This project will provide vital education to impoverished five year olds in Siem Reap, Cambodia. By teaching them Khmer, letting their creativity shine through art, playing games and educating them on hygiene practices, they and their parents will see the importance of education so they are enrolled in public school at age six.
Nearly half the nations' children drop out of school in grade three. More than 10,000 Cambodian children die each year from diarrhoeal disease as a result of poor hygiene. It is estimated 1/5 children in Cambodia are sexually abused by the time they are 18. Around 20% of Cambodians live below the poverty line. These are statistics that we strive for our preschool students to not fall victim to.
By teaching our students Khmer they will have a head start when they are enrolled at public school, as many of our older students are illiterate due to poor teaching at public school. By involving them in hygiene practices daily we ensure their risk of disease is reduced. By providing them with child protection workshops, we empower them to stand up against abuse. By being positive role models we are showing them that they can do anything they set their minds to and escape the cycle of poverty.
Our students develop a love of learning early on in life due to this program. We enrol them in public school once they reach the age of six, setting them up for a smooth transition into education. Their parents, who are typically uneducated, also learn to understand the value of learning and are more committed to funding their children through their studies and keeping them in school instead of working. These children are given a fresh start at life.