Voice of Youth Entrepreneurship – Young Leader and Her Civic Participation
July 20, 2023
Self-development sharpens youth’s future career and leadership. With support from USAID through Pact’s WE Act project, the Khmer Youth Association (KYA) implements the “Voice of Youth Entrepreneurship” enabling young women entrepreneurs and youth to advocate on their socio-economic rights at a sub-national level. Youth explore their interest and learn leadership skills through the project.
For instance, Ms. Ra Ratana, 20, student in Food Processing Specialization at the National University of Battambang, is part of the program. Her future goal is to run a business in food processing, and she chose to participate in social development actions where she could learn skills.
Ratana attended a training course on Socio-Economic Rights and Civic Leadership skills, where she learned about relevant rights and skills for youth. She also participated in a Camp Talk where she shared and discussed business management strategies. In addition, she was elected as the vice leader of her community-based youth network because she showed her potential and earned trust from her peers.
She is determined to become a successful woman as she has intentionally strongly participated in social and networking events expanding her networks and developing her critical thinking and knowledge, especially in business-related topics. Being a leader, she advocates for socio-economic rights through meetings with commune councils, addressing concerns and suggesting solutions.
Ratana noted that “I have gained new knowledge and experience in financial management and received business management tips from entrepreneurs who have experience in various sectors. After joining these events, I realized that I have limited skills and knowledge on some topics, and it is not enough to learn only in university. We need to explore, experience and get skills from specialists and experienced entrepreneurs. Additionally, training on socio-economic rights and civic leadership skills strengthens my knowledge. Now I have the confidence to speak up and share my perspective with other participants. In particular, I raise awareness for socio-economic rights among commune members because I believe that socio-economic rights are important rights that we need to promote and address.”
Ratana also commits to continue leading the Community-based Youth Network to work with commune councils. She monitors and follows up on the activities and issues raised and discussed with commune councils to keep the momentum of her community development. She also mobilizes other youth to join her team to initiate new activities her community development. At the same time, she will continue to share all the knowledge and experiences she has acquired from this program with others.
“I encourage youth to strengthen knowledge and skills because it is one way that helps ourselves and society. Additionally, youth should participate in community development through volunteer work because youth is the bone of the national building.” said Ratana.
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