Day 8: Visiting the Schools :)

Today MaryAnne, Dara, And I went to visit the five schools in the villages outside of Phnom Penh.  The schools are no larger than a single classroom.  The children only go to school for two hours a day and there is a rotating schedule so that all 100 children that attend each school can be given time to learn each day.  It was unbelievable to see first hand the living conditions for people who live in these areas.  The dirt roads are lined with potholes that could be a foot deep and filled with water from the rain.  I saw many of the grass huts, shacks, and tents that people lived in.  I also saw many babies and very young children with no clothes on that walked around on the street and played in the mud.  Women were washing their clothes outside with a small bucket of water. Without the support of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, there would be no chance for these children to receive an education.

When our car drove into the village, many children on the street ran behind the vehicle in excitement to see us.  The school houses were very small inside.  Only the sun provided the lighting for the room and there were no outlets for a fan, despite the very hot weather.  As the children entered the classroom they went up to the teacher to bow before taking their seat.  Dara guided the students to greet us in English.  In unison, the children said “Good morning, Brittany and Good morning MaryAnne.”  Today was like a holiday for the students because they each received a backpack, school uniform, books, a pencil, and a sharpener from the funding of the Grinspoon Foundation.  They were very excited as they looked at all of their school supplies. The students seemed very happy to be in school. 

 of the schoolhouse, many children gathered around me. They attempted to use their English by asking what my name was and my age.  They were all fascinated with my video camera. An entire group of them looked at the video screen laughing while another child went on the other side of the lens to be taped.  Those same children followed us as we walked around the area.  I had a great time playing with the kids!

It is clear to me that the children of Cambodia have a special appreciation for learning and going to school.  This was apparent through the respect the children had for the teacher and the smiles on their faces while just sitting at the tables ready to learn.  Every student raised their hand when MaryAnne asked if they wanted to go to secondary school.  Her hope is to be sure each child will be able to receive money to allow them to have this opportunity.