Artwork #3: "Struggling for Education"
by MET VANRO
Core Message:
Achieving equitable education requires collective action—from families, educators, government, and society. The image calls for empathy, support, and systemic reform to ensure every child, especially the vulnerable, can access quality education and rise above their challenges.
This artwork reflects the social challenges faced by marginalized groups in Cambodia especially girls, women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals under the theme "Together for Education." It aims to inspire the fight against the hardships that hinder these individuals from accessing education.
In the image, a girl is depicted sinking into the water, symbolizing the weight of barriers pulling her down. These include gender discrimination, poverty, lack of schools and educational materials, and societal pressures. Each "shackle" around her represents these various obstacles. Above her, sunlight symbolizes hope, while an open book acts as a bridge between the darkness below and opportunity above. A figure sitting in the book reaches out to help the girl, representing teachers or educated individuals striving to support those in need through guidance, knowledge, and moral values, like a "second parent."
The image critiques how gender inequality, such as early marriage, child labor, abuse, and societal expectations, particularly harms girls’ education in Cambodia. Family poverty, cultural norms, and fears around safety often lead to girls being denied schooling. These inequalities extend into the classroom, where girls may face bullying or discrimination or be discouraged from learning critical subjects like literacy and math.
The role of family and society is shown to be both a challenge and a potential support system. Poor families may prioritize income over education, with children dropping out early to work. Parents with limited education may struggle to assist or motivate their children academically.
Social media is portrayed as both a tool for knowledge and a source of distraction or harm. It can lead to misinformation, time-wasting, sleep issues, and even online threats or exploitation, especially targeting girls.