Each student in rural areas deserves the chance to pursue higher education and fulfill their dreams. 16 of our scholars have been able to do so. Witnessing the graduation of five of our scholarship students from the first batch (2021-2024) from the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) this year has been a truly inspiring and uplifting experience.
The graduates include Tith Sur and Bun Brakthin, who majored in Information Technology Engineering; On Soknoeun and Pich Savary, who majored in Tourism Management; and Chom Tong, who majored in International Business Management.
Tith Sur, representing the Areng community in Koh Kong province, expressed gratitude to the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project, Wildlife Alliance (WA), and the Ministry of Environment (MoE) for the scholarship opportunity.
“I am committed to contributing to protecting our forests and wildlife,” he said.
On Soknoeun, a graduate from Chiphat commune, Thmar Baing district in Koh Kong province, committed to creating initiatives to promote unique ecotourism in her community.
Another graduate, Chom Tong, is soon to intern at the US Embassy in Phnom Penh. He expressed his excitement and gratitude for the support provided to underprivileged students’ university education for four years.
“I want to use my knowledge and skills to improve my community through ecological initiatives,” Tong said.
He highlighted the importance of fostering relationships between visitors and residents in Chiphat commune to create sustainable businesses and build good relationships between customers and suppliers, and the need to improve and sustain Chiphat’s natural resources, such as waterfalls and mountains, to benefit the community and boost the local economy.
The scholarship program, under the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project, believes that this achievement will inspire other students, as it has built strong relationships and improved the local economy, allowing parents to support their children’s education.
These five students, coming from rural areas, have shown remarkable dedication and commitment to their education. Through their hard work, they have completed their studies and are now ready to make a positive impact in their communities. Their achievements serve as a beacon of hope for other students.
Their expressions of joy and gratitude serve as undeniable proof that their dreams are becoming a reality. Wildlife Alliance takes immense pride in their achievements and commemorated their success on June 29, 2024.
The Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project has played a major role in paving their future. We look forward to seeing the positive changes they will bring to their communities.
