Work Experence, Next Phase in Child Development Begins

As the school holiday from August to September commences so has the work experience program designed to introduce children fifteen and older with skill-building and responsibility. AP staff and volunteers are pairing up with eight children to support them in finding an internship in their field of interest. So far, four children have successfully begun their work placement. The children are matched with local business partners whose managers care for the growth and well being of the children. Weekly check-ins with their supervisors keeps the AP staff alert as to what type of work they are doing to ensure they are having a positive experience. Below, the internships of four residents are outlined.

Hair Stylist and Beautician- Eighteen year old Theara is working at Eriq Amtalla Hairdressing in Phnom Penh. Here she is learning the basics of being a hairdresser and beautician by professional stylists from around the world. As her teachers and many of the clientele are English speakers, she is gaining the added experience of learning the business through the English language. After only three weeks in this position her confidence has greatly improved.

Video Production Company Interns - Rotha, age sixteen and Chiev, age seventeen, are working with Mr. Tim Vann at his video production company. Mr. Vann is the current AP film education teacher and taught these two students in last year's film class. This work experience will expand upon their film production knowledge in a professional setting that includes working on television series and pilot projects.

Sales Clerk - Srey Mach, age fifteen, working at a local stationary store. Her experience revolves around customer service and business. She is now entering 9th grade and has expressed interest in going into business and management.

Along with work experience, the children will participate in workshops that begin the discussion and thought process for the future living outside of Aziza's Place. This includes talks with professionals in various industries. This program is in its early stages and will lead to support in finding vocational training, entering the job market, and applications for those eligible for university. The first graduate is expected next year.

AP supporters can join our initiative to help residents transition to adulthood by becoming a mentor. Mentoring is possible through guided and supervised emails with our residents. This is a great opportunity to share your experiences and advice. If you are interested in mentoring, simply reply to this newsletter email and we will send you more details. We will again call on our generous supporters when our graduates are preparing to attend university. At that time you will have the opportunity to sponosor a resident, with enrollment costs averaging about $500 per term. Aziza's Place is grateful to the community in Phnom Penh and around the world that is working to secure a future full of opportunity for our resident children.