College Student Sponsorships
In 2005, TSF made it possible for the first ten of its high school graduates to go to Universities in Phnom Penh, Previously sponsored for high school, these students passed the National High School graduation exam, given each August for 12th graders who wish to take it. Each of the students had also had at least 4 years of instruction in the TSF English school back in the village.
All our University students continue to take English courses at Australia Center for Education (ACE) while in college, as English proficiency is vital for almost any good job.
Our first eight students graduated from college in 2009, the first ever college graduates in Roteang village. We now have two "dorms" in the city, one for men, and one for women, and we anticipate having 39 students in Universities in the fall of 2009. (Read more about our first graduates here.)
All the college students also have sponsors in the USA who contribute as much as affordable towards their students' education. Actual cost of a college year averages $1600 per student, but sponsors, who have had a relationship with their students since high school, contribute $300 to $1000, according to their own budget; TSF general funds make up the rest. Cost involves tuition, room, board, books, uniforms, internet access, a bicycle to get to class, required field trips and a small allowance of $5-$10 a month, according to need. Sponsors are obligated to exchange letters with their students four times a year with words of encouragement and family news.
If you would like to participate in this program, or find out more, please email Lee Steppacher at shepstep<at>msn.com.
