While most students are in full Back-to-School mode here in the United States, AIM School in Cambodia is celebrating the close of another transformative academic year!
AIM School’s academic calendar runs in two semesters, with the second of the year wrapping up in September. This means that while most students are heading back to school in the U.S., our AIM School staff and students are preparing for end-of-year celebrations and graduation!
No matter the differences in schedules, no one can deny the global power of education – a force that not only shapes futures but shields vulnerable children from exploitation.
At AIM School, we’re not just marking the end of classes; we’re celebrating empowered futures. Each child’s progress represents a step further from the risk of trafficking and closer to a future filled with promise. Every milestone reflects the collective impact made possible by supporters like you.
Breaking Barriers | AIM’s Non-Formal Education License Approved
We are thrilled to announce that on July 25th, 2024, AIM School achieved a major milestone. Our Non-Formal Education Program has received its official licensing, allowing us to provide even more comprehensive educational opportunities to at-risk Cambodian youth!
This license enables us to offer:
- Catch-up classes
- Special Education Programs
- English Language Programs
- Computer Training
- Alumni Support Programs
This achievement is more than just a formality. It opens new doors to help empower Cambodian children with knowledge and skills that serve as powerful shields against exploitation.
Honored at ASEAN Forum
The Cambodian Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Services (MOSVY) honored AIM School by selecting our staff and students to represent Cambodia at this year’s ASEAN Children’s Forum! This prestigious recognition highlights the impact AIM is making on the next generation.
Our Deputy Country Director, Sisarat, and AIM School Director, Eng, accompanied the students to Laos, where delegations from the ten ASEAN member states gathered to share their perspectives and discuss critical community issues. Our students proudly participated in meaningful conversations, amplifying the voices of Cambodia’s youth on an international stage.
We are especially honored that MOSVY selected AIM from over 170 NGOs to represent Cambodia. This incredible opportunity not only gave our students a platform to engage globally but also strengthened AIM’s partnership with the Cambodian government in the shared mission to empower and protect vulnerable youth.
Bridging Cultures | U.S. Team Boosts English Skills
In July, we welcomed a dedicated team from the U.S. to AIM School who practiced English with our students. The impact of these language skills is essential for future success, boosts confidence in students’ abilities to communicate and advocate for themselves, and renews enthusiasm for learning!
Unleashing Creativity and Leadership
“Happy Birthday” Card Project
Ready to have your heart melt a little? That’s right, AIM’s elementary students created birthday cards for our staff. Through this act of kindness, students learned that their voices matter and that compassion can create change. Plus, they did a wonderful job and every card was greatly cherished by its recipient!
Inaugural Student Competitions
On August 28th, AIM School hosted its first-ever Student Craft & Food Competition for the Elementary school. This event a first for us, providing the opportunity to give students new experiences, express their abilities, shocase their talents, strengthen courage and confidence, increase communication, and so much more. And those who were not the competing had the opportunity to choose the best through of competition.
Students had to rely on the following:
- Visual: Students have to watch 28 groups of the competition
- Auditory: Students have to listen to presentations of all 28 groups
- Tactile: Students have the opportunity to touch the exhibits and taste the food
- Thinking: Students must be able to balance impartially, and analyze what is good, and what children love the most
- Scoring: Each student gets only 1 point for each group of the competition and they will rate based on the 4 previous categories
Immediately following that, the English Public Speaking Competition showcased students’ courage as they developed leadership skills and honed their ability to advocate for themselves and others in one of the world’s most common languages. Imagine the courage it takes to speak up in a foreign language in front of your peers and teachers – these students are embracing the challenge!
Looking at the year ahead…
Celebrating Achievements | End-of-Year Ceremonies
Our End-of-Year Celebrations on September 27th and 28th honored our Elementary, English, and Alumni students, showcasing their incredible growth. The joyful festivities included:
- Performances highlighting their newfound confidence
- Awards recognizing academic excellence and commitment
- A community coming together to celebrate the transformative power of education
These ceremonies reflect more than a successful school year – they remind every student of their worth, their potential, and their power to shape their own futures. Education is more than a tool; it’s a shield.
Welcome Class of 2025!
While we take the time to commemorate all that our staff and students accomplished this last year, we also eagerly anticipate the new school year which began on November 5th. With each new term comes fresh opportunities to transform lives, families, and communities through education. We look forward to pouring into our new students and continuing our mission to empower Cambodia’s youth.
Join us in praying over the students and staff as the new school year kicks off!