why we do it
Bridge in the remote north west of Kampong Thom on the way to Phum Svay and Phum Thnal. Image: Susie
how it all began with Teachers Across Borders
Over fifteen years from 2007 Susie has presented workshops or led the Teachers Across Borders programmes in Kampong Thom. Along with a host of other Australian teachers they helped develop the capacity of the education system in two levels: ‘teaching teachers to teach’ pedagogy and methodology, within the Cambodian national curriculum; and developing a ‘train the trainer’ programme for Cambodian teachers to run workshops and programmes for each other.
Tudi and Kitty conducting a primary maths workshop with practicing teachers. Image: Susie
working within the Cambodian education system
The design of the running water project is flexible to the needs of the school communities we work with. We have strong relationships with the Provincial of Education and have been granted permission to enter all schools in the province. The ability to deliver projects are not primarily constrained by money but by our capacity to develop and maintain strong working relationships across time and culture.
Brigid O'Keefe conducting a "train the trainer" workshop at the Teacher Training College. Image: Susie
working in an international framework
Our aims are aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). By providing running water to toilets and hand washing basins, there is a reduction in communicable diseases that leads to greater attendance in school for students and teachers. Girls are more likely to attend school during menstruation.
‘Education…is a key to escape poverty’ (UN SDGs 2021).
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, 2021, ‘17 Goals to transform our world’, viewed 19 June 2021, https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/.
part of a bigger picture
There are many other not-for-profit programmes underway in Cambodia. Wherever possible we work in with them - for example we have worked with World Vision, Save the Children and Red Cross installing wells and providing hand washing facilities in schools.
Hand washing station Wa Yoev. Image: Susie
world food progam
Many of the primary schools we have provided running water to are supported by the Word Food Programme. We plumb water to World Food Programme hand washing stations, school vegetable gardens and school kitchens for cooking student meals.
Kitchen Garden at Phum Svay. Image: Narith
World Food Program kitchen at Roussey Douch. Image: Narith
recycling
Thy started a simple plastic drink bottle recycling programme at Kampong Thom High School using galvanised wire cages. The bottles are collected by a commercial recycling company and the school earns money. Other schools have now implemented the same programme.
Kampong Thom High School. Image: Susie
WASH programme
The running water project sits within the concept of WASH programmes - the system of "Water, Sanitation and Hygiene" implemented worldwide. WASH workshops are a priority in the Primary Teacher Training College to educate the future teachers. We will be installing WASH posters in schools, to accompany hand basins.
Thy inspecting new toilets and double sided hand washing facility with Principal of Kuok Nguong secondary school. Image: Susie
