Cambodia

Pisey is an 11-year-old grade 6 student from Kampong Chhnang province. She lives with her parents and two siblings. Her father is a fisherman, and her mother works as a small seller. The family has long struggled financially, often earning only enough for daily food. Despite this, her parents strongly support their three children continuing learning.

"Collaborating closely between the School-Based Child Protection Mechanism and the Community-Based Child Protection Mechanism is crucial for solving issues and protecting children from violence, while also enhancing their mental and physical health," stated Meng Heang, who effectively handled and referred child protection cases at his school.

Meng Heang is a 56-year-old school principal at a primary school located in a rural area of Kang Meas district, Kampong Cham, Cambodia, where some schools still face ongoing challenges, as many children report experiencing various forms of violence both at school and in the community.  These issues persist due to the ineffective child protection system.

In the coastal province of Koh Kong, located in the west of Cambodia, 28-year-old Saychhun used to work hard on agriculture through the traditional way. “I often face obstacles in growing vegetables while striving to generate additional income for my family.” She recalled that her crops were often damaged by pests/disease, and heavy rain, which led to low productivity and income losses,” said Saychhun.

As a young mother living with her husband, elderly parents, and 4-year-old daughter, who studies in grade 2, the pressure was immense. Her husband works in construction, and Saychhun earned a living by fishing, but the fish stocks declined, they struggled to cover basic daily expenses, school supplies, and medical needs.