The very first school we built in 2005, was at a very poor village called Chhom Trach. Now, 7 years down the road, the school is going strong. A couple of years ago it was struggling through a rough patch with a rather amotivated teacher. We had to "incentivise" the government appointed teacher, and appoint one of our own (a retired Christian principal from another school). Now the school is bustling with activity, and the kids seem happy and keen about their schooling.
The school now runs 3 sessions (2 in the morning and one in the afternoon) in 2 classrooms for Grades 1-4. Grades 3 and 4 are a combined class because of the lack of teachers. There is also a problem of parents often pulling the kids (usually the older ones) out of classes in the afternoon because of work in the fields. We have decided that we will supplement the salary of another teacher/session so that Grades 3 and 4 can be run as separate classes. Then move the older classes to the morning.
The kids continue to receive a free meal once a week. This costs us about US$140 per month.
Supporting the school in Chhom Trach costs us a fair bit. If you feel you can contribute to this effort, please write to me.
