Our History
YRDP began in 1992 with a simple belief: Cambodia’s future depends on how its young people think. What started as a small initiative to build critical thinking and civic awareness among students became a registered Cambodian NGO in 1998 and has since reached tens of thousands of young people across 25 provinces. Follow our journey below.
1992
Beginnings
YRDP was initiated in October 1992 by Ms. Myriam Frys-Denis, Belgian, who began work in Cambodia as a nurse educator in 1988. Through her involvement with students of higher education institution in Cambodia, it became apparent that students were only receiving technical and professional training. They lacked training in critical thinking skills such as situation and information analysis, problem-solving, reflection, decision making, and evaluation. Students appeared not interested in social development activities and lacked a social conscience. To address these needs, she worked with a few Cambodian university students to begin providing training opportunities for tertiary-level students in order to develop their capacity through analyzing their own situation, as well as their country’s situation, and to reflect before acting for positive change.
Image: Students walk to Ankor Wat as a sign of solidarity and connection to Cambodia’s rich history (1994).
1998
Registered
YRDP was registered with Ministry of Interior in 1998, No 891 as a local, non-governmental youth organization. YRDP is described as engaging youth in the development of their critical thinking skills, empowering them to utilize their civil and political rights, and strengthening their social conscience for positive social action on behalf of their own future, family, community and country. YRDP is inspired by two philosophies of education. Paulo Freire:“To overcome the situation of oppression, people must first critically recognize its causes, so that through transforming action they can create a new situation, one which makes possible the pursuit of a fuller humanity.” The Buddha, as interpreted by Samdech Preah Maha Ghosananda: “Do not believe what you hear, what traditions say, what is spoken or rumored by many, in religious books, by teachers or elders. But after observation and analysis when you find that something agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all…Then accept it and live up to it.”
Image: Participants are taught that practicing active nonviolence can be challenging as results are sometimes unforeseen.
2000s
Expansion
Programs expand nationwide to youth in 25 provinces.
2021
Strategy
YRDP kicked off its 6 Year-Strategic Plan, 2021-2026. This Strategic Plan was designed based on five guidance principles: Gender Based, Legal Based, Environmental Based, Scientific Information Based, and Human Rights Based (GLESH). During these six years, YRDP plans to engage around 35,940 youth (50% of them are female).
2023
Legacy
2023 marks 31 years of YRDP work for youth empowerment and mobilization which has created a mindset of a nation-wide YRDP youth connection. Since 1992 YRDP has empowered more than 96,000 youth (45% of them women), from 25 provinces in Cambodia, to be active, responsible and informed citizens who can inspire and motivate others for promoting peace, justice and sustainable development of the country. For 29 years, YRDP’s efforts have been directly and indirectly contributing to the current country situation with more youth who are able to speak out for improving political leadership and to work for social justice and peace. In this regard, they have helped free Cambodia people of all ages from culture of political fear and intimidation. During this period, YRDP has been working with more than 35 funding partners who have provided financial, technical and moral support.
Looking ahead…
Horizons
YRDP youth continue to increase their knowledge, skills, self-confidence and individual social networks, which are a foundation of building fuller humanity. Their direct social surroundings recognized their critical thinking ability, working attitude, inter-personal skills and a sense of community ownership. As they enter the workforce, most of them have been able to improve their living conditions and remain interested in civic engagement activities. YRDP alumni have been working in different sectors: civil society, private sector, government institutions, political parties and some of them started their own business.