CVCD’s Non Formal Education program is working in line with the World Bank’s second Millennium Goal - "to achieve universal primary school completion." A World Bank study, found Cambodia to be a country unable to reach this goal unless progress accelerates. According to the UNICEF 2004 Annual report, nearly 90 % of children in Cambodia begin primary school. However, completion of primary school level is below 50% of those enrolled.

Children in Cambodia are unable to attend or complete primary school due to the fees imposed by Government teachers, as well as the need for children to work to help financially support their family. Many relocated communities are far from the nearest school, requiring additional expenditure for transportation and causing fear for the safety of children, particularly girls. If only some of the children in a family are able to attend school, preference is normally given to boys.

The implementation and on-going operation by CVCD of the non-formal education program assists Cambodia to meet the goal:

"by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will be able to complete a full course of primary schooling".

The Non Formal Education program at CVCD operates Khmer literacy schools in the communities of Rotes Phloeung Bey, Kork Khleang 1, Kork Khleang 2 and Krung Ang Krong Pei in Phnom Penh. The program targets the poorest students, based on household assessments and family interviews. The program offers primary level education (grade 1- 6). Classes operate five days a week for two to three hours per day. Students study a curriculum written by the Department of Non Formal Education that includes subjects such as: Mathematics, Khmer reading and writing, Geography, History, Science, Environmental studies, Health and Hygiene, and Social Morality. Retired school teachers from the community are employed, selecting those with the creativity and experience to teach to a variety of learning styles using diverse methodologies.

In the school year of 2003-04, thirteen classes were offered: seven of grade one, four of grade two, one of grade three, and one of grade four. These classes offered education to over 400 children aged between 6-14 years of age. CVCD has seen a continual rise in the demand for the program since it began in 2000.

"Going to school was not an option for me as my parents needed me to earn money selling cigarettes to tourists along the riverside. I want to make things better for my children because if they have an education they will get a good job and be able to support their family."

 

Mr. Chan Puthy has two sons aged 6 and 8 currently enrolled in the program)

 

A Child's Story

Heng Sok Teng is eleven years old and started studying at the Kork Khleang 1 school when he was eight years old. He is now in grade four and one of the top students in his class. Before Sok Teng started school he spent most of his days inside the family home unsupervised with his two older sisters. His mother works long hours at a local garment factory and his father earns money as a moto taxi driver in the city. The total daily family income is a little over $1USD.

Sok Teng’s favorite subject is mathematics. He says "School has helped me to read and write in Khmer. It has also helped me to meet lots of friends". When Sok Teng grows up he wants to be a teacher. "I cannot be a teacher if I do not go to school" says Sok Teng.