Reasonable Cause Inc. and This Life Inc. conduct a joint project agreement to provide young disadvantaged Cambodians with an opportunity to become government recognised trade qualified motorbike mechanics, or “moto doctors.”
Participants in the program often come from families that could not afford for their kids to finish high school. Some participants may have had a “brush with the law” and been diverted to this program rather than face sterner measures.
With no shortage of motorbikes in Cambodia, there are plenty of opportunities for the graduates to find stable skilled employment.
The project also offers business mentoring and “seed money” to assist those who aspire to opening up their own motorbike repair business. The program is partially self-funded as apprentices participate in the conduct of a commercial motorbike repair business whilst completing their studies.
The project sees about 16 young people offered the opportunity to participate each year.
2024 Moto Doctor – Rom
Rom[pseudonym] was living in a slum at age 17 years. He also suffered a debilitating snakebite in his formative years, which limited his mobility. Rom received an opportunity to participate in the “Moto Doctor” program in order to train to be a fully qualified motorbike mechanic. Rom successfully completed the program, and now has a government recognised trade qualification. He is able to support his family and siblings as a result of his new found profession.
2023 Moto Doctor – Pheum
Pheum (pseudonym) is a motorbike mechanic or “Moto Doctor”.He grew up in poverty. He dropped out of high school in Year 7, taking up work as an unskilled rural farm labourer. However, Pheum’s life took a dramatic turn at age 15, when he was given the opportunity to participate in the Moto Doctor program, a joint project between This Life Inc. and Reasonable Cause Inc. Pheum successfully completed the Moto Doctor program, as well as another This Life Inc. program teaching life skills, so as to provide a holistic approach to better preparing him for skilled employment. Pheum is now employed as a fully qualified motorbike mechanic or “Moto Doctor”. He has aspirations to open his own motorbike repair shop, and will be supported in that regard by This Life Inc.