The longer vulnerable children are out of school, the less likely they are to return. While NGOs in Cambodia are able to resume certain daytime activities, public schools will remain closed until the end of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though children are encouraged to study through distance learning, many are unable to access it, don't have the right resources, have to work instead or simply lose motivation. COLT supports more than 100 children during the current global crisis.
With schools being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerable children are facing increased risk of permanent drop out. With limited resources and support at home, it's easy to fall behind. Many are unable to follow lessons as they have to work to support their family facing unemployment. In addition to this, the children are unable to access essential services like school meals and counseling.
By providing the children with hygiene products and awareness campaigns, study materials, counseling and resources for distance learning, we aim to get all the children back on track with their education as quickly as possible. To stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessary preventative measures are being taken, including but not limited to temperature checks, physical distancing, hand washing stations and increased focus on health and hygiene education.
Apart from providing immediate care, maintaining COLT's central position in the community will help families stay connected and support each other. This project will help children and families already living challenging lives survive this extremely difficult time. By making sure the children stay up to date with their education and have access to the right resources to stay safe and healthy, we decrease the risk of them dropping out of school, getting ill and becoming victims of child labor.
