Sharing an email update from Chenda...so many exciting things happing with Coral Tree Education Foundation in Cambodia!
Subject: Progress Report and Future Plans for Our Programs
Dear Chuck,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to update you on the progress of our programs and share some exciting news about our students.
In January and April, I spent several weeks at the schools, working closely with the staff and bonding with the children. I am pleased to report that our children are doing exceptionally well. They are highly enthusiastic about their studies, and many students are now fluent in English. They also enjoy learning how to use computers. Some of our girls who have graduated from primary school and are now in high school return to learn English and use the computer lab. One girl, Sovannah, has become a successful athlete, continuously winning medals and trophies for her talents and hard work in soccer. She is now the captain of her soccer team. Additionally, a few girls are creating apps to enter into a competition focusing on environmental awareness. Some of the girls who are now entering college are fluent in English, and they credit Coral Tree for changing their lives. They will be in our College Women Scholarship Program!
Our program's focus extends beyond teaching English and computer skills; we are also dedicated to preventing children from being pulled out of school. Over the past nine years, we have only lost five students due to their families relocating to distant villages. The number of students has grown significantly, from 250 when we began to over 700 today. We grow from one school to two and 250 to 700 students.
We also provide medical care support by taking sick caretakers and children to see doctors and providing medicines for minor illnesses that could otherwise be life-threatening. Our efforts over the last nine years are showing significant impacts.
I am also very excited to share that we are currently expanding our outreach efforts to a new province. We have purchased one hectare of land in Kompong Chhnang, located two hours by car from Phnom Penh. We are in the process of developing a Learning & Community Center there. Once fully established, this center will be able to serve up to 1,000 students annually. The programs offered will include English, computer skills, and practical life skills such as repairing bicycles or motorcycles, and growing mushrooms and vegetables.
Starting in January, we will start our programs in temporary classrooms while we continue to fundraise to install permanent buildings. We, and the children and their parents, in the village are very excited of the prospect of this new center! We already have 640 students registered to attend classes!
The center will also provide education to young mothers and primary caretakers about child development, emotional well-being, and overall child care. Due to poverty, many young women have children at a young age and lack the support and education needed to bond with their children. Children are often left to fend for themselves and support the adults. We aim to make a difference and help children focus on their education.
We have received encouraging support from the village commune and our affiliates, such as UNICEF Cambodia, who have unofficially served as our advisors. We are also in contact with organizations from Australia and Switzerland, who are helping us create effective programs based on their extensive experience.
As we expand into this new endeavor in Kompong Chhnang, our programs at the existing schools will continue. Our well-trained staff are doing a wonderful job and will train new staff for the learning center.
Our fundraising efforts are ongoing. For the learning center, we need to raise $400,000 for the construction of the buildings and the implementation of the programs. The ongoing budget for the center will be very cost-effective, as salaries are the least expensive part of the programs. This makes the investment a long-term one with continuous impact once it is established.
Thank you for your continued support over the years. Please help us spread the word about our programs and fundraising efforts. I am always available to answer any questions you may have and to receive any information you wish to share with me.
Please enjoy the video of our girls entering the Techno Competition - creating an App to help the environment: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1877015579417013&ref=sharing
Warm regards,
Chenda
Soccer Team Captain Photos
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