An article from Philip Cornish, Melbourne Rotary
EYC operates three rented schools in the slum districts of Phnom Penh, with 700 students attending. The Rotary Club of Melbourne has provided financial assistance for this project for some six years with an average of 40 students being chosen and supported each year. Students selected for scholarships have become from an economically challenged family background; have good academic performance and are outstanding in EYC Schools. They also display leadership potential and would not otherwise be able to further their education without assistance. EYC only provides partial scholarships and it is expected that the family of the student covers the rest.
The program engages social workers who have worked with students and families to help navigate through the issues and circumstances that prevented their children obtaining a quality education. The current program assists approximately 63 selected students, both male and female, with the opportunity to attend high school, and a further four highly motivated and talented students to attend University. The actual number selected will depend on achieving budget but at present there is a shortfall of US$4,500 out of total budgeted expenditure of US$17,850. It is hoped that District 9800 will help bridge this gap.