A restaurateur, a nursing student, an English teacher at Pannasastra University and a consultant for UNAIDS were invited to talk to students at a  careers day organised by education NGO PEPY (Promoting Education, Empowering Youth) on March 10 at Kralanh High School.

It was designed to give students an idea of career options after high school, as well as goals and how to achieve them. It also aimed to motivate the students to stay in school, letting them hear from successful Khmers to whom they could relate. .

“We did a survey at Kralanh High School with teachers, students and parents and we found that many students were lacking important information and also suffering a loss of confidence,” says PEPY project manager Lida Loem. “They didn’t know what was happening outside of their village. We thought we should do something for them, bring someone who could motivate them and encourage them about their future.” Four speakers were invited to talk to the students. Topics discussed included the steps needed to be followed to become a medical professional, the importance of dreaming, and how to prepare for the future. “We had one speaker, Sor Srurn, talking about problem-solving,” says Loem. “Another speaker, Pao Limdy, talked about how to become a doctor.” Chan Saryroth, the owner of Selantra restaurant, talked about her many dreams and how she achieved them. “She was great,” says Loem. “All the students were interested in what she had to say. We also had Hasis Piseth who teaches at Pannasastra. He talked about opportunity, and making decisions after high school.” Also on the horizon, on May 26, is a Skills Fair for students in grades ten, eleven and twelve at Kralanh High School.  The idea is for young people to learn about different types of organisations and gain a better understanding of the various jobs within.

“We will invite companies from different sectors like banking, NGOs and hotels and get them to list all the jobs in that sector,” says Loem. Students will be able to talk to representatives from different fields, asking them questions about their job. There will also be a session on ASEAN integration and general job skills such as interview technique and CV writing.