The Cambodia Rural School Project
The Sre Chang Nippon
Foundation School
Mr. Som Red is the community chief in the village where the Sre Chang Nippon Foundation School is located.
He is 54 years old
| On himself:
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I have been the community chief since 1983. My wife and I both work as farmers, and we have four children. Our youngest son is studying at this school.
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| On the new building:
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I was very happy when the new school was built. When the new building was finished, I visited all the children in this village and encouraged them to come and study. I also went to talk to the parents who had taken their children out of school.
There were many problems with the old school. When it was windy or rainy, parts of the roof would sometimes fall down. The biggest problem was probably that the building looked as if it would collapse at any moment. It was built in 1979, so it was quite old. I intend to take care of the new school. I have instructed the children to behave and not to throw rocks or sticks at the building, and they’re not allowed to draw or scribble on its walls. I will repair things whenever they break.
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| On being community chief:
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I was chosen to be a community chief by the villagers here, and they always follow my advice. I’d like to keep being community chief as long as people listen to me. When they stop listening to my advice, then I’ll withdraw and they can select another.
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