Hello, my name is Ruwan and I'd like to introduce you to the work of teacher Mrs. Koy Sareth, 65 year old resident of Romeas Chor village in rural Cambodia. Along with my team members Mr. Somnang Chea, Mrs. Phalla Sum, Ms. Carla Crowhurst, Mr. Saray Float, and Mrs. Maly Chea, we would like to do more to contribute to the development in this village. Cambodia has progressed from a lower income country to a lower middle income country, but the rural countryside is still far behind the city. There are hundreds of children in the countryside that want better educational opportunities but resources are limited. Education is the way that people can change their fortunes if they're given opportunities on their life journey. In this case we're trying to raise funds for school basics + a nice bathroom ($700) for the students to use as an added bonus! Studies years ago showed that poor restroom facilities were a reason for girls not to attend school. If we go over our target we can also make a community library. This is their village so we will always know whether donations are being put to good use in the community.

We'd like to help contribute to the development of a small school underneath the wooden house in Romeas Chor village to help teach the children math and language skills.

Many of these kids' parents are already working in the cities while the kids remain in the village with the grandparents or other relatives. They will most likely end up migrating to the city when their time comes, and hopefully they will be equipped with basic skills to have a productive future there.

The makeshift school needs chairs, tables, and better facilities such as a bathroom to make studying more enjoyable for the young students. If you are in Cambodia, in-kind donations are also appreciated! Here is the estimated budget:

Chairs: 25 x $4.50 = $112.50
Whiteboard: 1 x $12 = $12
Printer and Copy: 1 x $140 = $140
A4 Paper: $16
Notebooks: $14
Bags and Pens: (donated by Wing Bank)
Computer Desktop: 1 x $460 = $460
Restroom (3.5m x 1.8m) 1 x $700 = $700
Transfer fee to Cambodia: $40
Go Fund Me fees (3% + $0.30 per donation): $55 (estimate)
GRAND TOTAL: $1549.50 (depending on transaction costs of GFM)

[note: if we exceed this target we can also make a community library]

"My name is Carla Crowhurst and my mother's name is Sum Phalla and I have one in my family. I am happy to study with all of the students here. Teacher teaches us how to spell and write sentences in Khmer language and we study math also. My favorite things to study are Khmer language, math,  and English. In the future I want to be a good teacher of math, so now I spend at least one hour to do math and read English after I see the schedule from public school," said Carla (pictured below). 

"I started teaching the children in my village in 2014 with just 24 pupils. Over the years up to 68 students every year learned how to read and write. I am asking for your help because we don't have any school furniture, no restrooms, and I would ike to buy notebooks and a printer for homework as well," says teacher Koy Sareth.

For those in Cambodia, we will arrange a visit to see the progress of the school one day in the future. 

We know times now are rough, but a little bit goes a long way in the Cambodian countryside. Thanks for your consideration! Please enjoy this song from student Carla Crowhurst below: