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Lysa's Story of Hope | Girls' Education | Samaritan's Purse Canada
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Lysa proudly holds up a STEM electronics kit in her classroom, a tool that has unlocked her passion for innovation and is helping her build a brighter future for herself and her community in Cambodia.

Lysa’s Story

A Brighter Future Through STEM

Lysa sits in front of a lightbulb connected to a variety of colourful wires. She raises her hands and claps. The light turns on. Another clap and the light turns off. When she grins, her smile is as bright as her successful experiment.

Children, especially girls, growing up in rural Cambodia typically face significant barriers to education, including poverty, under-resourced schools, and cultural discrimination.

Young 15-year-old Lysa, however, no longer faces these barriers. When Samaritan’s Purse Canada came to her school and incorporated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), it opened new opportunities for her future.

Hands-on learning, science clubs, critical thinking, and integrated lessons about the Gospel of Jesus Christ are opening new opportunities for Lysa’s future. “I want to become an innovator so I can give back to Cambodia,” she said with a smile.

Your gift today through our Christmas Gift Catalog will give vulnerable children access to education and the opportunity to look to a brighter future.

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The Need

Young Girls Face Significant Barriers to Education

Women and young girls in developing countries often face more hardships and barriers to their futures. Globally, 122 million girls are not in school. Systemic poverty, early marriage, and cultural discrimination hinder countless girls from achieving their potential.

More girls tend to drop out of school before completing secondary education. Without literacy, health education, or vocational training, millions of girls are trafficked and exploited each year.

But there is hope!

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare, and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” — Jeremiah 29:11, ESV

Lysa and her classmates collaborate around a table, using a laptop and a circuit board to work on a hands-on science project, demonstrating the engaging learning that helps them overcome educational barriers.
A close-up view of a box containing various school supplies, symbolizing the essential resources that donor gifts provide to empower vulnerable children and give them the tools they need to learn and succeed.

The Solution

Empower Girls Through Education

Opening doors to education for girls means they can rise out of poverty, exploitation, and limited future opportunities. STEM is educating a new generation of doctors, programmers, and engineers. Empowering girls at school gives them the confidence to map out a path for their lives, access scholarships, attend university, and thrive.

  • 1,145 students will benefit from increased knowledge in and access to STEM, which empowers girls with knowledge and skills for better opportunities.
  • 40 educators will receive training to teach STEM in their classrooms. Your gifts impact generations, as women teachers are empowered with access and training in STEM subjects.
  • 1,060 people will receive awareness materials on safe migration and trafficking prevention. Anti-trafficking training helps children and adults break free from the cycle of poverty caused by a lack of resources, education, and opportunity.
  • 1,700 people will hear the Gospel. Through the Good News found in God’s Word, they see their great value in His eyes.

As we work with local schools across Cambodia to open doors to education, God is also at work as children “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” (2 Peter 3:18, NKJV).

When You Give This Christmas, You Give Vulnerable Children the Opportunities, Resources, and Education They Need to Thrive.

Impact of Your Christmas Gift

Choose a Gift — Change a Life

School Fees

$325 can cover school fees for a year for 1 girl.

GIVE EDUCATION

Protection for Children

$800 can equip 1 community to protect children from abuse and human trafficking.

EQUIP A COMMUNITY

Join Us in Changing Lives

Together, We Can Empower Young Girls to Achieve Their Full Potential

Thanks to STEM, Lysa has access to even greater possibilities. Collaborative projects, the integration of technology, and training in critical thinking, all while learning about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, are fueling her growing young mind and passion to learn.

“I’ve always felt like someone was protecting and watching over me,” Lysa said, referring to her faith in God. Now, she feels even more secure moving towards a brighter and exciting future.

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Lysa and a classmate stand together, proudly presenting a completed electronics project they built, showcasing their newfound skills and the confidence they've gained through the STEM program.
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