The Blueprint of Empowerment: CRST Prepares for “Project E” Workshop
SIEM REAP, February 28, 2026 — Success in the field is born in the planning room. This week, the student-led team at Cambodia Rural Students Trust (CRST) shared a behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous preparation currently underway for their upcoming Project E workshop.
Project E, centered around the “Empowered for Life” philosophy, is designed to provide rural youth with the practical life skills and mindset shifts necessary to break the cycle of poverty and lead with confidence.
The Science of Thoughtful Preparation
The CRST team has spent months fine-tuning the workshop experience to ensure that the knowledge shared isn’t just theoretical, but deeply applicable. Their preparation process involves:
- Material Curation: Carefully selecting resources—including the “Empowered” book—that resonate with the specific challenges and aspirations of rural Cambodian students.
- Activity Design: Creating high-engagement modules that move beyond passive listening to active, collaborative problem-solving.
- Environment Crafting: Ensuring that the learning space is physically and emotionally supportive, allowing participants to feel safe while stepping out of their comfort zones.
Why “Project E” Matters
From our perspective at Schools Cambodia, CRST represents a unique “Students-to-Students” model. Because the workshops are designed and delivered by young Cambodians who have walked the same path as the participants, the impact is doubled:
- Relatability: Participants see themselves in their mentors, making the “Empowered for Life” goals feel attainable.
- Practicality: The curriculum is grounded in the real-world daily lives of Cambodian youth, rather than imported concepts.
- Sustainability: By training the trainers, CRST ensures that the seeds of leadership continue to grow long after the workshop ends.
We look forward to the launch of this purposeful workshop and the positive ripples it will undoubtedly create throughout the rural communities of Cambodia.