"One thing I am most proud of during my service as a Youth Star volunteer is..."

1."Generally, parents don’t take their children with them to catch fish, but instead they encourage their children to come to my tutoring classes. In addition, school teachers said that the students who come to my tutoring classes improve and try harder in their learning." Mr. SVAY Utdom, Cohort 37, Kratie

2. "When I organized community forum on Community Mapping Results and Out-of-School Children Issues, I noticed an active and supportive participation from Mr. Commune Chief, parents, and teachers. Mr. Commune Chief admired my and other former volunteers’ achievements in improving education of children and creating traditional dancing group." Ms. CHHUN Chanthorn, Cohort 37, Kratie

3. "I learned to adapt myself to new living environment in the community and especially in the host family. They are so kind that it helps me to get along and work well with them in the community, which is totally contrast from me before who was not so confident and barely spoke to everyone around me." Ms. SONG Sary, Cohort 37, Prey Veng

4. "My host family is so kind and caring, and treat me like their daughter, making me feel as though I am the eldest daughter in the family. I became close friend to everyone in house. Likewise, teachers and villagers are so kind to me, and it always get me excited when they call me "teacher”." Ms. GNAK Reaksa, Cohort 37, Svay Rieng

5. "I have a strong bond with the villagers, especially, my host family. We became truly intimate. To the students, we are so close and open to one another like a sister and a brother. Often, the parents send climbing wattle and rubber bands with their children to me." Ms. LENG Monika, Cohort 37, Kratie

6. "Most parents send their children to learn with me, who earlier were not easily convinced, but thanks to several home visits, they changed their mind. Their parents are thankful for me, and they are so happy to see their children trying to study at home. That’s not it, some parents even sent me something and snacks to express their gratitude for me." Ms. POEUN Sreymom, Cohort 38, Kampong Thom

7. "I helped a girl at grade 5, who is also my student in tutoring class. It was difficult for her to do mathematics no matter how small the calculation was. After a while of coaching, she made a big change in learning. Every night she reads and learns to remember the multiplication table. Her parents were so thankful for me and told me that their daughter improve so much, try to learn harder, and particularly do Sampeah (putting palms together in front of one’s chest and bow to show respect) before and after school." Ms. POK Salin, Cohort 38, Kampong Thom

8. "A grandma who is a seller in school likes and respects me so much. She always asks questions and talks to me. Her grandchildren are my students. Every time I go to school, she puts snacks, water, and sour fruits into my bike basket without me realizing it. I am so excited but considerate because it happens quite often." Mr. CHHOEUN Chhut, Cohort 38, Kampong Thom

9. "My host family loves and cares so much about me. They are so helpful and always seek to support me. Also, morality of youth club members got better after I guided and showed them a good role model in addition to school director’s intervention. They respect and help one another. Seeing that, the teachers and parents are so happy and thankful for our effort so far." Mr. KHEAN Devit, Cohort 38, Kampong Thom

10. "On the day I organized community forum on community mapping results and out-of-school children issues, I saw active participation from parents and local authority. At the beginning, I managed it on my own, yet soon after that, teachers and local authority came to help and support me until the end of the forum. I am so grateful for them who took part and alleviated my challenges so far in the time of need." Ms. VA Sokney, Cohort 38, Kampong Thom