LOLC Cambodia, the leading microfinance institution in Cambodia, organised a December 25 special social initiative to support the education of the children of Ratanakkiri province, by providing essential materials which will enable 3,400 students to further their studies.

The programme reflects the company’s strong commitment to supporting the education sector as well as the community as a whole. 

The programme benefited students across 20 schools in Ratanakkiri Province, with 3,400 school bags and 34,000 books distributed. 

The northeastern province is one of the Kingdom’s remotest, with the majority of families practicing subsistence farming, making it the perfect location for a humanitarian gesture from a philanthropic institution like LOLC.

The schools involved in the initiative were : Lum Primary School, Pak Touch Primary School, Pak Thom Primary School, Ta Ke Primary School, Kong Yuk Primary School, Pak Primary School, Kong Thom Primary School, Lum Kam Primary School, Som Kol Primary School, Kres Primary School,  Samdech Oum Mea Yak Poy Primary School, Som Trak Thmey Primary School, Pa Dol Primary School, Som Thom primary school (Som Kaninh), Pak Po Primary School, Eka Pheap Primary School, Krala Primary School, Tang Nong Lei Primary School, Kam Primary School and Loun Kren Primary School, each of them in Ratanakkiri Province.

Sok Voeun, CEO of LOLC, personally attended the event, accompanied by senior management and numerous team members. Their participation in the programme showcased their commitment to providing essential learning materials to students and inspiring them to work diligently toward achieving their future dreams.

“Education is the cornerstone of development and the foundation for a bright future. At LOLC, we believe that all the students here are like bamboo shoots, which will grow into strong bamboo, becoming a vital pillar in contributing to our country's development. Your education at every level deserves our utmost attention and support,” Sok Voeun told the attendees.

He added that this program is part of LOLC's ongoing social initiatives, which include providing school materials – especially to schools in rural areas – offering transportation for underprivileged students, and supplying essential resources to schools. These efforts aim to enhance students' well-being and support continuous improvements in their education.

The principal of Lum Primary School, one of the 20 schools benefiting from this initiative, expressed his profound appreciation for the support provided by LOLC.

“What LOLC has done for us with the distribution of these study materials is an immensely powerful thing,” he shared.

These donations hold incredible significance for both me and my students. Many of the children at our school come from underprivileged backgrounds, and our campus is situated in a remote rural area where access to resources is limited,” he explained.

He noted that the provision of the new study materials will play a crucial role in easing the financial burden on the families of the students.

“This initiative will not only support the students as they continue on their educational journey; it will also serve as a powerful motivator, inspiring them to work diligently and strive towards achieving their academic and personal goals,” he added.

The principal’s deep happiness and gratitude demonstrated the exceptional significance LOLC’s bold initiative holds for his school, and the wider community.

LOLC remains committed to supporting the education sector. As part of their activities, LOLC organised the program to distribute study materials, including school bags and notebooks, to students. 

While these items may seem simple, they play a crucial role in ensuring students have the necessary resources for their studies and inspiring them to work hard to achieve their dreams.

The event concluded successfully, leaving happy smiles on the faces of students, teachers, the LOLC team and the entire community. 

LOLC remains dedicated to such humanitarian initiatives and has prepared over 7,000 additional study materials, including bags and books, to be distributed to students in the near future.

LOLC is one of the largest microfinance institutions in Cambodia, with total assets exceeding $1.57 billion and more than 3,652 experienced employees as of September 2024. LOLC is committed to creating lasting positive impact in the community by promoting sustainable financial inclusion, providing exceptional customer care and generating value for all stakeholders.

LOLC takes pride in driving positive change and delivering lasting benefits to the community. The institution remains committed to continuing its social initiatives, including supporting education, promoting welfare, and enhancing financial literacy within the community.