Odyssey Scholar and Elon University sophomore Barang Phuk will attend the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in New York City this weekend to advocate for tuition-free schools in her home nation of Cambodia.
By Sarah Collins ‘18
Growing up in rural Cambodia, Elon University sophomore Barang Phuk always dreamed of receiving a college education.
Now, as one of several students from around the world invited to participate in the 2015 Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting, she will inform global leaders about obstacles to success in her home country.
Barang was invited to speak at the Sept. 26-29, 2015, conference in New York City and will address attendees on what she believes is Cambodia’s most significant concern requiring outside help.
“I plan to use this opportunity to advocate for the building of tuition-free schools in Cambodia,” said the political science and international business double major. “So many of Cambodia’s problems come from a lack of education.”
The Clinton Global Initiative is an annual meeting of leaders, policy makers and student representatives from across the globe. This year’s theme, the “Future of Impact,” will encourage attendees to collaborate on challenging the current methods of instituting change.
“Barang is a self-confident and impressive young lady,” said Woody Pelton, Elon’s Dean of Global Education. “Having an Elon student speak at the Clinton Global Initiative is great representation for the university and consistent with our goals of global engagement.”
Barang has witnessed firsthand the Cambodian struggles she will present in her speech. As the youngest of four sisters, she watched her older siblings leave school during their teenage years to sell produce. Her parents didn’t see the point in continuing education, a mentality that extends to much of Cambodia’s population.
But when she received a full scholarship to a private high school, her father encouraged her to stay in school and study English. After graduation, she was accepted to Elon as an international student.
On campus, she is the vice president of the Asian Studies Club. She also participates in the Elon International Society Club and works in the Global Education Center.
After Elon, Barang hopes to return to Cambodia as an advocate for human rights.
“Cambodia needs a good human rights lawyer,” Pelton said. “I have no doubt that Barang will impact positive change in her country.”