A Future of Their Own Making

Thanks to Holt donors, four young scholars in Cambodia recently graduated from university and are pursuing careers and lives beyond the poverty in which they grew up.

When struggling with finances, many families living in poverty are faced with no choice but to take their children out of school. The cost of books, uniforms and other school supplies can overwhelm families who are scraping by month by month.

Girls are often the first to drop out of school due to cultural norms and economic pressures. Instead of learning, they may be married young or sent to work as domestic helpers to support their families.

But Holt sponsors and donors are changing this story — keeping girls in school and giving them hope for a brighter future.

In Cambodia, students are attending universities and overcoming cycles of poverty — all because of scholarships provided by Holt donors. The University Education Support program takes a special focus on empowering young women, who often face the greatest barriers. Beyond tuition support, students receive counseling, attend professional workshops and benefit from ongoing academic guidance.

Coming from rural, impoverished communities, most students are the first in their families to attend college. Holt donors are helping to reduce barriers to education, preventing early marriage, child labor and exploitation, and empowering girls to become leaders in their families and communities.

Recently, four young women graduated with bachelor’s degrees and now work full time with companies and nonprofits in Cambodia!

The Chance to Work Toward a Better Future

Soksadalin dreamed of continuing her education, but because she grew up in poverty, there was no way to pursue her dreams. Seven years ago, Soksadalin’s father passed away, leaving her mother as the sole source of income for her family of five.

Thanks to a scholarship from Holt donors, Soksadalin became the first in her family to attend university. During her studies in Phnom Penh, she gained confidence in teamwork, learned to speak up in class, and made professional connections through workshops and trainings. She even led a community project promoting recycling and proper waste management.

This summer, Soksadalin graduated with her bachelor’s degree in social work. She now works full time at the Good Neighbors Cambodia organization in Battambang province, helping with child sponsorship. In this role, she helps students living in poverty, just like she was helped!

Soksadalin shares these words with Holt sponsors and donors:

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity to study at the university. I am truly grateful for the chance to further my education, grow both personally and professionally, and work toward a better future. This opportunity means a lot to me, and I am committed to making the most of it through hard work and dedication.”

Making a Difference in Her Community

Reaksa nearly had to leave school when her parents, burdened by debt, could no longer afford her education. Thanks to a scholarship, she was able to stay in school and pursue her degree.

As the first in her family to attend university, Reaksa pursued her studies with a dream to make a positive change in her community. This summer, Reaksa completed her bachelor’s degree in accounting from a university in Battambang province.

She is now working as a credit officer at a private microfinance institution near her home, which allows her to live with her family. Through her work, she helps families build financial independence — fulfilling her dream of making a real difference.

Reaksa shares these words with Holt sponsors and donors:

“I feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to pursue higher education, gain valuable knowledge and help others, especially children. Thanks, sponsor. I wish you safety, good health, prosperity, and the blessing of meeting only kind and goodhearted people.”

Helping Others as She Was Helped

Soklaiy’s parents worked tirelessly as farmers to provide for their family of six, but their income couldn’t cover her school costs. Without continuing her education, Soklaiy knew she’d have to take a job similar to her parents’, keeping her in the life of poverty that she grew up in.

Thanks to a generous Holt donor, Soklaiy received a scholarship that changed her life. She became the first in her family to attend university — a dream once out of reach. This summer, she proudly graduated from a university in Phnom Penh with a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Now she works full time as a social worker at the Garden of Hope organization in Phnom Penh. Through her job, Soklaiy ensures that children who are growing up in poverty have the resources they need to succeed in school. She also dreams of helping her younger siblings attend university, just as she was helped.

Soklaiy shares these words with Holt sponsors and donors:

“I am deeply grateful to my sponsor for allowing me to complete my four years of university education. Your generosity — investing both time and financial resources in my studies — has allowed me to attend a good school, gain valuable knowledge and develop skills that strengthen my abilities. Without your support, I might not have been able to stand where I am today. Finally, I wish you and your family good health, safety and success in all your endeavors.”

No Words to Thank You

Rathy wasn’t sure she could ever escape the poverty she grew up in. After her father passed away eight years ago, her mother struggled to support her family by selling crops from their garden. Her mother’s income couldn’t cover the cost of Rathy’s education, putting her at risk of dropping out.

Through the support of Holt donors, Rathy received a scholarship to continue her schooling. At her university in Battambang, she worked on projects aimed at helping underprivileged students and advancing social equality. She maintained excellent attendance, motivated by her family and her desire to earn a degree.

This summer, Rathy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She now works full time as a cashier at Ambel Cash, allowing her to provide for herself and her mother, and help her cousin pursue an education.

Rathy shares these words with Holt sponsors and donors:

“Thank you so much for supporting my university studies. Your support has meant so much to me, not only helping me continue my education but also easing my financial burdens along the way. I don’t have many words — just a heartfelt thank you. I truly appreciate the kindness of the sponsors and everyone involved in supporting students like me.”

As the year ends, one of Holt’s most urgent priorities is sending girls to school. Your gift can help protect a girl from harm by keeping her in school — where she can learn, grow in confidence and gain the tools to overcome poverty.