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February 8, 2007
Cambodian Education
Here in Siem Reap we're working for a charity, teaching English to Cambodian children. Before I tell you about that, a bit about schools...
Most schools are run by the government. They pay the teachers very little so allow the teachers to charge childen to come to school and so sudisdise their wages. Many families cannot afford this so children do not attend school.
Some schools however, like the ones we are working in are sponsored. This means the Charity pays the teachers wages - about $30 a month, a very good wage here - and provides new buildings or equipment whenever possible. School seems to be voluntary for children. If they want to go, they do. If not they stay at home or work.
Children start school at 7am and work though until 11am. These children then go home. At 1pm a second lot of children arrive and work through until 4pm. They have a lot of breaks during this time, often just wandering in and out of class.
The teachers on the whole are not very motivated, and who can blame them, so most lessons consist of copying things down from the board. Class sizes vary, depending on how many children turn up on any given day, between 30 and 60.
Children however are very eager to learn, especially with new people. Their ability varies greatly but the more able are always willing to help others.
Posted by admins at February 8, 2007 4:37 AM