Wat Bo school cont...
Yes, that's right nearly 5000 children in one primary school. But, it is not what you would think. Of course, only half of he children are there at one time, either in the morning or afternoon. If ever the Government want to showcase Cambodian education hey come here. It is unique in the country.
The headteacher is a visionary. He believes that all is children should have a good enough grounding so that they can go to a good high school and then into higher education. One small aspect of this is that it is the only school in the country where the children have to wear shoes and socks and keep them on in the classroom. He does this because he feels that it prepares them for life in business at the level that he wants them to aim for. There was an outcry when he brought this rule in, people were horrified as it was against all custom.
THe plf sponsors 680 street children to go here. The shoe rule caused huge problems as none of the children had ever worn socks or proper shoes. Plastic flip flops are the footwear for them. Apart from the cost, the logistics of getting shoes that fit for that many children proved to be a nightmare. Shoes are poorly made here an so the sizing is tricky. Also, if the money was given to the parents to but the shoes they certainly would not have got any. Anyway, this huge problem was surmounted and the kids got their shoes and are at school. They assimilate into the classroom vey well. They are not stigmatised in any way and are fully integrated. You can tell them though, they are just a bit skinnier, a bit scruffier and don't have hair ribbons etc. But they are at a great school which will give them many opportunities.
The school is very well equipped. They have a computer lab, a music room, the children get games lessons and it is all neat and tidy. In the October typhoon it was all under several feet of water but you would never know that now. I am hoping to help out there in the afternoons with English classes.
Cultural differences: I was in French Polynesia a few weeks ago. The national flower there is the tiare or frangipan. You cannot walk two feet without seeing one covered in flowers. The pathways are carpeted with them and every Polynesian woman wears one behind her ear. Here, you only see them in Pagoda's (temples) near the gumpas or graves. It is known as the spirit tree and they are placed near the dead to stop the bad spirits leaving the pagoda and causing trouble. When Lori was extending and improving the house she wanted to plant one in the front to provide a fragrant welcome. You can imagine how horrified the family were. It would have attracted the spirits of the dead. No tree!
The headteacher is a visionary. He believes that all is children should have a good enough grounding so that they can go to a good high school and then into higher education. One small aspect of this is that it is the only school in the country where the children have to wear shoes and socks and keep them on in the classroom. He does this because he feels that it prepares them for life in business at the level that he wants them to aim for. There was an outcry when he brought this rule in, people were horrified as it was against all custom.
THe plf sponsors 680 street children to go here. The shoe rule caused huge problems as none of the children had ever worn socks or proper shoes. Plastic flip flops are the footwear for them. Apart from the cost, the logistics of getting shoes that fit for that many children proved to be a nightmare. Shoes are poorly made here an so the sizing is tricky. Also, if the money was given to the parents to but the shoes they certainly would not have got any. Anyway, this huge problem was surmounted and the kids got their shoes and are at school. They assimilate into the classroom vey well. They are not stigmatised in any way and are fully integrated. You can tell them though, they are just a bit skinnier, a bit scruffier and don't have hair ribbons etc. But they are at a great school which will give them many opportunities.
The school is very well equipped. They have a computer lab, a music room, the children get games lessons and it is all neat and tidy. In the October typhoon it was all under several feet of water but you would never know that now. I am hoping to help out there in the afternoons with English classes.
Cultural differences: I was in French Polynesia a few weeks ago. The national flower there is the tiare or frangipan. You cannot walk two feet without seeing one covered in flowers. The pathways are carpeted with them and every Polynesian woman wears one behind her ear. Here, you only see them in Pagoda's (temples) near the gumpas or graves. It is known as the spirit tree and they are placed near the dead to stop the bad spirits leaving the pagoda and causing trouble. When Lori was extending and improving the house she wanted to plant one in the front to provide a fragrant welcome. You can imagine how horrified the family were. It would have attracted the spirits of the dead. No tree!
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