By Kristine Andersen | Project Coordinator
We hope this project report finds you well!
Like the rest of the world, the situation in Cambodia and around our community center changes frequently. At the end of February, a new local COVID-19 cluster broke out in Phnom Penh. This forced our center to close its doors once again. It spread rapidly, and Phnom Penh was under lockdown for three weeks, during which our staff couldn't go to COLT. We had to adapt to new ways of working and supporting our community members from home.
It was a tough time for the children and families in our community. As markets were closed and roads were blocked, they were unable to work and earn a living. Families already struggling to make a living faced an even bigger challenge as they didn't have enough money for basic needs. COLT has been working closely with the local community leader during and after the lockdown and handed out emergency support to more than 145 families, directly benefiting more than 560 people. Food and hygiene packages have been distributed to those in lockdown, those who cannot work, those with no income and those who are living under the poverty line in need of urgent support.
We have provided daily online English lessons to our students since schools closed. Through online lessons the students improve their language skills and stay connected with their classmates and teachers. These past months we are happy to have welcomed more students to attend our daily online lessons, and we have also set up an English class for some of our staff members. Despite many restrictions we're still able to educate our community! It does not come without challenges: poor WiFi connection and sound delays happen from time to time, but by creating fun, interactive lessons we motivate and encourage the students to stay resilient and continue learning.
This is what some of our students have to say about studying online:
“I think online class is good. If we don’t have school we can study online. And it’s not difficult to study online, only when the internet is slow.”
“I like online classes, but I can’t wait to study at COLT again and meet my friends."
Thank you for supporting our efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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