Siem Reap : The Children of Sambour

February 23-26 2020

When we planned this trip we didn't plan to go back to Siem Reap. But, like Carlee (one of the buttercups) always says, "You'll never be closer"! And we couldn't resist spending time at Sambour school.

I first visited Sambour in December 2008 and volunteered to put on a medical clinic there. That experience changed my perspective on health in poor countries and gave me a new appreciation for those with so little and how they manage well in spite of so many reasons why they might not. This was my third visit. Much has changed.

One incredible change is the village itself.  Homes are far more substantial.  Many now have bathrooms, in part from a donor who paid $300 to buy the toilet and have them installed properly. There is even a small store just outside the school gates. Most children walk to school. Some have bikes and many parents now have scooters that they load up with children to transport them to and fro. Parents volunteer to assist at lunch time.

Chilly ride to the School

In 2008 Sambour School had approximately 80 students. There was one classroom for grades kindergarten to third or maybe fourth grade. There was no food program. Very few children had uniforms. The children were undernourished and in need of so many things that students in other parts of the world take for granted.

The organization, Cambodia We Care (one I partner with) and many other generous donors and organizations have brought tremendous transformation to this community just by helping the children. From one palm frond "building" Sambour has grown into serving K- sixth grades with two large concrete structures one with 3 classrooms the other with two classrooms and a library. There are bathrooms, clean water to drink and hand washing stations.  Most importantly there is a daily hot breakfast and a once a week lunch program.

Lunch time. Children volunteer to pass out food. Everyone waits to eat until all are served!

Two bright kindergartners.  We were told they can already read most books.

Teacher and Vice Principal with his beautiful daughter.

5th &6th grade classroom both look like this.   In need of a proper building to house two more classrooms and a proper office for the principal and teachers.

Kindergarten is overflowing with children!

There are also many qualified teachers who are very dedicated to these beautiful children who have not only blossomed physically and mentally,  but also in number. From 80 students the numbers have grown to nearly 300 full-time students.  Parents are eager to send their children to this school where English is taught as part of the curriculum.  Back in 2008 not many children progressed beyond 6th grade. Now most go on to high school and several go to college.

Annalisa and I endured a one hour tuk tuk ride on a much improved, less bumpy dirt road, just to visit the school. CWC assistants, Dana and Sambath got us there safely and then, as usual, they began the job of unloading food supplies for lunch and helping the cooks prepare the meal in the outdoor kitchen.  Some of the older children also help by washing and chopping vegetables, and in exchange,  learning life-skills. While cooking is generally the job of women in Cambodia, at Sambour the boys and girls share all the tasks.

Cooperation!

Chopping

Prepping

soup to go on rice

Enjoying lunch

parents waiting to help

Each child washes their own dishes

Dana and Sambath work tirelessly every day to support this school by buying supplies for lunch, purchasing uniforms, and other things donors provide. They also teach English and life skills. I know their daily presence is a support and encouragement to all the teachers just by being good role models.

Dana and Sambath join us for a farewell dinner!

We had an opportunity to interact with these sweet children who enjoyed my singing a song written my partner Rich about a monkey and an elephant.  They were even able to join me successfully in the chorus. Then Annalisa showed everyone a magic trick that was a major hit among everyone especially the teachers.

Annalisa working her magic

My heart swells with joy over the changes that have occurred in 12 years. I am happy to have had a tiny part in this growth. If anyone is ever interested in helping there is still much to be done. While the local government does support the school a bit, expenses for upkeep, building another couple of classrooms, and an office are just a few of the big projects that are not covered.

Each child getting flip flops that were donated 

Thanking the donor

A teacher's baby gets shoes too!

Providing one lunch for so many costs just $80 US dollars. School supplies, uniforms, and books for the library are much less expensive.  Any and all donations are tax deductible.  I wish I could stay for a month and volunteer my time to assist in all that needs to be done. If anyone is interested in volunteering their time there I know it would be welcomed. What you would gain in being a part of this wonderful village would last you a lifetime.