Providing Access to Quality Primary Education

CCF’s award-winning education program offers a pathway out of poverty for Cambodia’s most disadvantaged children, many of whom were once forced to work on the streets to survive. From early years to university, CCF provides continuous, quality education tailored to those previously excluded from the public school system. At the heart of this, one of CCF’s three primary schools, is the Back Block Primary School, which serves 405 students in Grades 1–4. The school offers a blended model of half-day public school and half-day CCF instruction, providing a full-day learning experience that develops both academic and life skills. Alongside Khmer and English literacy, students benefit from the integration of technology, reading support, physical education, and creative enrichment through traditional dance and drama. Daily nutritious meals and extracurricular activities further enhance well-being and development. More than a school, the Back Block serves as a gateway to stability, growth, and lasting change for children and their families.

An example of our success is CH. He used to spend his days running barefoot on the rubbish-strewn ground in the community, the only playground he ever knew, while his parents were at work. Young children and infants are at particular risk at this critical time in their development, and we needed to get the youngsters off the streets. Joining our Kindergarten Program provided CH with a safe and nurturing environment where he could receive the attention he needed, including clean clothes, regular medical checks, and a hot meal every day. With consistency, structured play, and learning from trained caregivers, CH thrived and proudly graduated from kindergarten. Now aged seven, he is in Grade 1 at Black Block on a journey to a brighter future that can take him as far as his potential allows, with a pathway out of poverty for him and his family.

Links:

• http://www.cambodianchildrensfund.org