"Back to School" for Children in Cambodia!

Dear supporter, 

Students at the JustWorld Cambodian partner organization, People Improvement Organization (PIO) have returned to school! Cambodian schools, due to COVID-19 protocols in the country, remained closed from January 25, 2021 until September 2021, when a phased approach of reopening began. The phased process was completed in December 2021 and the new school year began this month.

During the closures, the teachers and project leaders at PIO continued their efforts to mitigate the impact of school closures and address the needs of students and families in the community. It has always been a priority of the staff to keep their students engaged and on track academically. Teachers implemented online learning techniques and worked closely with high school students, as they prepared for Grade 9 and Grade 12 public examinations.  In November 2021, Grade 9 students took the Grade 9 public examination and 98% passed - a remarkable achievement. 

PIO has recently developed and implemented its own online attendance system for monitoring student attendance and reporting to the ministry. The daily attendance rate is currently 92%, a reflection of how eager students are to be back at school. PIO has retained all of their most experienced teachers, demonstrating their dedication to the students and continued learning. 

Supporters like you have allowed children the opportunity to continue their education and pursue their dreams, despite tremednous obstacles. As we begin the new year, we want to thank you for believing in the mission and making a difference.

If you would like to ring in the new year by making a donation, please visit: www.justworldinternational.org

Best wishes,

The JustWorld team

Dear supporter, 

With all educational institutions in Cambodia closed, students at the JustWorld Cambodian partner organization, People Improvement Organization (PIO), have been required to learn remotely. PIO teachers and project leaders have continued their efforts to mitigate the impact of school closures and address the needs of students and families in the community. The staff has been working to ensure that students are practicing reading, writing, math and science skills daily. Using remote teaching techniques and available technology, such as Zoom and Telegram, it has been a priority of the staff to keep their students engaged and on track academically. Teachers have been working closely with high school students, as they prepare for Grade 9 and Grade 12 public examinations. 

Social workers continue to conduct home visits to distribute rice and vital supplies. The on-site shelter provides a safe haven for 50 homeless students. Children are provided hot, nutritious meals and access to medical care every day. Without PIO, these children would have nowhere else to turn. 

According to the health ministry's secretary of state, Cambodia has administered at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines to 12.05 million people, or 75.3 percent of the country’s 16-million population. The World Health Organization has reported on the positive impacts of vaccinations with reductions in severe disease, hospitalizations, and deaths among those fully vaccinated.

With the high rates of vaccination, the Cambodian Prime Minister announced that schools could begin plans for reopening, starting in late September. The reopening is a phased process, and will be subject to a range of safety measures. PIO has submitted a comprehensive plan and was visited by officials from the Ministries of Health and Education, Youth and Sport to evaluate safety procedures in the school. Once PIO receives approval to reopen, students who are fully vaccinated in Grades 7-12 will be able to return to in-person lessons. The next phases will be the return of Grades 3-6 students, followed by Grades K-2

The ongoing pandemic has revealed the strength, determination, and power when we work together. When families were forced into extreme lockdown measures, we were there to ensure that no child was left behind. Supporters like you have allowed children the opportunity to learn and grow in the safety of their own homes. With students still remaining at home, we must continue to raise vital funding to give children the hope for a brighter tomorrow. 

 Please consider donating at: www.justworldinternational.org