From 1975 to 1979, Cambodia faced a genocide under the Khmer Rouge regime, resulting in the systematic persecution and killing of millions, including 75 percent of all teachers and 96 percent of all tertiary students3. Schools were closed, teachers and educated people were targeted, and the entire education system had to be rebuilt from scratch.²
Though significant progress has been made, Cambodia’s poorer communities still face educational challenges.¹ Approximately 300,000 of children and adolescents remain out of school, and dropout rates remain high.¹ One of the primary obstacles is the absence of basic infrastructure: many schools have insufficient classroom space and adequate facilities for water, sanitation, and hygiene, which causes students to fall behind or miss out on education entirely.¹
This summer, HXP Builders will construct three new classrooms at a school for kindergarten through 6th graders. The school currently has three classroom buildings for 214 students and 9 teachers, with kindergarteners using the library as their classroom. The new classrooms will provide a dedicated space for the kindergarteners and allow the school to hire additional teachers, creating more room for growth. This project offers an incredible opportunity for Builders to help make a lasting impact and strengthen their connection with the local community.
Sources:
¹ UNICEF
² UNESCO
³ The Diplomat