New School Building at CCC School

A great day on Sunday out at the Chbar Chros Community School in Kampong Speu, for the blessing for the new school building. A huge crowd had gathered to watch the blessing and the speeches; the atmosphere was happy and enthusiastic, despite the searing heat.

We started with some of the pupils demonstrating traditional Khmer classical dance and despite some slight hiccups with the sound system, the girls were wonderfully elegant. Then we had the monks’ blessing, and speeches from Mr. Leang Chanthy, Deputy Director of Provincial  Education, Youth and Sports, Mr. Cheng Thoeung, Commune Leader of Krang Chek and Dom Sharpe, CamKids Trustee.

The outstanding students were then presented with certificates by Benita Sharpe, (CamKids Trustee), Stan Fryman, (Donor) and Mr Leang Chanthy and gifts of school books or backpacks, to encourage them to continue their hard work. The delight on their faces was obvious.

Finally we heard from Stan Frymann, without whom none of this would be possible. As well as funding the construction of the two classrooms and library, Stan has also been teaching at the school for the past few weeks, even staying at the CamKids staff accomodation overnight on many occasions. It’s tough out there for a Westerner and Stan’s fortitude and hard work have been hugely appreciated by everyone. Stan’s donation was part of a legacy from his late mother and some of her artworks have been incorporated into the building. Sunday was the anniversary of her birthday - she would have been thrilled and proud to see what Stan, the local community and CamKids have done together to improve life for the people of Chbar Chros. Thanks, Stan, from all of us.  

The speeches were followed by a delicious lunch, and then dancing. While the Western guests were preparing to leave the community to it, Dom was persuaded to have one dance. He brought the house down. 

Thanks to everyone involved for all their hard work on Sunday, and we look forward to continuing to work with everyone in the future to continue to educate, nourish and improve the health of everyone at Chbar Chros and across Cambodia.