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| The Cambodia Academy at Mongkol Borei |
Prior to out trip to SE Asia, Harvey’s cousin Marissa and her husband David, I knew only
briefly thru 2 different family functions. They have spent many years of their lives
working in Japan teaching English. Seemingly kind and friendly people, they
extended invitations to us to visit in Thailand where they have a part time
home. When the conversation commenced scheduling our visit while in SE Asia;
the how-to’s and when-to’s of meeting up, I began to admire how they have
chosen to conduct their life. The schedule had to fit around their trip to
India to give inoculations to children, their volunteer work at a vision clinic
in Cambodia thru the Rotarian Club to obtain glasses for school children and
finally, meeting in Siem Reap for the follow up appointment with a little girl
which they personally funded a repair to her crossed eyes. I can’t begin to say
how touched and impressed with their lifestyle. Of course, we were willing to
work around all of it to meet up. So the final decision was to meet up with them
in Siem Reap during the follow up visit to the eye clinic and then go tour the
school (near Battambang) in which they are involved.
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| Students are excited to learn |
Several years ago, Marissa and David became involved with
The Cambodian Academy in Mongkol Borei. (www.cambodianacademy.org)
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| Marissa and a bright young mind |
The Academy is a school for some of the poorest, rural Cambodian children
teaching them a curriculum which emphasizes English, Khmer (the Cambodian
Language), science, math, and social studies which will improve their
employment opportunities later in life. The
school goes thru Grade 9. Most of the children are “orphans” in effect, living
with grandparents after parents move to Thailand for job opportunities. Education
is not compulsory and often is not affordable for the poorest of Cambodians
leading to generations stuck in a cycle of poverty. This school was founded to
change this cycle.
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| The Teachers Lounge |
The Cambodia
Academy, founded in April 2004 by Rotarian Hans Eide, who believed that
education is the best way to build lives and future, serves breakfast and lunch
prepared on campus daily assuring that students will at least have two meals
per school day. With an average of 350 Students, that is 14,000 meals a
month! Students are given 2 uniforms a year and their families (2)-25 pound
bags of rice yearly.
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| 14,000 meals a month-students wash and clean dishes after meals |
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| The kitchen - one pot for rice, the other for soup. |
Unfortunately, our visit was marred by the untimely death of
Hans Eide, the founder, dynamic force and whom has been a pivotal in driving
donations funding the school. Though we attended a funeral instead of classes,
the experience nonetheless was life changing meeting these beautiful children
so eager to learn! So many children, prior graduates and parents showed up for
the formal funeral. Even the Governor of the Provence was there; that’s how
important this school is to the area and how important Hans influence has been.
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| Each Lotus bloom was placed by a student, teacher or parent |
We were treated as honored guests. Students flocked to us to
practice their English skills and inquire “where are you from?” Proudly they
led us to their classrooms, their cafeteria, the computer room, the play area. So
many children said they wanted to be “teachers” they grew up. One looked me in
the eye and said, “a doctor.” When you are a child, dreams can be real
.
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| Future Teachers of Cambodia |
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| These young men want an education to be good providers for their families |
We ended the day with Marissa giving an English class.
English Word Bingo. The bingo cards had simple English words and pictures to
match up. Every eye in the class was intent on her words and face. Never have I
seen such a group so determined to understand, so hungry to
learn. Everybody in the class got a small prize afterward, but the real prize
was the chance to be the first one in their family to create a generation released
from the grasp of poverty.
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| Let's play Bingo! |
The school is in desperate need for a fresh water filtration
unit, as their old one has broken and is too old for parts. That means no clean
drinking water on a campus of 350! Please consider giving a small donation if
you can. All money goes directly to keeping the school going and can be used as
a tax deduction.
www.facebook.com/cambodiaacademyatmb
“Be the change you wish to see in
the world “ - M. Gandhi
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