“Passing the grade 9 exam gets me one step closer to my dream of becoming a doctor! I’m so happy!” Vannak*, 14 years old.

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of International Literacy Day. We are proud to be playing our part in increasing literacy rates worldwide, giving our own contribution to the achievement of the second millennium development goal: universal primary education. ISF is committed to ensuring that children, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling. That’s why we are extremely proud of our 11 ISF students who passed the grade 9 exams they sat on 8^th and 9^th August and will now all proceed to high school. This year ISF has scored a 100% pass rate!

Vannak* told us how he felt when he heard the big news: “When I heard that I passed the exam, I couldn’t stop smiling and jumping around! I was so happy! I immediately told my mum who cooked me my favorite meals for the next three days as a reward! She is so proud of me and she likes showing me off with our neighbors”.

Another grade 9 student Sam On* described his daily routine and proves that hard work always pays off saying, “I study until I have a headache. I go to State School every day and I take extra classes at ISF. When I go home, before going to bed, I do all my homework to make sure I am prepared for the lessons or the exams. I know how important education is and the difference it can make in my life and that of my family.”

At ISF we teach our students to dream big and not to settle for what society might tell them they are capable of. We believe that they can achieve their dreams with the right support and encouragement. ISF student Panha* has not just one dream, he has two. He wants to become either a scientist and develop robots or a doctor and save lives: “I still have a lot of work to do in order to make my dreams come true. I will need to improve my knowledge and skills in maths, science, physics and chemistry, but I won’t let hard work discourage me. I know I’m dreaming big but if I keep studying and practice, I’ll be able to achieve my goals. I strongly believe that!”

Congratulations to all our grade 9 students who passed their Junior High School Exam! We couldn’t be prouder!

*Names of students under 18 years old are changed.