Wednesday, January 20, 2016

K.I.D.S. Kindergarten

Dear Friends,

We recently returned from a trip to Stung Treng in the N.E. part of Cambodia. We went to spend some time at another one of our favourite programs, K.I.D.S. Preschool and Kindergarten. K.I.D.S. has been funding this program for the past 8 years and it is always a
pleasure to see the little ones attending school, so happy and healthy. The school is on the grounds of the Stung Treng Women's Development Weaving Centre. Two very inspiring Cambodian people Chan and Chantha founded this innovative and sustainable program for women in 2002. Here women learn to spin, weave, and dye silk and make beautiful scarves and products. The women receive a good salary, have regular days off, receive free medical care (for themselves and their families), a free lunch program and thanks to K.I.D.S. donors, they can bring their children to work with them to attend our preschool kindergarten.

Each day 50 to 60 children attend the school, some of the weavers children and some are from the local village. The teachers are very committed and nurturing women who work hard at giving these kids a head start in life.



Where once these children would have been wandering around on the dirt paths of the village, they are now playing, learning, doing morning exercises, singing and napping. They all get a good nutritious lunch and can visit their mother's at break time. Before most of these women were struggling to feed their families and find work, now they are
producing some of the best silk in S.E. Asia and are able to educate their children at the same time. As we know, most women in developing countries have a difficult time finding employment because of the responsibilities of caring for small children.


We support the teachers to learn and develop their skills and we provide good educational materials. As it turns out, once the children from K.I.D.S. little school go to grade one in the government schools they are often top of their class.


 We have added a little video of the children enjoying their morning routine!!


Youtube video - click to view

Thanks for all your support and for giving these young children a great head start to a better future.

Warmest wishes to you all,
Adrianne and Rick