For the Love of Reading

Hello Everyone,

We are now in Bangkok and head home on Friday. We have a few more updates about water projects and the computer lab however we will focus this e-mail on the new library and send more on the other projects once we are home.

This trip we have been working closely with Kauk Chrey School, where last year we put in a clean drinking water system and rice bank. Since first coming to this school a few years ago it has been our goal to help make the school the hub of the community and a safe, clean and progressive place for children to learn. Over the years K.I.D.S has provided: a meal program for the most needy children, fencing to keep the animals out, shoes and uniforms, exercise books, gardens and bicycles. This year we have also left a monthly stipend for two teachers to start introducing english to the children.

One issue that many schools in the countryside face is the lack of reading material. We have seen libraries at other schools and observed the children keenly reading lesson books and storybooks. For schools that do not have libraries the only reading that children do is what the teacher writes on the black board or what the children write on their chalkboard tablets or in their notebooks.

New library for Kauk Chrey school

This year we received the resources to build a library for the school at Kauk Chrey.We started the construction in early January and the building was just completed. We hired a very good team of builders and also some local villagers to work on this project. The result is a beautiful, airy building with large windows to let the light in, high ceilings to let the tropical heat rise and cool tile flooring to sit on.

Children cleaning up around new library

The paint was barely dry and the books were still on order when we visited the school on Friday. When we arrived some of the children were busy cleaning up around their new library.

New Khmer /English picture dictionaries

We brought some Khmer/English picture dictionaries with us. It was not hard to see the enthusiasm the children had to get their hands on the books. We entered the library with a group of children and they quietly watched us put the picture dictionaries on the shelves. When they were told that they could look if they wanted the books were quickly whisked off the shelves and poured over eagerly by groups of children. For these children, who work so hard to get to school and to learn, having a clean, cool, open space where they can go to read and relax is a huge gift.

"Oh, for a nook and a story-book,

With tales both new and old;

For a jolly good book whereon to look,

Is better to me than gold."

~OLD ENGLISH SONG~

We are now taking a few days to rest and get ready for the long trek home. Though we look forward to seeing friends and loved ones back home it is also difficult to say goodbye to our many friends and children who have become like family here. We have immense respect and admiration for those we work with in Cambodia and Myanmar. Their tireless commitment to improving the lives of children is outstanding and their ability to face so many losses and challenges with courage and compassion continues to be an example for us.

All the best to you and yours,

Til next time,

Adrianne and Rick