From 18 to 25 June 2025, 15 Community Forums were successfully conducted by Youth Star volunteers across target communities in Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, and Kampong Thom provinces. These forums are part of the “Youth Empowerment Project,” a partnership between Youth Star Cambodia and Aide et Action, aiming to empower volunteers through the implementation of community forums in the areas where they serve.
The community forums on the “Role of Youth Star Volunteers in Community Development” aim to:
- Empower Youth Star volunteers to engage in commune development planning,
- Disseminate information about commune development plans and budgets,
- Promote awareness of public services and educational development plans,
- Strengthen local governance, accountability, and civic participation, and
- Mobilize community resources—particularly to improve access to quality education for children.
A total of 15 community forums were conducted with an overall project budget of USD 1,800—equivalent to USD 120 per forum. These forums reached 15 communes and 19 primary schools, engaging a total of 740 participants (including 512 women) and 112 youth club members (56 of whom are girls).
Mr. DYNA Tithyavann, a Youth Star volunteer from Cohort 42 based in Sompor commune, Staung district, Kampong Thom province, reflected: “In this community forum, I observed strong support from the community, especially from local authorities, including the commune chief, teachers, and parents.”
Ms. MOUNG Kimhoun, a Cohort 42 volunteer based in Andoung Por commune, Romeas Haek district, Svay Rieng province, shared: “This forum had strong community engagement and provided a great opportunity for villagers to voice their concerns directly to local authorities.”
Mr. KHENG Kea, a school cluster director and Youth Star local partner based in Kampong Kor commune, Kampong Svay district, Kampong Thom province, noted: “It is very important to involve villagers in understanding the challenges faced in their communities and how to address them. This also helps strengthen the relationship between villagers and local authorities.”
Mr. THOANG Sarun, another Cohort 42 volunteer, stated: “I was deeply impressed by the strong support from the community. They came and joined the forum despite their busy schedules.”
These community forums served as a vital platform for Youth Star volunteers to gain practical experience and engage in meaningful learning opportunities with local commune councils.
Ms. THA Sona, a Cohort 43 volunteer based in Kampong Kor commune, Kampong Svay district, Kampong Thom province, remarked: “I have learned a lot through this project—proposal writing, communications, event management, leadership skills, and more.”
Mr. CHHEUNG Kimsoth, a Cohort 43 volunteer based in Chrey Thom commune, Romeas Haek district, Svay Rieng province, added: “After the forum, I gained valuable knowledge on developing an agenda, documentation, and financial management. I now have a better understanding of the commune development process.”
It is important to note that these community forums are an integral part of the non-formal educational activities carried out by Youth Star volunteers in the communities they serve. These include tutoring classes, backpack libraries, interventions for out-of-school children, school enrolment campaigns, environmental awareness events, and extracurricular activities.
The success of the 15 community forums was made possible by the trust, strong relationships, and dedication our Youth Star volunteers have built with their communities. Their commitment to the common good—guided by honesty, integrity, a spirit of service, and their role as positive role models—also played a vital role in making these forums successful.