COUNTRY – PROBLEM
Cambodia is a country located in Southeast Asia, on the Indochinese Peninsula. More than four million of its inhabitants are at risk of poverty, and one of the major challenges for further development of the country is access to education. According to the World Bank’s 2019 report, more than 30% of children under the age of 5 suffer from stunted development, and only 36% of children aged 3-5 are in early childhood education. According to UNICEF, about 25% of children in the third grade of primary school cannot write and only 45% of students aged 17 still attend school. Children and young people in Cambodia drop out of school for a number of reasons, the most common being insufficient preparation for entry into primary education (as a result of, for instance, a lack of early childhood education), teachers who are insufficiently prepared to teach, as well as a lack of learning ability in the students themselves. Schools in Cambodia are often also violent places, where teachers frequently resort to corporal punishment. An additional impediment for access to education is poor infrastructure – including difficult access to water and sanitation. Especially in the poorer and less developed areas of Cambodia, parents often do not understand the value of education and cannot afford to send their children to school. Instead, they have to work to support their families financially. As a result, children and young people often become involved in criminal activities.
ORGANISATION
Tiny Toones is an organisation that aims to provide a safe environment for children and young people who are at risk of drug addiction, domestic/sexual violence or joining criminal groups in Cambodia, among others. In its activities, the organisation focuses on channelling the energy and creativity of its beneficiaries into breakdancing and hip-hop, as well as into education. This also serves to build up their self-esteem which will be crucial for them in the future, when looking for jobs or fulfilling their dreams. The organisation also offers a range of educational opportunities – from English language learning and IT courses to healthy lifestyle classes.
PROJECT SUPPORTED BY KF
The Kulczyk Foundation has supported the activities of Tiny Toones by financing a performance with the participation of students – the beneficiaries of the organisation. The Foundation has also helped cover administrative costs related to the organisation’s activities.
