A non-governmental organisation (NGO) has come forward to donate boats that will make commuting easier for students of three provinces living in floating houses in Tonle Sap Lake.
The provinces – Battambang, Siem Reap, and Banteay Meanchey- each will receive 12 boats, of which two will serve as mobile libraries, while the other 10 will be used to ferry students to schools.
Battambang became the first province to receive the boats provided by Aide et Action last week.
Yi Songky, director of Battambang Provincial Department of Education, said that more than 10 schools will benefit from the Aide et Action boats worth $1,500.
“The boats provided by Aide et Action are very important as it will increase enrollment, reduce dropouts, and accelerate efforts to reduce educational challenges faced by students in the region,” said Songky.
He added the boats will ensure access to education for all and the mobile libraries will be managed by Aide et Action official.
Primary School Education Office director Tiev Visal said recently the boats can transport children to more than 10 schools in Bakprea village, Koh Chivaing of Ek Phnom district along Tonle Sap Lake, and it also ensure the safety of students commuting to school every day by boat.
“I am so happy with the boat donation of Aide et Action because it helps poor children in disadvantaged fishing communities,” Visal added.
Aide et Action director Vorn Samphors said the programme is aimed at increasing enrollment of students, especially in libraries, which will reduce significant educational barriers and enhance reading preferences.
“This offering is sponsored by the FOSTER project, which supports school children within the FOSTER project’s framework and is funded by the European Union through OXFAM,” he said.
(Article was published on Khmer Times / Publication date 11 November 2022)
