Build a Primary School (Cambodia 2008)

Cheat's Story

14 April 2008

"My name is Cheat. I study in grade 1 at Chouk Meas Primary School. I am 7 years old and I am one of 5 siblings: three older brothers, myself and one younger brother. My mother does housework and my father works in Phnom Penh as a construction worker with my two older brothers.

I go to school with my younger brother every day. His name is Chin. He is 5 years old. I have to look after him when my other brother and mother are busy or not at home. I go to school on foot with my younger brother. I can ride our bicycle but its tire was flat and my mother hasn't got any money to fix it yet.

My class rotates every month. This month I study in the afternoon. My class starts at 1 o'clock and finish at 5 o'clock. Next month I will study in the morning starting from 7 o'clock to 11 o'clock. I like playing hide and seek with my classmates or sometimes I just sit watch them chasing each other.

When I get home after school I help my mother and brothers to collect firewood for cooking, look after my younger brother and graze the cows. I want my school to look better and because I want my younger brother to have a good place to study.

I want to study until grade 7. When I grow up I want to work in construction like my father and brothers. That way I can earn money to help my family."

Did you know?

• There are no school buses in Chouk Meas. Students must to walk up to 3kms to reach their school. In rural areas they may walk along a track beside a rice paddy which is made very difficult in the wet season!
• There are no computers or electricity at Chouk Meas Primary School. Light is let into the classroom by opening the window shutters. If it rains the children must learn in a dark classroom
• Primary school aged children in Cambodia only go to school for half a day. They must share because there are not enough teachers and schools for every child
• Class sizes are more than 50 students and sit in rows at wooden desks
• When children get home they must help around the house. Girls must clean the house whilst the boys go out and look after the buffalo, cows, ducks and chickens. Both boys and girls fetch water and firewood.
• Children cannot study at night after the sun goes down as many families cannot afford electricity.