Journey of Empowerment through Financial Education
In Cambodia, a dedicated educator named Manich Try is on a mission that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional teaching. Manich, an ICT teacher at Bun Rany Hun Sen Koh Dach High School, is also a passionate Teach For Cambodia Fellow, an organisation aiming to solve the problem of educational inequality. Her goal is to transform lives through financial education, using the Aflatoun Social & Financial Skills programmes. Manich’s journey is a testament to the impact education can have, not just on individuals but on entire families and communities.
Recently, Manich visited the village of Koh Dach, along the banks of the Mekong River, just north of Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. As she visited the families of her students, she encountered a heartwarming story that exemplified the power of education to change lives. During her visit, Manich encountered a mother whose face expressed pride and joy. She eagerly shared an extraordinary transformation that had taken place in her child over the past three months. Her daughter, a student in Manich’s class, had not only learned how to save money but had also embraced a new role within the family. The daughter had adopted the role of a financial mentor within her family, sharing the knowledge she had acquired from Manich’s lessons on financial education.
However, the transformation did not stop there. The mother went on to highlight another significant development in her daughter’s life, a newfound dedication to academics. The once-average student now studied harder than ever before, actively contributing to her family’s well-being. This change was more than just academic improvement, it was a testament to the impact of financial education. This transformation ignited motivation within the family. They united behind their daughter’s education journey, recognising it as the key to a brighter future. What began as an educational journey for one had evolved into empowerment for an entire family.
Manich Try’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of social and financial education. It is a testament to the dedication of educators like her who are tirelessly shaping a brighter future, one lesson at a time. Through her efforts, not only are students learning long-term life skills, but they are also becoming agents of change within their families and communities. As we celebrate educators like Manich and the impact they make, let us also acknowledge the importance of financial education as a tool for empowerment. In a world where financial literacy is a gateway to independence and security, initiatives like the Aflatoun Social & Financial Skills curricula are invaluable. In the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, and SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth), we will continue to advocate for education for all, acknowledging its capacity to empower individuals and uplift entire communities.