How many children can you pack into a wooden hut to learn English from a Canadian? The answer… is probably too many!

Hello,

The answer is probably…… too many! This is my class at the school for children of poverty.

This school was established in February 2005 by two monks who wanted to give Siem Reap’s poorest children a future that does not depend on begging. They now provide free education to over 500 children aged five to twenty. Many of these children have lost one or both parents or come from families that can’t afford the daily fee of 300 Riel ($0.05 US) for public schools. In many cases the children work during the day and come to learn for one hour each night.

Many poor children in Cambodia are never given the opportunity to go to school, so those that do have this chance value it deeply. The students are extremely dedicated and eager to take classes. What you don’t see in the picture above, is the many children surrounding the outside of this hut, trying top participate in my class.

I’m having the best time teaching classes here at this school. I have two classes every day and both are jam packed with students. Teaching with this many children has been a big challenge for me. Many of these children come to class without books, pens or pencils. I have to be very creative in my teaching. I think I’m enjoying these kids so much, because we are learning and also having fun. I’ve been teaching them letter sounds and combine teaching with learning games that the children enjoy. I started teaching the a song the other day and the kids can’t get enough of it. It’s “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. The kids are singing this song as they leave my class and I can here it all night long as they play.

At first, I didn’t understand why these kids got such a kick out of this song. The reality is that most of these children have never had the opportunity to sit with other friends in a classroom setting. They haven’t had the chance to even learn a simple song together. How would you feel, if you never had any school experience? I think something would be missing.

This school is struggling right now. This is the school that I wrote about a few weeks ago. The founder of the school died in an accident less than a month ago and they are left with a young man leading everything. I am spending every day with him trying to open a bank account for the school, getting a donation box for the school, trying to get school tours for tourists to donate money and getting advertising in place in local shops and hostels. If anyone is interested in supporting this school, please let me know. You know… this school of 500 children runs for less than $200 US a month. The $200 is used to rent the land and pay for electricity and limited supplies for the children. There are no salaries paid to anyone. Without donations this school will cease to exist. I am getting very attached to this school and the children. The class is full of energy. The kids are full of hugs and affection.

I gave the children pencils, pens and a ruler. The children got so excited taht they were jumping up and down. It was very happy, but also very sad at the same time. It only takes very small things to make people here happy. I won’t forget the smile I got from one little girl, as I gave her her first pen, pencil and ruler set that she ever had. Amazing.

Please look at my pictures on flickr.

Love Gerry