From Humble Beginnings: The Power of Education in Cambodia

Returning to Cambodia last year for a visit, after an absence since the onset of the pandemic, I was immediately enveloped by a profound sense of belonging. Having resided in Cambodia for two years, I had forged deep connections with the land, its culture, and its people, making it my second home.

At the airport, I was warmly welcomed by my dear Cambodian friend, Kim. Our friendship, kindled during my time in Cambodia, has remained steadfast. Kim, though successful, places a higher value on community welfare than on amassing wealth, a philosophy that deeply resonates with both of us, cementing our bond over shared values in work, relationships, and life.

One memorable day, Kim invited me to a family gathering in his village, where we indulged in chicken feet, shared beers, and enjoyed the company of his large family, including four siblings and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kim shared with me his unique achievement within his family: he was the sole sibling to earn a university degree, in Tourism Management. Coming from a humble background, Kim’s childhood and teenage years were marked by industrious efforts, selling goods and food to finance his education, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to breaking free from poverty through education.

Now, at 32, Kim manages a hotel in Siem Reap’s vibrant tourist centre. He credits his education as the pivotal factor in transcending poverty, lamenting the lack of opportunities for many to pursue higher education and secure better-paying jobs.

Kim’s journey from a determined child saving for university to a successful hotel manager exemplifies the transformative power of education. His story is especially striking to someone from Australia, where the financial burdens of education are less daunting. The mere cost of USD 3,000 for a university degree in Cambodia, a modest sum that can drastically alter the course of someone’s life, left me astonished.

Reflecting on my previous humanitarian work in Cambodia, where I focused on primary education, I recognised a new mission: to support Cambodian academia and workforce development. The relatively small investment of USD 3,000 to potentially elevate individuals out of poverty struck me as an invaluable opportunity for meaningful impact.

This visit reaffirmed my belief in the transformative potential of education, with Kim’s life serving as a powerful testament to how education can be a vehicle for empowerment, growth, and liberation.