In 2020, the National Youth Development Council presented statistics that highlight a concerning disparity in unemployment rates among young females and males. The figures indicate that female youth, aged 15 to 24, encounter an unemployment rate of 21.4%, whereas their male counterparts face a significantly higher rate of 37.2%. This significant figure emphasizes the needs for focused interventions and support mechanisms to address the challenges faced by young individuals in their quest for employment opportunities.
As part of the Youth Livelihood Development Project, FH Cambodia’s Project Intervention aims to tackle this issue by providing vocational skills training to young people, mainly focused on those from the most vulnerable households, who had dropped out of school and limited opportunities to engage in productive activities. One of the skills offered is the art of drink-making. We take pride in announcing that we have successfully trained and assisted 17 young individuals, out of which 15 have ventured into their own businesses in this field. Furthermore, one individual with expertise in drink-making has secured employment with another workplace. For the remaining individual, we are actively working towards creating opportunities for her to pursue her own business as well.
Den Sida, a 20-year-old youth, resides in Trapeang Prasat district, Oddar Meanchey province mentioned that, “Before I participated in the FH Cambodia project in Trapeang Prasat district, I had to discontinue my education in the 7th grade due to family circumstances. Upon completing my studies, I found myself lacking the necessary skills to financially support my family, leading me to work as a noodle vendor in Phnom Penh. However, the low income from this job prompted me to change professions and become a housekeeper for a period of time. The physical strain of the job eventually caused me to cease working and return home. With no means of income to aid my family, I went back to Phnom Penh and briefly worked in a solar factory before resigning and returning home once more. During my absence, I assisted in caring for my sister and managing household duties for my parents. It was during this time that village leaders introduced me to the FH Cambodia project, which aimed to provide free skills training and financial support to young school dropouts. Encouraged by my parents and village leaders, I decided to apply for the program. I had the opportunity to meet with a teacher from the organization, who, along with village leaders, visited my home to explain the project and its benefits in detail. Subsequently, I began studying the skills I had chosen alongside other young individuals who had also applied. Learning this skill brought me joy as it is something I am truly passionate about. Moreover, by interacting with new individuals, I also acquired an additional valuable skill. Now that I have mastered this skill, I am proficient in making coffee, drinks, sandwiches, and even pizza. Currently, I am in the process of setting up a small stall to kickstart my own beverage business. Although I have not started selling yet, I remain optimistic that this skill will provide me with a respectable income, allowing me to support both myself and my family without the need to seek employment far away from home. Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to FH Cambodia for granting me the opportunity to acquire this skill and for imparting crucial knowledge regarding saving and business planning. I am fully committed to investing the necessary effort to ensure the success of this venture and to serve as a positive role model for the young individuals in my community.”