SUCCESS & INNOVATION

Integrity and Resilience Under the Light of New Education at Chheu Khleum Primary School

 

Vas Daviet is a first-grade student at Chheu Khleum Primary School, located in Romchek Commune, Memot District, Tboung Khmum Province. Daviet’s life is defined by resilience. He lives in a financially underprivileged family in a remote village, approximately 8 kilometers from the school. His parents migrated to work as laborers in rubber plantations in a distant region, returning to visit him only once a month, or sometimes only once a year. Consequently, Daviet lives under the care of his elderly grandparents who earn a living through daily wage labor.

 

Before the intervention of the "Happy Cambodian Children" Project, Daviet was at high risk of dropping out. When his grandfather was away for work, this young boy had to walk for nearly an hour through lonely paths in the rubber plantations to reach school. The isolation at home and extreme poverty often made him feel discouraged, tempting him to quit school to help his parents earn money.

 

A positive transformation began when the "Happy Cambodian Children" Project started its operations at Chheu Khleum Primary School. The project revolutionized the school's environment, including infrastructure improvements, a modern library, a bio-garden, and most importantly, the implementation of a "Home Visit Program."

 

Through this program, the School Principal and the homeroom teacher visited Daviet’s home and witnessed his difficult living conditions firsthand. To encourage him, the school team offered him school supplies (notebooks, pens, and a backpack). However, what surprised and deeply touched the school management was the boy's purity of heart and integrity.

 

Mr. Net Sokhan (Principal of Chheu Khleum Primary School): "The event of that day truly shook my emotions. When the teachers and I presented the notebooks, pens, and backpack to Daviet, he politely raised his hands in a 'Sampeah' and refused them. He gently asked us to give those supplies to other children who were poorer than him. Daviet told me, 'My parents taught me that if I already have enough, I should not covet what belongs to others.' This statement inspired me to share his story on our school's Facebook page, which eventually attracted a private school donor to sponsor a new bicycle for him."

 

Vas Daviet (Student): "I used to feel very sad, but now I am happy every time I arrive at school because it is beautiful, with gardens, playgrounds, and a library full of good books. I want to become a banker because I once met a man from a bank who visited my house, and he told me to study hard if I wanted to be like him. Even though my parents are not nearby, my Grandfather—whom I call 'Old Father'—always helps teach me reading and math at home."

 

Mrs. Chan Ith (Daviet’s Grandmother): "My grandson is a very obedient child and a quick learner. I only need to guide him once, and he understands immediately. My dream is to see him complete his education. I am truly expanding my gratitude to the NGO and the teachers for improving the school and giving my grandson such hope and academic progress."

 

Following the dedicated attention from the Principal and the homeroom teacher:

• Academic Progress: Daviet has risen from ranking 10th in his class to ranking 2nd, with the potential to reach the top spot in the near future.
• Morality & Engagement: Daviet has become a role model, loved by many friends for his maturity and lack of greed. His grandparents have also become active participants in parent-teacher meetings.
• Well-being: The Principal has taken a personal interest in Daviet's well-being, once treating him to a special meal of spicy noodles and buying roasted chicken for his grandparents, which has strengthened the bond between the school and the family.

 

The story of Vas Daviet is not just an academic success; it is a testament to the fact that inclusive education, community engagement (home visits), and compassionate care can transform a child on the verge of dropping out into a valuable human resource filled with knowledge and high virtue.