DARA Europe supports programs and projects in Andong, near the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh. Mai heads the local team working to break the cycle of poverty in the neighborhood. His key word is connection.
“Mai is a key figure for our assistance to the community in Andong,” says Tirza Voss, founder of DARA Europe and initiator of the Cambodian NGO Stellar Child Care Organization (SCCO). “Mai has been working for SCCO since 2015, where he leads the local team and plays a linking role for all the activities we organize there to give children a better future.”
Connection is at the heart of the work in Andong, Mai agrees. “The support of DARA Europe makes educational programs and family support possible for children growing up in very difficult circumstances. It is then essential that there are good contacts between the families, the schools and foundations such as SCCO and DARA Europe. From my position I signal, for example, if a child needs extra support. Then I look for the right support in consultation with the local government, influential people in the community, and SCCO board members and partners. It is also important that families are actively involved in this so that they contribute positively to the solution.”
Mai also makes a strong case for the quality of education programs and the other SCCO activities that DARA Europe co-funds. “To ensure effective implementation of programs and projects, we monitor day-to-day implementation. We report regularly on progress and results, and we suggest improvements. How we work together within the team, how we create commitment for our approach in the community, how we involve our local and international stakeholders – everything has to be right to break the cycle of poverty in Andong.”
SCCO’s focus is on education for children and youth. But the success of a school career is largely determined by the family situation. That is why DARA Europe also focuses on so-called family-based care. Mai: “If parents do not earn enough money to support the family, it is often difficult for the children to go to school. We motivate parents to make the importance of education clear to their children. In addition, we invest in projects that make families more financially resilient.” For example, SCCO provides workshops and coaching to teach families how to manage money, as well as micro-credits for entrepreneurs.
DARA Europe’s commitment is about much more than giving money, Tirza also emphasizes. “Financial support is of course necessary to put basic facilities in order. But we make the positive impact for the community in Andong mainly by involving the right people. We achieve our results thanks to experienced and driven professionals like Mai, who work daily with heart and soul on improvements, always from a long-term perspective.” DARA Europe regularly organizes educational weekends for SCCO’s team to jointly develop new plans and continuously strengthen mutual cooperation.
In his eight years at SCCO, Mai has seen many changes in Andong. For the better. “Roads have been built in the neighborhood, and better houses have come. But at least as important as the improvements in the physical environment are the social developments. More and more children are attending school, and school dropouts have been reduced. With career coaching and scholarships, we guide young people to a good education and a job with future prospects. Our efforts thus play an important role in the improved living conditions and resilience of families.”
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