TheWriteChance in Cambodia: Empowerment through Literacy

Introduction to TheWriteChance 

TheWriteChance (TWC) is a youth-founded and youth-led non-profit dedicated to empowering children and youth through literary art. Founded in 2021, TWC has worked with schools and organisations across Singapore in supporting creative expression and personal development.  

Service Learning to Cambodia 

In 2024, TheWriteChance partnered with World Vision Singapore to plan for a YEP trip to Cambodia, supported by Halogen Singapore. There, TWC would bring reading, writing, and conversational programmes to children and youth from vulnerable backgrounds. After much preparation, a TWC team of 23 youths (aged 17-19) embarked on the YEP trip in January 2025. 

[Photo: TWC's YEP TEAM]

From 8 to 21 January, the team attended ten days of Service and three of Learning, divided between two Kampongs—Chhnang and Thom. On service days, the team split into three groups, each visiting a different school or Reading Camp daily. Additionally, the team went on learning journeys to social enterprises and NGOs to gain insight into how these organisations contribute to Cambodia’s socio-economic growth. 

[Photo: OSLP TEAM AT DAUGHTERS OF CAMBODIA, A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE EMPOWERING WOMEN TRAPPED IN THE SEX INDUSTRY] 

OSLP Aims and Objectives 

Broadly, the team aimed to carry out reading, writing, and conversational programmes to better the Cambodian youths’ proficiency in the English Language. Besides standard lessons in the alphabet, phonics, vocabulary, and more, they played games with the youths, including traditional Singaporean ones such as Chapteh and Five Stones. 

[Left: OSLP GROUP II PLAYING A GAME OF “DUCK DUCK GOOSE” WITH PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN]  [Right: OSLP GROUP I WITH A CHILD CLUB] 

As the duration of service at each community was limited, the team’s primary goal was not merely to teach English but to make learning it an engaging, enjoyable experience. The team sought to inspire a love for learning English through hands-on lessons, games, and interactions with the children and youth, spurring them to further their journey in the English Language. 

[Photo: OSLP GROUP III CONDUCTING READING PROGRAMMES WITH THE CHILDREN] 

The team left lesson materials at each site, as ready learning resources for the future. Going back to TWC’s core belief that literary art is a powerful tool for growth, the team worked to create a safe, nurturing environment for the Cambodian friends to explore and experience literary art. The team hopes that in learning the English Language, the children and youth may use it to empower themselves in their everyday lives—whether in job interviews, for self-enrichment, or to advocate for others. 

[Photo: OSLP GROUP III WITH CHILDREN AFTER GAMES] 

Impact 

The children and youth exhibited a remarkable eagerness, even with limited resources, maintained enthusiasm, diligence, and cheerfulness in learning. Beyond the classroom, during playtimes, and simply having conversations, they were always radiant and vibrant. Both parties tried their best to converse in the other’s first language, getting to know each other more deeply. 

Admittedly, the children and youth had a larger impact on us than the team did on them. Experiencing a scene vastly different than the team’s own reminded had us of our privilege. It was particularly humbling for the team, as our contrasting circumstances grew increasingly evident; it became clear how often we overlook all we take for granted. 

[Photo: OSLP GROUP II WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH] 

Acknowledgements 

TheWriteChance would like to thank World Vision Singapore for extending their partnership and kind invitation; Halogen Singapore for their guidance; our sponsors Academia, The Write Connection, and Titan Apparel for their generosity; our TWC OSLP team for their work; our Parents for their support; everyone who has supported our fundraisers for every contribution; our brother and sister “Bongs” at World Vision Cambodia for their hospitality and kindness; and the Cambodian children and youth—our friends—for their love. TWC expresses our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this trip a successful reality, for allowing us this experience to broaden our worldviews and open our hearts. 

[Photo: WITH LOVE, PROJECT THEWRITECHANCE’S OSLP TEAM SIGNING OFF]