8 teenage boys in Get Ready have a better future - by Sam Ann

Riverkids’ Get Ready Boys Programme prevents vulnerable teenage boys in the slums from abuse. These boys come from poor dysfunctional families and mingle with friends involved in drugs, alcohol and theft.

As they collect trash along the streets, they easily fall prey to Cambodian and foreign adult men who ply the streets in search of the young and vulnerable open to exploitation. To these teenagers, having found someone who would console them, give them money, food and candies make them feel safe.

However, little did they know that they would soon become victims of child exploitation.

Before a sexual abuse and an ugly crime can happen, Riverkids intervene. We now have 8 boys in our Get Ready Boys Programme. We provide vocational and life skills training and give them English and morality lessons.

One of the vocational skills we are giving is motor repairing. 2 months ago, we sent the boys to Vimeantep Technical School at Stung meanchey where they attended classes from Monday to Friday afternoons. On Saturday, they joined the football group.

We see a drastic change in the lives of the boys. Their thinking, behavior and attitude have changed for the better and they are so good in motor repairing now that they are confident to be able to give their families a better life after they graduate.

Our Get Ready Boys are full of gratitude and would like to say, “Thank you Riverkids and Donors, for supporting us in our studies and training. Because of the hope that you have given us, we will continue to work hard for a better future!”