One hundred years ago in Cambodia most families kept together in extended groups. Boys would learn farming from their fathers. Girls would also learn to help out on the farm but would learn child-care from their mothers and quickly become responsible at keeping the house and finances in order. Girls virginity was carefully protected from boys. Although this scenario still exists in some rural areas, Cambodia is becoming more developed and many young people are coming to the cities to seek work. 10-15 years ago Non-Government Organizations seeking to help vulnerable youth provided training but were often not equipping them with skills that would work in the market-place.
Sadly many girls would end up back in the brothels because they were not equipped to survive in the real world. Recently things have changed a lot, more socially responsible businesses are offering good job prospects to hard working youth.
Love146 held a workshop a few weeks ago where training providers and employers discussed their needs with NGO partners so that young men and women who are survivors or at-risk could be better equipped for the workplace. As a result of this workshop connections have been made and vulnerable young people and those leaving shelters will be more likely to get sustainable employment. We hope to publish the results soon.
Thank you for your continued support of this work,
Glenn Miles
Love146 Director of Asia Prevention
