Education
Education together with health are the cornerstone to a brighter future for children in a developing country like Cambodia. Our Education Program comprises English classes, Non-formal classes, computer lessons and operating a community school. We encourage reading with our mobile libraries which regularly visit schools. We also organise English Speaking and Debate Competitions amongst schools. Our Intensive English and Computer Skills classes enable school leavers to quickly gain employment. We now award student aid by way of scholarships and living assistance for tertiary level students.
Activities
English Classes
We now organise and operate over 50 free English classes for over 1,000 students on an average day. We coordinate with school principals to make classrooms available after school hours to have the English classes conducted by teachers hired and paid by BLCP. Although English is taught in public schools, this subject would need to be supplemented in view of the quality of delivery and limited time allotted in teaching English.
Each year, we conduct regular training for our part time teachers. These workshops include phonetics, classroom management and teaching skills, some of which are conducted by native English trainers.
Non-formal Classes
We also provide non-formal classes to students who are falling behind in their studies and with such classes, the dropout rate from school is reduced. On average, each class in a public school is between 40 to 50 students which makes it difficult for teachers to help weaker students. Our preschool classes particularly in the village is to enable parents to work in the fields or be employed. This also allows older children to attend school instead of having to skip classes in order to look after their young siblings while their parents are at work.
Mobile Library
We operate one library and three mobile libraries which are sponsored by generous donors. As most public schools in the area do not have library facilities, the mobile libraries are able to fill this important gap by making regular visits to various schools to allow students to read and borrow a variety of books.
Computer Classes
In order to stay abreast with technology, we also organise computer classes for students. The students are taught Microsoft Office including techniques to manipulate figures under Excel software which would be useful to them when they pursue higher studies at universities or when they leave school to seek employment. One of our computer classes including the hardware and equipment is sponsored by a supporter, No Moss Co. of Sydney, Australia.
Other Education Activities
English Speaking & Debate Competitions organised by BLCP are important to instil our English lesson students with confidence, communication and thinking skills. Participation by students in such events motivate their cohorts with prizes sponsored by BLCP and awarded to winners and participants.