The Cambodia Rural School Project
The Aeon Papaya School
(July, 2001)
Mr. Meas Pheng is a first grade teacher at the Aeon Papaya School. He was formerly the deputy director of education of the commune, but he retired in 1995. When this school was built, it lacked teachers, so he came as a temporary teacher until a permanent replacement could be found.
In Their Own Words. . .
| On the new building: | “The students didn’t like the old building because it was dangerous during the rainy season. They feel safe in the new building. The road was also repaired, so it is easier and safer to get to school. Since the new building was completed, enrollment has increased a lot. The new building is good for the village in two ways: First, we do not need to collect money every year for repairs. Second, it is made of concrete, so it is in good condition and parents don’t need to worry about the safety of their children.”
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| On teaching: | “I have been to teacher training school in Siem Reap town. I am interested in education because the children living in this area generally have little access to education, so I must help them. I like to teach so that my students will be happy and I can watch them learn. However, this school lacks visual aids and other teaching materials, which makes my job harder.”
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| On school subjects: | “I like to teach mathematics and Khmer because all students must know how to calculate and how to read. So much of Khmer culture was eliminated during the Pol Pot regime that we need to make sure that all students know Khmer culture.”
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| On the Khmer Rouge regime: | “I was a farmer during the Pol Pot time. Before that, I studied at the National Academy of Music. I didn’t like the Pol Pot time because I was forced to stop studying music and work in the fields. I was going to be a musician before the Khmer Rouge came. I play the clarinet still.”
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| On his family: | “My three children didn’t finish secondary school because they had to get jobs. I could not support them while they studied.”
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| On the importance of education: | “If children finish secondary school or high school, they should help the country by becoming teachers to educate others.”
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| Message for the donor: | “On behalf of the students, teachers and villagers, I would like to thank the Aeon Group for this building which will improve our children. We have nothing to give the Aeon Group in return, only words of thanks. We would love to meet the members of the Aeon Group in person. Please convey this message.” |
