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My name is Bo Vibol and I am twenty-three years old. I now work as a motorbike mechanics teacher’s assistant in Friends\u2019 vocational training program, but I used to be a scavenger on the streets of Phnom Penh.<\/strong><\/p>\n Although life as a scavenger was unstable, I didn\u2019t have many other options. I never finished school, I didn\u2019t know how to read or write, and I didn\u2019t have any technical skills that would be useful for potential employers. Even if I didn\u2019t want to scavenge, it was a way to support myself and my family.<\/p>\n One day, I heard about Friends\u2019 services from some other kids who were enrolled in their remedial lessons. I wanted to learn too so I decided to go see if they could help me \u2013\u2013 and I\u2019m so glad I did!<\/p>\n First, they offered me two years of remedial classes<\/strong> to make up for the education I missed. Once I completed the remedial courses, Friends supported me to enroll in a public high school. After graduation, I wanted to gain technical skills so that I could find a good job. I returned to Friends and they helped me sign up for their mechanics vocational training<\/strong>. After finishing the program, Friends supported me even further, helping me to secure an internship in a moto repair shop. This was a great opportunity to apply the skills I learned in class!<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so proud of myself. Now that I have these skills I can share what I know with younger generations.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n After my internship, Friends asked if I would like to return as a mechanics teacher’s assistant for new students \u2013\u2013 and I said YES! I\u2019m so proud of the skills I have today, and I\u2019m excited to share my knowledge and support younger generations.<\/strong> In the future, I hope to open my own bike repair shop. I originally chose to study mechanics because my town does not have any repair shops, and with my new skills I think this could be a great business opportunity! If I could give one piece of advice to younger students, I would tell them to set their goals clearly and work toward what they really want. Friends helps them to do exactly that!<\/p>\n Together, we can empower even more young people like Vibol. Support our holiday campaign here<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/friends-international.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/vibol-blog2-300x200.jpg\")
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