Cambodia

Supported by Shiseido Asia Pacific, Girls Learning and Leading is a pilot program designed with the possibility of expanding to other countries. The program empowered 102 girls to achieve their educational goals and unleash their potential. The program saw notable outcomes with 94% of the Grade 12 students passing the National Baccalaureate examination, compared to the national average of 68 percent; 20 percent of the Grade 12 students being offered scholarships to international universities; and 100 percent of Grade 10 and 11 scholars successfully moving up to the next grade. In addition to academic support, the program proactively focused on developing critical soft skills, an area identified by employers in Cambodia as necessary for young people in gaining meaningful employment. The scholars were encouraged to cultivate these soft skills, including problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, communication skills and teamwork, through real-life scenarios or action projects designed to bring positive change to their school and local communities.