The Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project supports students in rural Cambodia, like Ra Srey Lin, in pursuing higher education through its scholarship program. These opportunities enable young people to achieve their aspirations, contribute to their communities, and shape a sustainable future.
For many of us, access to quality education has opened doors to fulfilling careers and the ability to pursue our dreams. But have you ever thought about children in rural areas, where such opportunities are often far less accessible?
In rural Cambodia, barriers like poverty and limited resources force many children to leave school early to support their families. While primary and secondary education may be accessible, the dream of higher education is often not, with tuition costs and distant institutions posing obstacles. For many families, survival takes precedence over the pursuit of education.
This was the reality for Ra Srey Lin, a 19-year-old from Pralay village in Koh Kong province. However, in 2024, Lin was awarded a scholarship through the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project, providing an opportunity for her to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an agronomist.
Lin grew up in a family of six, supported solely by her widowed mother, a farmer. From an early age, Lin shouldered family responsibilities, which often made even primary school a challenge.
“Since a very young age, I’ve lived in poverty with my mother, grandmother, and three siblings,” Lin recalls. “My primary school memories are scattered, as classes depended on when an educator was available. My mother always encouraged me, though. She believed education was key, even though she only had basic knowledge of health, hygiene, and reading herself.”
Attending school brought challenges for Lin’s family.
“We struggled to cover living costs and education expenses for me and my siblings,” Lin shares. “It was hard to afford school supplies and clothes. My village school was old, and there were too few teachers. Still, I was determined to study, even with no pocket money.”
Amidst these challenges, Lin learned about Wildlife Alliance and the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project through community outreach programs. The project’s work in forest protection, wildlife conservation, and community development includes vital infrastructure projects as well as educational scholarships. The scholarship program, designed for high school graduates, offers economic opportunities while safeguarding natural resources.
“The day I received the scholarship, I was so excited,” Lin says. “It eased a huge financial burden on my family. I began my first year in Agricultural Science on January 2, 2025, at the Royal University of Agriculture in Phnom Penh. Adjusting to city life and studying away from home was tough at first, but now I’m settling in.”
Lin is determined to use her education to give back to her community.
“My mother sees this scholarship as a blessing because she couldn’t afford to support my education otherwise. I aspire to become an agronomy teacher and return home with the knowledge and experience to help my family and village. I want to inspire others to pursue education and contribute to our community’s growth. I am deeply committed to seeing my community thrive.”
She adds, “Without this scholarship, I wouldn’t have had the chance to pursue a bachelor’s degree. I’m proud to set an example for the younger kids in my village—that they can dream big too. Thank you to the support from Wildlife Alliance, the Southern Cardamom REDD+ Project, and the Ministry of Environment.”
Since its launch in 2021, the Southern Cardamom REDD+ scholarship program has created opportunities for 24 students from rural areas, including members of Indigenous communities, to pursue higher education. With five students from the first cohort already graduating, the program has reached a significant milestone. Wildlife Alliance celebrates these scholars and the opportunities made possible through REDD+ investment. Their stories highlight the transformative power of education to inspire change, break cycles of poverty, and strengthen communities for generations to come.
