The organisation will launch its second training programme in Siem Reap and Ratanakkiri provinces. Plan International Cambodia
Basking in the success of its last project to train 2,000 poor youth in job skills, Plan International Cambodia announced it will implement a new three-year project in Siem Reap and Ratanakkiri provinces.
Plan International Cambodia deputy country director for programmes Yi Kimthan told The Post on November 12 that in the first four-year project – 2013-2017 – 1,904 students received vocational training.
Of the graduates, 71 per cent received jobs or created occupations of their own. He said it encouraged the organisation to start a new 2020-2023 project – “Skills for Success” – for 1,600 vulnerable youths from Siem Reap and Ratanakkiri.
“Given the successful experience of the old project, Plan International Cambodia decided to continue with this new project. It will contribute to improving economic power and promoting gender equality,” he said.
Kimthan said the focus of the project is on vulnerable students and youths from poor families classified as Level 1 and 2, especially indigenous people. The focus of the new project is also on girls because they can face higher risk of unemployment and dropout because of young marriage.
“We train them in vocational skills by conducting a clear research study into the current needs of the market to determine what skills they should learn to fit the job market and get decent jobs,” he said.
Phun Lat, 24, from Siem Reap province’s Banteay Srei district, dropped out of school in the ninth grade in 2016. Having listened to a Plan International Cambodia presentation about vocational skills, she decided to ask her parents if she could study to be a receptionist.
She said her life changed almost completely from a vulnerable girl to a skills learner. She is currently continuing her reception skills learning at a university and working as a technical trainer at a centre in Siem Reap, according to Plan International Cambodia.
Programme officer Ann Thy said that as part of the first project, the organisation trained youths in skills that met the needs of the job market in Cambodia.
These skills included small motorcycle repair, electronic device repair, computer software, cooking, sewing, construction, plumbing, electricity and air conditioning repair.
“Having gone through the experience of the first project successfully, Plan International and its partners are united behind this new project. Young people have two options. The first training takes place at a skills training centre or an institute. The second training takes place at a workshop or a shop that students can go to directly,” he said.
The organisation is working in cooperation with the Bandos Komar Association, the Regional Polytechnic Institute Techo Sen Siem Reap and the Ratanakkiri Vocational Training Centre.
The implementation of the project is under the assistance of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Plan International Germany.
