms.
Parents who barely know the true value of education.
That is why one of the central pillars of our work is strengthening education at the community level. As you may remember from our past newsletters, we regularly visit primary schools to provide awareness sessions for children and targeted training for teachers. zu geben und Lehrkräfte gezielt weiterzubilden.
Because education protects!
It is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery..
Education protects against exploitation. But where education is lacking, the risk grows.
Even today, Cambodia faces a severe education gap – especially in rural areas..
According to a UNICEF study from 2023::
- 12.6% of children do not complete primary school,
- more than 50% never finish grade 9,
And graduation alone says little about actual learning levels, as many children in Cambodia simply “slip” through the grades.
- Only 8% of 15-year-olds can read at a minimum level, and just 10% reach basic math skills.
This is exactly what we witness in the villages where we work. By the end of grade 3, many children still cannot read or write properly. They feel discouraged and often consider dropping out of school entirely.
For some families, the daily struggle for survival outweighs any thought of investing in their children’s future through education.
Cambodia’s history also plays a role: under the Khmer Rouge, education was deliberately destroyed, leaving deep scars across generations.
And for many parents, even the cost of school supplies is too high. They face impossible choices: should the little money they have go to school fees and materials – or to food, medicine, and other essentials of daily life?
The consequences are devastating.
It is clear: without access to quality education, children grow up with little to no chance of finding decent work later in life. This makes them highly vulnerable to exploitative labor conditions. Very few people in rural Cambodia ever see a proper employment contract – and even fewer are able to understand what it says.
Most are not even aware of their basic rights.
This is why both employers and criminal networks find it so easy to exploit people in Cambodia and beyond, treating them as commodities rather than human beings.
Debt drives dependency.
Another pressing issue is microcredit. The contracts are complex, and most borrowers cannot fully understand the terms. In fact, many lack even the basic numeracy skills needed to calculate how much interest they will have to pay. According to one study, nearly 50% of Cambodians are either already over-indebted or at risk of becoming so. Debt pushes families into desperation – leaving them more likely to accept dangerous or exploitative job offers.
OUR IMPACT – DIRECTLY ON THE GROUND
Together with teachers and local leaders, we carefully identify which children and families are most at risk – those who do not attend school regularly, or who have already dropped out.
These are the families we visit regularly. We encourage parents and children to prioritize education, and we support them wherever possible: through extra lessons, playful learning activities, addressing urgent family needs, and awareness raising.
Another key priority is to strengthen and equip teachers through targeted training, empowering them in their crucial role.
Another key pillar of our work is providing essential school materials – ensuring that financial barriers no longer stand in the way of children’s access to education.
While education in Cambodia is officially free, families must still pay for uniforms, notebooks, pens, school bags, and other materials – costs that are unaffordable for many.
Our goal is simple: we want more children in these villages to attend school, to stay in school, and to graduate. This also gives us the opportunity to teach them about the dangers of human trafficking and exploitation – and how they can protect themselves.
This year, we aim to provide up to 700 children with the school materials they need to access education. Last year, thanks to your support, we were able to equip more than 1,000 children.
What touched us deeply was the genuine gratitude and joy expressed by children, parents, teachers, and village leaders alike.
VOICES FROM THE VILLAGES - REAL STORIES
THE VOICE OF A GIRL FROM THE BRICK FACTORY
While distributing school kits last year, a 9-year-old girl approached Keany and asked if she, too, could receive one. In her arms, she carried her baby brother, just one year old.
This moment deeply touched us – and we decided to visit the girl and her family.
She lives with four siblings inside a brick factory, under extremely difficult conditions. None of the school-aged children in this family had ever been able to attend school – simply because they lacked the most basic items like notebooks, pencils, and a school uniform.
Since then, we have been accompanying this family and providing their three school-aged children with school kits. The parents are overjoyed that their children can finally go to school – and for us, it is a powerful motivation to keep going. This year, we will continue to support them, as the family still cannot afford the necessary school materials on their own.
THE VOICE OF A TEACHER
“Thank you for coming to our school with your team to teach.
I can see how positively the students are changing.”
THE VOICE OF A VILLAGE CHIEF
Some time ago, Ratheany asked the chief of one of our villages what he thought of our work there. He responded by saying that ever since we started working in his community, more children have been going to school. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for our efforts – for visiting families, teaching the children, and opening the door to quality education.
He emphasized how much our support is helping his village.
THE VOICE OF A SCHOOL DIRECTOR
The director of one of our partner schools urged us not to leave – but to stay as long as possible. He explained how strongly our work supports and encourages the children.
He shared that it also motivates him in his own role, and that he is deeply thankful for the work we are doing at his school.
WHY WE SHARE THESE STORIES
We do not share these stories to boast.
Everything we describe here is only possible because we are working together – each doing our part:
– through every single childwho refuses to give up on their education
– through parentswho courageously send their children to school
– through teacherswho teach, support, and encourage alongside us
– through our team memberswho regularly visit schools and support struggling families
A very special thank you goes to you – those who donate, pray with us, spread the word, and continue to encourage us.
And above all, we are deeply grateful to God.Without His blessing, none of this would be possible.
Let’s Make This Possible – Together
Will you help us provide 700 school kits for children this year?
Each kit costs between €50 and €80, depending on the child’s grade level — and whether they already have a school backpack, or not.
You can donate yourself, inspire your friends to join in, or even mobilize support within your church or community.
Our goal: 700 school kits
Already funded: 100 school kits
Still missing: 600 school kits
Will you stand with us?
Here’s How You Can Take Action:
DONATE
€50, €80 – or any amount you are able to contribute makes a difference.
SHARE
Spread the word about this campaign in your church, among friends, or at an event.
PRAY
For the children, their families, the teachers, village leaders, and our team on the ground.
Thank you for helping us protect children!
With hope,
Your SEREY Team
