SchoolAID - Build a Primary School in Cambodia Project

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Build a Primary School in Cambodia Project

Do you walk 3 kilometres to get to school every day? Do you share with 50 others in a dark classroom without electricity?

The buildings in Chouk Meas Primary School in Cambodia are so dangerous that the 569 students can no longer have classes inside.

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There are no school buses in Chouk Meas. Students must to walk up to 3kms to reach their school. In rural areas they may walk along a track beside a rice paddy which is made very difficult in the wet season! There are no computers or electricity at Chouk Meas Primary School. Light is let into the classroom by opening the window shutters. If it rains the children must learn in a dark classroom Primary school aged children in Cambodia only go to school for half a day. They must share because there are not enough teachers and schools for every child Class sizes are more than 50 students and sit in rows at wooden desks When children get home they must help around the house. Girls must clean the house whilst the boys go out and look after the buffalo, cows, ducks and chickens. Both boys and girls fetch water and firewood. Children cannot study at night after the sun goes down as many families cannot afford electricity.

Check out the following school groups who will help Build a Primary School! Click on their school name below...

Media & Photography Students at Calwel High School
6D of Lysterfield Primary School
5W of Mosman Preparatory School
Mount Erin Secondary College
Junior School Council of Pascoe Vale South Primary School
Prep S of Stonnington Primary School
Stella Maris

Update 1: 14 April, 2008

Cheat's Story
"My name is Cheat. I study in grade 1 at Chouk Meas Primary School. I am 7 years old and I am one of 5 siblings: three older brothers, myself and one younger brother. My mother does housework and my father works in Phnom Penh as a construction worker with my two older brothers.

I go to school with my younger brother every day. His name is Chin. He is 5 years old. I have to look after him when my other brother and mother are busy or not at home. I go to school on foot with my younger brother. I can ride our bicycle but its tire was flat and my mother hasn't got any money to fix it yet.

My class rotates every month. This month I study in the afternoon. My class starts at 1 o'clock and finish at 5 o'clock. Next month I will study in the morning starting from 7 o'clock to 11 o'clock. I like playing hide and seek with my classmates or sometimes I just sit watch them chasing each other.

When I get home after school I help my mother and brothers to collect firewood for cooking, look after my younger brother and graze the cows.

I want my school to look better and because I want my younger brother to have a good place to study. I want to study until grade 7. When I grow up I want to work in construction like my father and brothers. That way I can earn money to help my family.