Than Polin, a 9-year-old excelling third-grader from a humble fishing family in Kampong Chhnang Province, consistently achieves the top score in his class.

Polin's parents, Mr. Chhit Bunthoeun, 51, and Ms. Doeurn Punleu, 39, work as fishermen. They have four children: one in​ secondary school and three in primary school. The family lives in a wooden house in Boribour District, Kampong Chhnang Province, and shares it with Polin’s grandparents and two cousins’ families. Fishing at Tonle Sap Lake has become increasingly difficult due to climate change, and Polin's parents often spend weeks on their small boat to catch enough fish to support the family.

Previously, the Kampong Preah Primary School had only two classrooms, one for grade 1 and the other for grade 2. When students reached grade 3, they had to relocate to Chhnok Trou Primary School. The journey posed significant risks, especially during the rainy season when the school building, constructed 3 meters above the ground to prevent flooding, required students to travel by boat. This was particularly dangerous for young children who could not swim, and many dropped out due to speedy traffic accidents and the challenging commute.

“My husband and I return home after two weeks or a month. While we are away, Polin and our other three children are cared for by their aunt and grandparents,” said Ms. Ponleu. Despite their financial struggles, Polin's parents prioritize their children's education.

“I was very concerned about how Polin would travel to school since he couldn't swim and Chhnok Trou is far from our house. I didn't want him to drop out because he studies hard," Ms. Ponleu said. "Fortunately, Kampong Preah Primary School now has a grade 3 class, allowing him and his peers to continue studying there.”

With support from the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS) and the KSFC Foundation from South Korea, Save the Children Cambodia completed renovation work at Kampong Preah Primary School in early 2024 as part of the Safe Back to School – Pathways in Educational Equity and Resilience (PEER) project.

The renovated school now offers a safer and more accessible learning environment that benefits 49 girls and 40 boys and the donation ceremony was held on March 12, 2024, with participation from relevant stakeholders. With additional classrooms, students like Polin can continue their education without the risks and difficulties of travelling long distances. “I'm happy and satisfied with our [renovated] school. I can now continue learning and chase after my dream to become a teacher​because I want to teach children when I become an adult,” said Polin.

Polin's teacher, Mr. San Sitha, who recently transferred from Chhnok Trou Primary School to Kampong Preah Primary School, expressed his delight at seeing the children's eagerness to learn. “This renovated building is clean and filled with educational decorations. The roof helps reduce the heat, and there are proper toilets for both students and teachers. Polin and his friends are having a great time studying and playing at school,” he said.

According to Mr. Sitha, Polin has consistently obtained the top score and ranked No. 1 every month since the beginning of this year.

Mr. Ham Sohieng, the head of the school administration, said the request to create grades 4, 5, and 6 at Kampong Preah Primary School is on its way to the MoEYS, and he is optimistic about its approval.

“We want to ensure that all these children could at least finish primary school. We do not wish them to drop out. I’m grateful for the continued support from the PEER project team and Save the Children Korea,” he said.

In addition to renovating the school, the PEER project, launched in July 2021, also provided further support to the school. This support included enhancing the skills of school principals and teachers in early grade reading and early grade math for grades 1 to 3, supplying a printer and A4 papers for producing teaching materials, installing WASH facilities, conducting training on gender equality and inclusion, providing personal protective equipment, enhancing the capabilities of the school management committee, and furnishing teachers with storybooks, shelves, and cabinets for storing teaching materials.

These efforts have collectively increased enrollment and attendance, improved academic achievement, boosted student engagement, and fostered positive behavioural changes, ensuring a higher quality educational experience and overall student development. Additionally, schools and teachers have gained more confidence in their functions and abilities, leading to registrations for provincial and national competitions for best schools and best teachers.

Interviewed by:Pov Khoeun, Project Officer
Written by: Taing Vida - Communications and Campaign Specialist
Proofread by: Chin Kethya, Donor Reporting Specialist
Photography: Yous Ratha, Communications Officer