Mai 2012

CFI's vision is that all children fulfill their human potential.

CFI serves marginalized and vulnerable children through access to quality education and well-being programs.

Their mission is to help break the cycle of poverty by developing educated, self-reliant and compassionate individuals who become positive role models and have the potential to grow into future community leaders.
(top picture Andrew and Jenny -the founders- with children of CFI center)

Their commitment
Every child is born with inherent, inalienable rights, as outlined by the UN in their Universal Declaration of Human Rights Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Among these, the right to life, the right to freedom from physical, emotional and psychological harm and neglect, and the right to education.

Why Cambodia?
Thirty years ago, Cambodia suffered from one of the worst genocides in history. The Khmer Rouge killed approximately a quarter of the population, targeting teachers, professionals, and intellectuals - devastating the country’s infrastructure and education system. According to a recent UNESCO report, just 1.6% of Cambodia's GDP is spent on education - ranking 170th in the world.
Severe poverty, a weak education system, and a lack of leadership leaves the country with over 220,000 children NOT in school. CFI is filling the education gap by ensuring students receive the quality education they deserve. CFI’s oldest students are graduating high school and are eager to continue their education at a university level. Unfortunately, given their financial backgrounds, this would be impossible without support.

Link to CFI's website

The project

CFI University Scholarship Program
As of June 2012, CFI will have seven outstanding students who are qualified to begin university studies. Four local universities, offer affordable, reputable degree programs.
With the support of Help-for-Hope, CFI’s seven high school graduates will be able to enroll in courses beginning Fall 2012. Students will compliment their four year university program with work experience and professional leadership development through internships at CFI’s Learning Center and other establishments around Battambang. The CFI University Scholarship program is designed for CFI’s brightest and strongest students who already exhibit remarkable leadership qualities. Additionally, these students are working hard to develop their own professional talents. One high school graduate who will benefit from the University Scholarship program, Fong (pictured below), currently teaches computer classes at CFI’s Learning Center. Another, Sonthea, is employed at the Learning Center as an Assistant Facilities manager. The other five beneficiaries of the Scholarship program have internships with CFI and work at the Learning Center in various capacities as well, serving as role models to CFI’s younger students.
The Class of 2016 will complete their university studies with a greater capacity for finding quality employment as well as for engaging in leadership roles in their broader community.

Student's blog

The students created a blog where they will keep us updated on their studies and discoveries. They wrote a first statement about why they want to go to university.

Link to the University Student Blog

Help-for-Hope's investment

The project has an annual cost per student of $ 1'400.- (tuition and books $ 500 and living stipend $ 900.-).
The total cost to support 7 students for 4 years is of $ 39'200.-

With support from Help-for-Hope, CFI’s Class of 2016 can enroll in university courses this fall with the confidence that their education will be supported until its completion.

Thank you for joining Help-for-Hope and CFI in our mission to help break the cycle of poverty by developing educated, self-reliant and compassionate individuals who become positive role models and have the potential to grow into future community leaders.

4 of the scholarship recipients with younger CFI students