Cambodia School Build

Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world.  It has a complicated and difficult history and the atrocities in the 1970s at the hands of the Khmer Rouge left a generation without training and education, and the country one of the poorest in the world. The literacy rate is around 75%, well below the international average.  Education is the key to the country’s rebuilding.

In early 2015, the Rotary School of Cambodia was built in Daunleb village, Svay Rieng province by a team of over 30 Rotarians and Friends through the Barrie-Kempenfelt Rotary Club and led by Mike and Mary Anne Kinsey. The teacher, Sophea teaches up to 300 children five days a week.

The Rotary Club of BEL is working to continue the rebuilding of the country.  We will be constructing a three-room 8m x 12m brick and cement structure with a metal roof.  This “room” will offer English classes to children during the day and to adults at night.  It will also be a multi-use facility and serve as a sewing center room to give opportunity to local women to learn a skill, to give them the earning power to be self-sustaining. As this generation of educated children becomes adults, they will improve the quality of life for everyone in their community and ultimately their country. 

We also plan to expand our work to include delivery of school, library supplies, sewing supplies and donated items for young people and their families. 

Our work will end with a Grand Opening Ceremony for the building where we will be joined by local dignitaries and officials. A bicycle distribution (part of the Rotary Wheels for Learning) will be conducted for area children who need a bicycle to attend our new facility.

The service opportunity is open to Rotarians, Rotaract Members and friends from around the district.  The team will consist of 27 members and there are a few spaces left.  The approximate cost including air fare is US $2500.  If any of your club members are interested in joining the build team please contact Tony Davidson at anthony.davidson@rbc.com  or Susan Davidson at susandavidson@trentu.ca by September 1^st.  Space is limited and will be on a first come first serve basis.

Team members will need to arrive in Cambodia on Feb 19, 2016 to start the build which will continue until March 15^th. Between week 1 and 2 of the build there will be a 4 day break (when the roof is raised). During that time the team will have the opportunity to explore Siem Reap including the ancient Hindu and Buddhist archeological sites of Angkor Wat.  On arrival in Cambodia team members can also view the sights around Phnom Penh. 

We also ask you consider supporting the build financially.  If you require a letter of request please contact Girv Devitt at devitt@nexicom.net .  Any financial support your club (or individuals) may wish to give would be greatly appreciated.  Tax receipts will be issued for individual donations. 

For a complete information package and schedule, contact Susan Davidson at susandavidson@trentu.ca or 705-292-8977.  This is a wonderful opportunity to make a huge difference in the lives of the people of one of the poorest countries in the world.