Rural Education in Cambodia: Believe in Me

The students and staff are back to class! After a trying month in January, a ceasefire was declared and many families and staff were able to return home. During the conflict, our teachers were still dedicated to their students. Teachers did their best to contact students, assure their safety and help them continue their studies. The teachers prepared lessons for them to learn at home. Some teachers were staying close by students and were able to visit and give lessons in person. The dedication and efforts of the staff helped many students feel less anxious about the conflict, giving them something else to focus on. The students who were able to study, also did not have to worry about falling behind. 

Early in February, Thai soldiers still occupied areas that have historically been Cambodian. In one incident, soldiers set a forested area on fire close to our Rangsei school. As the fire burned, it set off landmines, which sounded like bombs going off.

While families carry on with life, there is little commerce and the income of many families are affected. We will keep you posted, as the situation unfolds.

Only a small number of students have not returned yet. Our staff are dedicated to the children and their safety. We are monitoring the situations closely to make sure that all our students and staff stay safe. The efforts our staff have made is humbling and a testament to their dedication to our BIM students.

In January, the dry and cooler weather in Cambodia makes it a perfect time to enjoy hot, savory dishes like Fish Amok (coconut curry), Bai Sach Chrouk (grilled pork and rice) and Kuy Teav (noodle soup). Lunch continues to be a favorite part of the students’ day. They are all hearty eaters and very helpful in cleaning up after themselves. The balanced, nutritional meals make sure our students have all the energy and nutrients necessary to succeed in the classroom.

Getting back into their “normal” schedule has helped the kids settle back into life. Once again, the students’ free time is filled with laughter, running and playing. Many students missed their friends and socialization. It has been gratifying for the staff to see the students settle back into their routines. Jump rope, running and playing on the play equipment are still favorite activities.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS:

Cory - 3 grade (New to our program)

Cory is the second child in his family. Cory’s family lives in the landfill area. His parents work by collecting bottles and other items to exchange for money. Cory’s family is very happy that he can study at our BIM school, receive a good education and get lunch each day. They are very thankful to our school for giving Cory the opportunity to be a student. So far, Cory is enjoying learning in his class.

Eden - 5 grade

Eden is very happy to be back in school, able to learn again. Eden is a quick learner and caught up easily after the school’s shutdown. During Eden’s free time, she enjoys playing with her classmates in the school yard. Playing catch and jumping rope with her friends are some of Eden’s favorite activities. She also likes to stay in her classroom to help her teacher with classwork, before the next lesson begins.

Paxton - 2 grade

Paxton is thrilled to be back in school. However, he still needs more time and support. Like many of the students, the conflict affected his learning and made it difficult for him to study. Paxton can remember some of the lessons he learned and when reviewing lessons with his teacher, he has done a good job. Paxton finds repeating words after his teacher a fun activity. He hopes to work hard and get better grades next quarter.

Last year, you generously supported LWB in giving the gift of education, nutrition and future opportunities to 587 children, in the Rangsei and Sokhem Village Believe In Me programs. 95 of these students live in a local landfill, where education was not even possibility! Thank you for believing in LWB and helping to change the lives of our Rangsei students.

Links:

• http://www.lwbkids.org