PM Hun Manet Praises PSE's 30 Years of Empowering Youth for Self-Reliance

Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia attended the 30th anniversary celebration of the organization Pour un Sourire d'Enfant (PSE) and the graduation ceremony for students from the 2021-2024 academic year in Phnom Penh on July 2, 2026. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Manet emphasized that the PSE's 30th anniversary not only marks three decades of its journey but also bears witness to the transformation of the destinies of tens of thousands of Cambodian children and youth, guiding them from suffering towards a strong future with real careers. He noted the sustainability of PSE's operations following the passing of its co-founder, Christian des Pallieres, in 2016, stating that the success of an organization's leader lies in ensuring the unit's capacity to continue operating and progressing, even in their absence. The Prime Minister highly valued PSE's approach, which focuses not only on immediate aid but also on long-term capacity building and opportunities through vocational training, embodying the principle of "giving a fishing rod rather than a fish." He explained that providing a "fishing rod" is akin to fostering self-reliance, creativity, and the ability to live independently without solely relying on external assistance. He stated that healthy and capable citizens are the nation's assets, resources that can aid the government, and that the government will have greater capacity to continue assisting others who are less fortunate, thereby contributing to society together. The government pledged to continue supporting PSE's mission to assist those in need. Furthermore, the Prime Minister encouraged young people to always have dreams and hopes, to persevere, and to understand that today's efforts are for their future success. Dreams serve as directional goals, and hope acts as a motivational force. He also urged youth to diligently expand their capabilities with integrity, building a foundation through learning, and then acquiring additional skills in practical society, as opportunities will not be granted to those lacking competence or quality. In conclusion, Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed that the Cambodian government does not restrict the freedoms of civil society organizations. On the contrary, the government consistently supports and encourages activities that comply with the laws of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Constructive and integrity-driven efforts from all relevant parties are welcomed to contribute to the nation's development. He cited PSE's significant support from the government as an example, recognizing its crucial role over the past three decades in rescuing impoverished Cambodian children and providing educational opportunities, vocational training, and decent employment for Cambodian youth. Source: AKP Khmer