Cambodian Youth Exchange Visit Promotes Involvement in Governance
28 September 2009

On September 07th to 08th 2009, the Advocacy Capacity Building Project of World Vision Cambodia conducted the Youth Exchange Visit activity for 50 youth from different clubs lead by Vanthorn Nhem, the National Advocacy Coordinator. The event allowed youth participants to share their experiences and ask questions to commune governor, Sangkat deputy governor, and Sangkat governor. The event aimed to give youth an opportunity to learn altogether, and to promote understanding of children and youth in governance within the local, commune and Sangkat councils. They also went for a field visit to Peam Rang Commune, Sangkat Dankor, and Sangkat Russei Keo to learn from the Sangkat and commune governor on how they work in their commune and Sangkat.

“I am proud of these youth who are keen to know about governance and would like to cooperate with the commune. I think they are strong to help make changes within the community and the whole country. We are getting old and we cannot work without youth. I am happy to share with them my experiences and train them about governance,”says Mr Voeurn Chreung, 58 year old, Peam Rang Commune Governor, after the visit.

Mrs. Samnang Chan, 54, a Sangkat Russei Keo Governor shares that, “The youth is bamboo shoot for the country, and I like all questions that they asked me which are relevant on governance. I would like to encourage them to join and work with us especially in the development field. I am sure youth would become an agent to help educate community people.”

Mrs. Serey Seang, Sangkat Dangkor Governor, further adds, “I strongly support for the youth to join the commune, and support Sangkat’s work. I would give them a chance to become good leaders in the future. They could be our future prime ministers or government officials who can make a positive change within our society. We would train youth through sharing theories how to work and share with them our knowledge and would be able to support each other.”

The youth participants found the visit a wonderful time. Nineteen-year old Vannak says, “We need both physical and emotional support from our elders and it will benefit the community if there isa cooperation among youth and children. I prayed for this exchange visit because I am hopeful that it will help us build relationship with other youth members from other clubs, and enjoy learning altogether”.

Addressing the 50 youth participants, Mr. Vanthorn Nhem concludes, “I have observed that they understand their responsibility on governance, and having known where we are now, we can plan for them to continue to learn more. They have the potential in communicating well and the Commune Governor and Sangkat Governor agree that they are powerful influence to make positive changes in out society.”

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