1 in 3 Cambodian children will never finish primary school. This means they face a potential future without prospects, opportunities or hope. ISF provides almost 700 underprivileged Cambodian children with a comprehensive fast-track education programme, allowing them to 'catch up' to the correct grade for their age and join government-provided schooling.
We focus on children from the slums of the capital Phnom Penh who have never been able to attend school or have had to drop out due to extreme poverty. Denied this critical early education, they are left illiterate, lagging behind their peers and lacking in confidence. Without education they are vulnerable to ill-health, substance abuse and exploitation, and likely to remain trapped in a cycle of poverty.
We provide the children with a comprehensive fast-track education programme, enabling them to complete two years of 'standard' education in one school year. This allows them to 'catch up' to the correct grade for their age and join government-provided schooling. By bringing children back into the state education system we avoid duplicating existing structures and wasting resources.
After two-three years in ISF's programme, when they have caught up to the right grade, ISF students enter government-run state schools. ISF continues to support these children with their education and wider needs until they complete their education and find stable employment. These children will be able to support themselves, their families and communities, ultimately breaking free from the cycle of poverty.
