Non-Formal Education (NFE)
Recognizing the risk factors that contribute to girls and women being enticed into sex work, Lotus Outreach selected a local partner to implement a specialized Non-Formal Education (NFE) Program in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Our NFE program is designed to provide life and job skills training to vulnerable young girls and sex workers in order to help them find better opportunities. The curriculum we provide is broad-ranging, allowing the young girls who participate in the training program to acquire a wide breadth of knowledge and skills and explore various fields of interest. Our training program covers a variety of topics including basic literacy and mathematics, husbandry, handicrafts, teamwork and conflict resolution, and even starting a small business.

In 2009, over 100 students attended our NFE classes 5 days a week for 2-3 hours per day. Many of these young women are learning to read and write for the first time in their lives. With a countrywide adult literacy rate of only 64%, such skills are not easy to come by. Our vocational training has likewise proven to be a priceless commodity for these girls, as evidenced by the achievements of our shining alumni—many of which have proudly gone from working in places such as the red light district and karaoke shops to working highly-coveted positions in garment factories, shops and beauty salons. Many other students have decided to continue their education or receive additional vocational training.

Beyond career changes, these students have acquired knowledge and awareness that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Our curriculum in health studies, HIV awareness and prevention, child abuse awareness and prevention, basic nutrition, cooking, and financial management will not only prove useful to these women as individuals, but will give them the tools they need to raise healthy and happy families. In addition, they learn about their majestic cultural heritage and the importance of civic responsibility so they may become inspired to help their communities flourish for generations to come.

Partner: Khemara

Supported by: Eileen Fisher