In the new school year of 2023-2024, Sim Sreykheth, now 11 years old and in the 5th grade at Norodom Sihamoni Primary School, continues to showcase remarkable progress in her academic performance, behaviour, and peer engagement.

Sreykheth's educational journey is encouraging, considering her earlier dropout in grade 2 due to her family's financial struggles and lack of emphasis on education by her parents. However, with the support of the Safe Back to School – Pathways in Educational Equity and Resilience (PEER) project, funded by Save the Children Korea and launched in July 2021, she regained her path to education and has since flourished.

As president of the student learning club, a child-led initiative, Sreykheth plays a crucial role in assisting her peers who encounter challenges in reading, writing, and mathematics. The sessions convene every morning from 7 am to 10 am in the area beneath the school building, furnished with old wooden tables and chairs.

“We usually review the lessons covered in class and exchange ideas on what we understood and found challenging,” explained Sreykheth, emphasizing that the learning club supports students who struggle with learning at a slower pace and frequently miss classes. “After my performance has improved, I gained more friends, and I can teach others, which is my dream of becoming a teacher,” she added, her voice brimming with enthusiasm and determination.

Lon Sreyneth, Sreykheth’s classmate, shared that she often struggles to remember words and frequently relies on Sreykheth to help her catch up on class lessons, “She [Sreykheth] is my close friend. She is a nice mate for me. Whenever I did not understand the lessons, I always requested her to explain to me. She is helpful,” Sreyneth said.

In early 2024, Sreykheth moved to reside with her mother in a modest house near the banks of the Tonle Sap Lake, approximately 3 kilometres from her school. This transition was made possible by Save the Children Korea’s funded Cash for Education program, which she benefitted from in the academic year 2022-2023. The support allowed her to acquire a bicycle for commuting to and from school, alongside essential study materials to enrich her learning experience.

Mr. Sum Saeu, Sreykheth’s teacher, said that despite her challenging family conditions, he observed her as a young, proactive student who participates in class, remembers lessons well, and dares ask questions when in doubt.

“Sreykheth ranked No. 3 among the 19 students. She has always completed homework on time and is willing to support other students because she enjoys helping others learn and succeed,” he added.
Norodom Sihamoni Primary School, where Sreykheth is learning, was among the 32 target schools in Kampong Chhnang Province that Save the Children Cambodia has worked with, in collaboration with Provincial and District Offices of Education, Youth and Sport to implement the PEER project to ensure continued access to quality education for children during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Since July 2021, the project has provided learning and teaching materials to the target schools and trained teachers to strengthen their teaching capacities.

Seung Sambona, the school principal, expressed his gratitude for the support provided by Save the Children Korea through Save the Children Cambodia. He emphasized the significance of the technical assistance and guidance from the PEER project team, which has been instrumental in enhancing the school's operations and developing human resources. This support has been crucial in helping students like Sreykheth, who required significant attention at the beginning, to achieve remarkable progress.

“Establishing the School Management Committee, Student Council and work plan has significantly enhanced our ability to manage the school effectively. We are excited about the continued support of the project, which has had a positive impact on creating an environment where young children in the community can thrive and flourish,” he said.

The PEER project has transformed the Norodom Sihamoni Primary School by improving infrastructure, providing essential resources, and enhancing teaching quality through training. As a result, student engagement, attendance, and academic achievement have all improved, while fostering positive behavioral changes and creating a supportive, inclusive atmosphere.

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