Foster Growth and Healing for 200 Cambodian Youth

A Place of Welcome and Growth

At YESIC, we believe that learning goes beyond academics. it also nurtures personal growth, confidence, and a strong sense of community. Each student’s journey shows how a supportive and caring environment can create meaningful change. YESIC is more than a learning centre; it is a safe space where young people feel welcomed, supported, and able to recharge whenever they feel tired or discouraged.

Over the past few months, Mission Dove Cambodia organized a small tournament for students and neighbourhood teenagers. In preparation for the competition day, they practiced ping pong and chess together. These simple activities created joyful memories, strengthened friendships, and provided opportunities for young people to encourage one another while growing in a positive and supportive environment.

On December 19, 2025, YESIC also celebrated a graduation ceremony for students who successfully completed their English levels and moved on to the next stage of learning. Around 50 students joined the celebration, marking an important milestone in their educational journey and recognizing their growth within the YESIC community.

New Learning Activities Planned for 2026

At Mission Dove Cambodia, we desire to see young people grow in skills, leadership, and emotional well-being. In 2026, we are intentionally strengthening our learning community by creating safe spaces where students can share their challenges, discover their passions, and support one another.

Alongside our regular weekly English and computer classes, we are expanding special club activities to help students stay connected beyond their classrooms. These clubs encourage friendship, self-awareness, social responsibility, and a sense of good citizenship while empowering students to positively contribute to their communities.

Planned activities include:

• Reading Club – Students read and reflect on stories together, sharing insights and life lessons.
• Leadership Club – Encouraging personal growth, leadership skills, and awareness of community needs.
• Art Class – Providing creative space for emotional expression through drawing and storytelling.
• Open Table Talk – A facilitated sharing space where students practice listening, reflection, and mutual encouragement through real-life stories and experiences.

Volunteer Highlight

Each year, Mission Dove Cambodia warmly welcomes volunteers to serve alongside us. Currently, three volunteers are supporting our English and computer classes. A particularly encouraging highlight is a former YESIC student who has now become part of our staff team. Having grown up through our programs, she now serves as an English teacher and shares her journey to inspire younger students.

Meet Raksa – Former Student, Now Mission Dove Staff

“My name is Raksa, and I have grown up with Dove since I was ten. In the past, I was a very isolated person. Through language classes, computer classes, and Growth Group programs such as Leadership Club, Al-Anon, and supporting group. I learned many life skills. These programs helped me feel supported, inspired, and motivated to grow.

I started volunteering as an English teacher in 2023, and now I am part of the Dove staff. Dove feels like a place of friendship, comfort, and openness for me.”

 Meet Bell – Volunteer from Myanmar

Adjusting to a new country, language, and workplace is not easy. Bell, our newest volunteer from Myanmar, shared that Mission Dove has made her transition warm and meaningful.

“My name is Bell, and I’m currently a volunteer teacher at Mission Dove, teaching Level 6 students. Even though it has only been two months, it already feels like I’m part of the Dove family. We share meals, have devotions, chat, play games, and even enjoy self-care time together.

I first came thinking I would give and share my blessings, but I quickly realized it is a beautiful exchange—I am also receiving encouragement, friendship, and support from colleagues and students.

Mission Dove’s culture of community, flexibility, and care inspires me deeply. This experience has become a turning point in my journey, helping me grow as a teacher and shaping how I understand work, community, and purpose.”