Today (Wednesday) was an exciting day in the life of Khvein school – each child at school was given their supplies for the year: a made-to-measure school uniform, a pack of exercise books, pens, pencils, colouring pencils, pencil sharpener, eraser and pencil case – all on the same day.
Mr Hon arranged that we (M&M, Phath and Mr Hon) would visit each classroom in turn to make the distribution. In each class, children were called forward in groups to the raised dais at the front of each classroom to receive their uniforms. After the children had returned to their seats, Margaret, Phath and Mr Hon distributed packs of exercise books and stationery, item by item; what excitement!
Other teachers left their rooms to join in. A group of villagers gathered outside each classroom to watch and join in the general air of happiness. Mr Hon at one point hugged Martin and, pointing to his heart, said, “I am so happy. Thanks to all your friends who help us.”
Each class stood and loudly sang, “Akun, akun!” (Thank you, thank you!”)
This took place both morning and afternoon as students attend school either in the mornings from 7 am or in the afternoon from midday.
The weather was very hot and humid and the air in the classrooms was heavy in the extreme – so many perspiring bodies!!
Regrettably we have not reached our target of 500 students but we’re happy to see 354 turn up so far. No doubt the impact of what the parents saw (or heard about from other villagers) will have a positive impact for the future.
Martin and Margaret