A major problem in our commune in Takeo is that the teachers, no doubt lacking motivation because of the ridiculously low pay,regularly don't turn up. I lost count of the number of days my son returned half an hour after setting out to announce "no school". Weddings, funerals, rice planting, rice cutting are just a few of the reasons given for teachers absence. In the end we had to move him to a school in Takeo Town.

StroppyChops wrote:

Soi Dog wrote:Samouth,... "Be the change that you wish to see in the world".

Bravo.

In my daily life I have a lot of Khmer telling me what to do to fix their country - when I ask what they are doing to fix their country, they stare at me blankly.

From one of my team: "Stroppy, that woman there really needs money to [sick cow | relative | wedding | …] "

Stroppy: "Cool. I'm glad you're caring for your community. How much of your monthly wage do you want to give to her?"

Team: "Say what, now?"

I shouldn't have made that statement/query directly to Samouth. He has his own responsibilities and employment issues and doesn't have much free time to take up new projects like I mentioned. I should have made it more general and asked why he thinks Cambodians who see the problems don't seem to feel empowered and compelled to make a difference despite the corrupt government officials. But such things (like providing a textbook) can start with helping one student at a time. Then go on to help one classroom at a time, then one school at a time, etc. as funds allow. I would rather see locals fill the breach than have another foreign NGO SUV-brigade take the reigns, as they seem to be ineffective at getting books into kid's hands.