By: HIM Sokunthea
Economics Today Magazine
Cambodia has the youngest demographic in the region but a lack of opportunities often leads local youth astray. The Girl Guides Association of Cambodia (GGAC) is trying to give Cambodian girls the opportunity to develop their potential as responsible citizens of the kingdom and the world.
GGAC helps girls and young women with education and basic skills. It is dedicated to helping and providing livelihood opportunities to poor girls and women through community-based education and training, rather than institution-based education or formal schools.
The movement was first introduced to Cambodia during the French Protectorate but activities were interrupted by the long-running war and lingering unrest. In 1996, Leang Mengho, with the help of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and the Girl Guides of France, restarted the movement. A mere 16 female university students were the first members.
The GGAC is a single sex community-based organization and is locally register as an NGO. Currently, it has 2,364 registered members aged from 7 to 18. Most are from the disadvantages families from Phnom Peh, Kompot, Kampong Speu, Battambang, Takeo and Preah Sihanouk.
Tan Phally, the chief commissioner of GGAC, explained that the association is divided into three groups: the 7 to 10 -year-olds, called Kantomroy (dragonflies), are trained in hygiene, sewing, English and Khmer. The 11- to 14 years-olds, called Wattanak (prosperity), are taught proper behavior, the importance of nutrition and exercise, and other life skills. Aged 15 to 18, the oldest group is called girl guides and helps guide the youngsters. Those over the age of 18 works as team leaders, using their experience to help children choose the right path.
GGAC members have participated in national and international events for youths and women in Thailand, Australia ( in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane), Ireland, the UK, France, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, Hong Kong, South Africa, Singapore, India, the US and Switzerland. Locally, association members attend social activities and important events such as the Meak Bochea Buddhist ceremony, Independance Day, Water Festival, Women’s Day and many others.
In addition, international girl scouts visit Cambodia annually. “It gives us good chance to share knowledge and culture with each other,” said Tan Phally, who has been selected GGAC chief commissioners 2007-11.
Other GGAC activities are related to skills and informal education, including handicraft making, sewing and cooking, as well as sessions on human rights, gender and development, domestic violence, the roles and responsibilities of the Commune Council, human trafficking, HIV/AIDs and other disease prevention, and drug abuse awareness.
“We work on informal education in the community to help children and young women to improve their dignity and morality,” Tan Phally said. “Currently, we plan to establish training on the decorative skills needed for ceremonies and wedding parties. We will also set up a new project to educate young people who skip class and engage in violence to help them become better citizens.”
GGAC is an associate member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), the largest international youth organization for girls and young women with more than 10 million members in 144 countries. In addition to the profit from its selling products, GGAC recently received sponsorhsip from the Development Partner Action (DPA) and the Rotary Club of New York.
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