For many young people around the world, access to education is a fundamental right. But in Cambodia, especially for students from less privileged backgrounds, reaching the end of high school is not guaranteed. Thanks to initiatives supported by a Cambodia charity, completing high school becomes a tangible milestone, a testament to years of hard work, commitment, and family sacrifice. 

When a student walks into our campus as a Grade 12 student, they are standing at the edge of a new future. They have completed a remarkable journey, navigated 12 years of learning while often overcome significant hurdles just to remain in school. This final year brings with it a powerful and often overwhelming whirlwind of emotions. 

On one hand, there is excitement – the end of one chapter, and the promise of a new beginning—a university degree, vocational training, or a steady job that can help lift their family out of poverty. They dream of being the first in their family to achieve this level of success. 

On the other hand, there is complete uncertainty of the Grade 12 National Exams. 

A REACH student taking their placements test.

The Cambodian education system is strictly rigorous, designed to test knowledge under immense pressure. The consequences of these final exams are huge; passing determines access to scholarships, higher education, and better career pathways. For many students, this pressure can become crushing. The fear of failure is not just the fear of a poor mark; it is the fear of closing a door on the hard-won future they and their families have been working toward for over a decade. 

At REACH Siem Reap, we are acutely aware of this challenge. We celebrate the achievement of reaching Grade 12, but we also know that our real work begins when a student needs to find the strength to face that uncertainty head-on. 

Within our organisation, we understand that a final exam result is a single snapshot in time. It doesn’t define a student’s dedication, their character, or their potential to succeed. While we celebrate academic achievement, our core belief is in perseverance and commitment above all else. This philosophy is the foundation of our support system for Grade 12 students. 

The Junior Employee Graduate Scheme 

We never want a student to give up on their dream just because of a challenging exam. 

REACH works alongside all of our youth to provide the best opportunities and comprehensive academic and emotional support necessary, which is why we are proud to introduce our Junior Employee Graduate Scheme!  

To ensure our students build momentum, learn vital life skills, and gain professional experience, this initiative is designed to provide a clear, tangible pathway to future success, regardless of the initial Grade 12 outcome.  

As of October of this year, we have hired 6 students across 6 junior roles within various departments of the organisation:  

• Placements Assistant – supports our volunteer department  

• Media Assistant – supports the fundraising team 

• Kindergarten Teacher Assistant – supports the kindergarten program 

• HR & Bookkeeping Assistant – supports the administrative and finance team 

• Repair Shop Assistant – supports the team in the Repair Shop program 

• Education Administrative Assistant – supports the education team 

4 out of our 6 new hires are recent REACH Grade 12 students, and we’re thrilled to have onboarded 2 more youth beneficiaries from our local collaborators over at Green Gecko. 

The primary goal of this one-year pathway is to provide this cohort with meaningful work experience within our supportive environment before they move on to their next steps. As they complete their employment term with us, we are aiming to support them in finding fair employment, and in qualifying for scholarships to university or vocational training.  

While working full-time and learning critical career skills, these young adults also receive dedicated educational support from our team, learning English in their evening classes after work. We hope to strengthen their abilities through these experiences, so that they are ready to go out into the world and have access to greater opportunities for their future.  

Our employment scheme is going to provide pathways to 6 of our Grade 12 graduates every year.   

Seiha, our Media Assistant, reflects, “I really love joining the REACH team. I like taking photos and videos. I feel like I am learning a lot, and I am so happy to work. Everyone is nice, and they always help and teach me. I hope to improve myself, learn new skills, and this chance is the bridge for me to a brighter future.” 

*Students’ names have been changed for Child Protection purposes.  

Our 6 juniors joining their first REACH Annual Kick-Off Meeting.

This program proves that every student has a place to contribute and grow at REACH. We are also incredibly proud to share that our dedication to supporting academic progress is paying off.  

Over the years, as more of our students have reached this final academic hurdle, we have also solidified our commitment, for those who have not passed the Grade 12 National Exam on their first attempt, we actively encourage them to retake the exam the following year. This support system has yielded incredible stories for our students, and our most recent example is Soknov. 

He initially faced the disappointment of failing his Grade 12 exams. Yet, through the support of our dedicated Education Team, he remained committed to his studies and to himself. He embraced the challenge, worked with our team, and diligently retook the exams the following year. Not only did he pass, but his dedication secured him a coveted scholarship to join one of our vocational training partners at Sala Bai, here in Siem Reap. 

His journey is a powerful reminder that “failure” is often just a detour, and an opportunity to learn; it’s certainly not a dead end. With the right support and commitment, a setback can quickly become the foundation for a life-changing opportunity. 

To learn more about Soknov’s journey, you can click here to watch his story. 

Soknov standing in front of the REACH’s gate during one of his visits.

With 1 out of the 6 hired junior employees who, like many others, need more time to secure their passing results, we are going to support them to re-take the exam again just like Soknov.  

Through initiatives like the Graduate Scheme and the success of our recent graduates, we aim to inspire every student to show up for that final exam, knowing that whether they pass or need a second chance, a structured, supportive pathway to employment and further education awaits them here at REACH. 

Reaching Grade 12 is a victory, but for those who need an extra year to secure their results, that year needs to show evidence of growth. We refuse to let a single exam define a future and hope to transform the anxiety of a failed result into a year of professional development and targeted academic support. 

This dedication requires resources. The Junior Employee Graduate Scheme is an investment in breaking the cycle of poverty. 

Junior assistants posing at REACH.

The impact of our employment scheme is valuable to support our students, and while some of their wages are sponsored, we are currently seeking supporters who would like to sponsor one of our 4 remaining Grade 12 graduates’ roles within the organisation. 

For an annual cost of $3,150USD per graduate per year, sponsorship will cover their 16 hours of volunteering, educational workshops, and all employee benefits, including the following:  

• Entry level salary commensurate with the responsibilities of the role 

• 13-month fixed term contract 

• 18 Days annual leave and all Cambodian national holidays 

• Ongoing training, team building events as well as various free workshops throughout the year to prepare them for their next steps. 

• Scholarship and career guidance support 

• Daily meals from our kitchen 

• National Security Workplace Health Insurance 

• Personal Bank Account and Debit Card with ABA 

Sponsors will then receive bi-annual reports and updates on their progress at work and what they have learned. Upon completion of their employment term, sponsors will receive a final report on their next steps, be it fair employment, further education or vocational training. 

If you are interested in sponsoring a Grade 12 graduates’ apprenticeship, please email emily@reachsiemreap.org to start the discussion.