Students Movement for Democracy
2006-05-12

One of the strengths of the Students' Movement for Democracy (SMD) is its vast network of youth from high schools and universities in Cambodia. Bright, freedom-loving, and socially concerned, the young people who make up SMD promote liberalism and democracy through training programs which they conduct for their fellow youth.

Read about their Football Project, a unique campaign which both seeks to get the youth off drugs and to educate them about human rights.

The activity of the youth joining the 9th democracy training course held by SMD

SMD has started a new project to turn drug users into athletes and activists. By turning young Cambodians off drugs and into sports, at-risk youth are introduced to team-building activities, self-responsibility and to courses organized by SMD on human rights, democracy and drug abuse.

In Cambodia, drugs have become a major concern among youth, particularly in the 12+ age group among males. Substance use in females has increased in all age ranges below 19 years old and overall from 2002 (14.7% in 2002). The number of youth using multiple substances continues to climb, reflecting the chaotic nature of the drug user culture on the streets. Demand reduction strategies seek to prevent the onset of drug use, help drug users break the habit and provide treatment through rehabilitation such as encourage youth to join in the sport field and social reintegration. (Reported by Friend Organization)

Sports to replace drugs
Our soccer team was created by encouraging youth to switch from drugs into sports. The youth or players involved students from high schools and universities. This is our mission:

• To strengthen solidarity between youth in order to reduce the street violence
• To raise social and political awareness and promote democracy values to youth.
• To train players to improve physical condition and soccer techniques to boost confidence and self-esteem

The demonstration against the result of1998 election held by SMD

Our sport trainings/youth meetings take place three times a week, particularly on Fridays and Sundays. There are competitions twice a month.

Beside the physical training, SMD also trains the players on human rights and democracy at the SMD office or in their own communities. We also partner with NGOs who work on similar projects, such the Friend Organization (drug and street children), LICADHO (human rights), the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights, etc.

Source: http://smdkh.blogspot.com/2006/01/smd-football-team.html

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