For Microsoft employee Ruth Gastle and her family, ensuring that the young women of Cambodia have access to the education they want is of ultimate importance.

As the co-chair of Cambodian Legal Education for Women (CLEW), Ruth has traveled to Cambodia several times, but most recently, in December of 2010, Ruth used her Microsoft Canada I Volunteer hours to meet with the more than two dozen women who benefit from CLEW.  Founded by a law professor at the Royal University of Law and Economics, CLEW raises funds to pay for the complete university education of 25 rural Cambodian women.

“The poverty of farmers in rural Cambodia is extreme, with people living on less than $2 per day,” says Ruth. “These girls would otherwise not have a chance to get an education.”

CLEW pays for their tuition, residence, living expenses, allowances, English language training, medical expenses, and has also provided computers and Internet access.  With the help of CLEW, the young women have done very well in their studies.

“The girls in the program have been very successful,” Ruth says. “They are all ranked in the top 25 per cent of their class, and we have one graduate from the program who has been hired to manage and handle CLEW’s finances.”

Ruth brought her three daughters, Heather age 21 and twins Michelle and Emily ages 17, with her to Cambodia to allow them to experience the impact of volunteering while at the same time learn about the lives of women living in underdeveloped countries.   Specifically, Ruth used her Microsoft Canada I Volunteer hours to take 19 girls in the program on an educational trip through the countryside – exploring the local architecture, art, and dance.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for the Cambodian women to learn more about their country’s history and practice their English,” reflects Ruth. “And for my daughters, it was a real eye-opener for them to meet women their age who have so much less opportunity.”

Microsoft Canada’s I Volunteer program was created by employees for employees, with the goal of enabling the team to share their most valuable asset – their talents and time. Each full-time employee is given up to 40 paid hours per year to volunteer to the charity of their choice. This opportunity translates into great experience for employees, who often gain knowledge and skills they can use in the workplace.

This is the first time Ruth has taken advantage of Microsoft Canada’s I Volunteer program.

“It is so important for me to work for a company that encourages its employees to give back,” says Ruth. “It is something that all Microsoft employees should take advantage of.”

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