As the end of our annual visit drew to a close, we compiled this summary of what was done with the cash at our disposal in the areas of support that we have selected:
EQUIPPING STUDENTS: Each child has received a made-to-measure school uniform made from good quality cloth, sufficient exercise books, pens, pencils, erasers, etc. for the ensuing school year
EQUIPPING SCHOOL: Many more books as well as educational maths and jigsaw puzzles were provided for the library, as well as constructing a new aluminium and glass bookcase as a resource for the teachers.
EQUIPPING VILLAGE CHILDREN FOR HIGH SCHOOL:
Three children have been equipped for High School.
K…….. He comes from arguably the poorest of families and we have written of him before. (See “A Friend for all seasons” dated Oct. 6) We took him back to Cosmo H.S. and negotiated his return to school with the school director (principal). Paid US$30 ‘support’ for the school to make more tables. Equipped K…….. with two uniforms, and Mr Hon gave him a supply of exercise books, pens, pencils etc from the ‘stock’ of surplus materials at the Primary School. Also a bike was provided for him. Gave him the money for a haircut (2,500 Riel) to comply with school regulations.G…. comes from another of the village’s poorest families. He was provided with a school uniform, a bike and a haircut! Like K…. (his friend), G… supports himself by selling books and postcards at Angkor Wat. He always has had a big smile on his face (we have seen him grow for several years) and his dream is to be a tour guide. If only he could achieve his dream! He now needs to complete his schooling, then he would have to attend further education but he is around 16 years of age and is in first year of high school would mean he would be well into his twenties when he finished. Still we believe that if he kept to his studies, he has the personality and application to succeed.S………. (her name means “calm, peaceful”) is a 16 years old girl (she looks much younger) whose father has lost an arm. Her 18 years old brother is a construction worker. Took her to Siem Reap to buy a bike and a school uniform. She got three tyre punctures in her bike already – each repair is 1,500 riel, so gave her 5,000riel.
SCHOOL EXCURSION:
Hired three buses and took 130 children and four teachers on the annual school excusrion to the Silk Farm at Angkor Silk Farm (“Les Artisans d’Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles”) followed by lunch and an afternoon at Cambodian Cultural Village. Provided new footwear.
EQUIPPING THE TEACHERS:
Mr Hon requested that the teachers also have uniforms – yes, that is usual here!
All teachers have been measured up and will receive two uniforms each.
EQUIPPING PHATH:
Without Phath as our facilitator and friend it might never happen! We have opened up a new bank account at the newly opened ANZ Royal Bank in Siem Reap which we will use to remit funds during the course of the year for school projects and support.
Martin and Margaret