Khmer Youth Association

Self-development is an important component in sharping youth’s future career and leadership. Under the technical and financial support of USAID through Pact Cambodia, Khmer Youth Association (KYA) has been implementing “Voice of Youth Entrepreneurship” to empower young women entrepreneurs and young people to be able to advocate on socio-economic rights at a sub-national level. Potential youth members have been recruited and empowered to explore their interest and leadership skills through their engagement with the project. For instance, Ms. Ra Ratana, 20, who is the early undergraduate student in Food Processing Specialization at the National University of Battambang, has applied for and engaged with the initiative. When her future aim is to run a business in food processing, she chose to participate in social development actions where she could excel skills.

Ratana has attended a training course on Socio-Economic Rights and Civic Leadership skills, where she expanded her knowledge on relevant rights and skills for youth. She also participated in a Camp talk where she shared and discussed business management strategies. In addition to that, she was elected as a vice leader of her community-based youth network because she has shown her potential and earned trust from her peers. She has been determined to become a successful woman as she has intentionally exposed herself in any social and networking events to expand her networks and develop her critical thinking and knowledge, especially in business-related topics. She in particular thought that learning from real entrepreneurs and practical social practices could be another learning platform in addition to classroom learning. Being a leader in her name, she has been advocating for socio-economic rights through meeting with commune councils, addressing concerns and suggesting solutions.

Ratana noted that “I have learned new knowledge and experience in financial management and tips in business management from entrepreneurs who have experience in business in various sector. After joining these events, I realize that I have limited skills and knowledge on the topic above and it is not enough to learn only in university. We need to explore experience and skills from specialists and experienced entrepreneurs. Additionally, training on socio-economic rights and civic leadership skills is a contribution to strengthen my knowledge. I learn new lessons from this training, and I have the confidence to speak up and share my perspective with other participants. In particular, I advocate the knowledge I have learnt among commune members, i.e., socio-economic rights because I think that socio-economic rights are an important subject that we need to promote and address.”

Besides the so-far participation and progress, Ratana commits to continue leading the Community-based Youth Network members to work with commune councils. She would monitor and follow upon the activities and issues which have been raised and discussed with commune councils to ensure the momentum of the social development. Likewise, she said to mobilize other youths to join her team in initiating new activities for social development. At the same time, she will put efforts in disseminating all the knowledge and experiences she has acquired from this program with her classmates.

“I encourage youth to strengthen knowledge and skills because it is one way that helps ourselves and society. Additionally, youth should participate in community development through volunteer work because youth is the bone of the national building.” Ratana added.

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