Riding to school
The long walk to school each day was making Sonita tired and often late. Now she rides her bike to school and is among the top in her class.
Sonita, 12 years old, is a grade 6 student living in Ratanakiri province. She lives with her parents and 3 sisters. Her father works as a motorcycle repairman while her mother stays at home to take care of the family. Her eldest sister is married and her 2 other sisters are still in school. With her father being the only source of income, supporting the entire family has been challenging.
Being late and tired
Sonita had to walk 4 kilometres with her friends from her home to school. Each morning, she woke up very early to help her mother prepare breakfast before beginning the long walk. By the time she arrived at school, she was often tired and sleepy.
“I had to walk from my house to school. Sometimes, I was late for class,” recalled Sonita. “There were times I wanted to drop out but my mother encouraged me to continue and reduced some of my house chores. ”
The Primary School Director at Sonita’s school shared that many of his students live far away from the school and lack transportation. As a result, they often arrive late. He added that some students are overaged and eventually drop out of school; some marry early, while others work to support their families.
“Some parents or guardians do not understand the importance of education, so they do not encourage their children to attend school,” explained the Primary School Director. “We also face challenges connecting with parents because many live in remote areas with no phone service.”
He further noted that most students lack basic school materials.
An easier journey to school
Sonita received a bicycle and school materials to help her continue her studies.
“I am happy because I no longer have to walk a long distance to school,” said Sonita. “I love my bicycle and ride with my friend every day.”
Sonita is an outstanding student and among the top in her class. Her favourite subjects are Khmer literature and mathematics. During school breaks, she often helps her friends study these subjects.
Sonita is committed to taking good care of her bicycle and plans to use it when she enters lower secondary school which is about 20 kilometers from her house.
“I want to be a primary school teacher, so I can teach children in my community and contribute to its development,” shared Sonita.
“I am happy because I no longer have to walk a long distance to school.
Sonita
I love my bicycle and ride with my friend every day.”
Our intervention
In partnership with Education Above All’s Educate A Child Program, and through Aide et Action, Plan International Cambodia is implementing the Cambodia Consortium for Out of School Children’s Phase II project in Stung Treng and Ratanakiri provinces.
This initiative aims to provide quality, and relevant primary education to marginalised, out-of-school children in Cambodia. One of the project’s key activities is to enrich learning opportunities by providing relevant learning materials and tools, alongside professional development for teachers.
Categories: Education
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