Save Kakada’s School

Toul Ampil Educational School

Location: near the Killing Fields, Phnom Penh

Background: Toul Ampil Educational School is run by one of G Adventure’s Chief Experience Officers, Kakada Chhim. Toul Ampil (meaning “school under the tamarind tree”) is an early childhood education setting as well as a drop-in school for university students, serving needy children living in areas near the Killing Fields. Cambodia is a well-known country in Southeast Asia, steeped in history and rich in culture. Three decades of war nearly destroyed the entire society, including the economy, infrastructure and human resources that are the key factors in developing a country. In particular for Cambodia, this was its tourism industry. After the genocide in Cambodia, access to education was nearly eliminated. Private schools are often too costly for the average Khmer salary, and local educational institutions, non-profits and NGOs are necessary to fill this gap. Toul Ampil has been supported by small donations but principally sustained by my salary as a tour guide.

Now, in 2020, I would like to acknowledge that COVID – 19 has impacted the entire world, and Cambodia has not been spared from this disease. Thanks to our government's stringent and effective implementation of restrictions we have been able to contain this disease, and the number of confirmed cases has been small when compared to other countries. The number of patients recovered from Covid-19 has been huge, with Cambodia having no reported deaths, and community transmission is non-existent. This is really encouraging news and we would like to take this opportunity to thank our government, as well as officials and everybody involved, for the success of our country as a whole. However, this disease is very contagious and we must remain cautious until a vaccine is approved and treatments have been developed. For these reasons the Ministry of Education has continued to delay the opening of schools across the country. Of course we understand this, but we also know that the education of our young people must continue. As leaders in education, we have to make sure we train our students to be prepared for the future; particularly for the unknown possibilities of the future. The Ministry of Education has encouraged educational institutions to develop e-learning platforms and distance learning options to enable our students to continue their studies without distractions.

But unfortunately we have no funding to keep our school running.

My students and I are about to lose our school in Cambodia.

- I lost my tour guide position with G Adventures due to COVID -19.

- Currently I have no other way of earning money for my family.

- I have a wife, three children, and a village who depend on me.

- My income and job generated opportunities and income for my community.

- I need $14,400 for the running cost of my school for one year.

- USD $1,200 will fund my school for one month.

- I tried using Street Food Restaurant to generate income from the property, but COVID - 19 has meant that tourists are not visiting Cambodia at present.

Please consider sharing anything you can to support the young generation of eager students in Cambodia. Every dollar is an investment in hope for all that they can and will achieve, with your support.