FROM UWS TO UNIVERSITY: MAO SREYKHIEM’S JOURNEY

Growing up in rural Cambodia, where educational opportunities are scarce, Sreykhiem faced a future seemingly determined by her circumstances. Her parents and eldest sister all left primary school early to support the family through farming.

In Rural Cambodia…

• • The average child attends school for just seven years (LSMS, 2019)

• • Only 17% of young people complete secondary school (LSMS, 2020).

• • Only 8% of young people aged 18-22 years are attending higher education (LSMS, 2019)

Yet, thanks to UWS supporters like you, Sreykhiem has defied the odds.

From UWS, to secondary school, to today – enrolled as a first-year Information Technology (IT) student at the Digital University of Cambodia.

This is the power of giving to UWS. By funding access to quality, inclusive education, you also fund the tools and support needed to dream and succeed, and that those tools can transform lives like Sreykhiem’s.

In Cambodia, we’re proud to share that 95% of UWS students go on to secondary education or vocational training (January 2023), breaking the cycle that has trapped generations of families in poverty and illiteracy.

Today, Sreykhiem stands tall as a testament to the power of education. 

Her hard work and dedication earned her a coveted 100% scholarship in IT. Looking back, she credits UWS for opening her mind, building her confidence, and igniting her passion for learning.

Her success story is a powerful reminder of the ripple effect of education.

By investing in primary education, you’re not just supporting individual children, you’re supporting them to create better futures for their families, communities and countries.