Every year, millions of students around the world prepare for school exams, often seen as a measure of academic success and a gateway to future opportunities. But in rural Cambodia, many children never even get the chance to sit an exam. In places like Dong Keab Kdam village in Pursat, barriers such as poverty, lack of infrastructure, and geographical isolation have long kept education out of reach. Children grow up without access to basic literacy, let alone the academic and life skills that could help them break the cycle of poverty. At AusRelief, we believe that school is more than just preparing for an exam, it’s about building a future. That’s why we’re working on the ground in Cambodia to make education accessible, meaningful, and transformative for every child, regardless of their background.
While urban centres in Cambodia are seeing improvements in educational access and quality, rural regions remain critically underserved. Many families cannot afford school supplies or transportation. Some villages don’t have any schools at all. Others are too far away or under-resourced, with limited teachers and outdated facilities.
This results in stark education gaps, many children never attend school, do exams, drop out early, or never develop the skills they need to succeed in the modern world.
To tackle this issue, AusRelief has established a dedicated school in the rural district of Pursat. AusRelief's School of Knowledge and Opportunity was created to integrate academic education with life skills and character development, aiming to support holistic development. Beyond basic literacy and numeracy, the school places strong emphasis on nurturing children’s aspirations, helping them to dream big and prepare for future opportunities. Through mentorship, motivational programs, and exposure to role models, the school encourages students to value education as a pathway to higher learning and a better future. It empowers rural children to envision possibilities beyond their current limitations, whether in university, technical institutes, or other lifelong learning opportunities.
The school addresses limited access to quality education in rural Pursat. Many children in Dong Keab Kdam village and surrounding areas face financial, geographical, transportation, and infrastructural barriers to learning. The school provides:
- Free education
- Bilingual instruction (Khmer and English)
- Values and life skills training
- Safe and inclusive learning environment
- Bridge to secondary education or vocational pathways
It fills the gap by offering education where none previously existed, reducing dropout rates, and giving rural students new opportunities for social and economic mobility.
With two multi-functional hybrid Library-Classrooms and two dedicated teachers, this school is already changing lives, offering not just lessons, but hope. For many of our students, it’s their first time in a formal learning environment, proof that even small efforts can have a big impact.
Community Development Centre (CDC) is a centre dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals within their communities. One of their primary approaches is through offering short course training programs that equip people with practical skills and knowledge. These programs are designed to be accessible, affordable, and inclusive, catering to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
CDC typically offers a wide range of short courses that reflect the needs and interests of the community. For example:
- Basic Computer Skills for Kids: Introduces children to essential digital literacy, helping them become confident in using computers and digital devices.
- English Language for Young Learners: Supports children and teenagers in developing foundational English communication skills in a fun and engaging environment.
- Practical English for Adults: Focuses on conversational and everyday language use to help adult learners communicate effectively in real-life situations.
- Sewing and Tailoring: Empowers participants (especially women and young adults) with hands-on skills in sewing, enabling them to make clothes and home decor items or even start small businesses.
- Graphic Design: Equips learners with creative and technical skills in digital design, opening doors to freelance or employment opportunities.
In addition to skill-based courses, many CDC also operate community libraries, providing free access to books, educational resources, and quiet spaces for learning and personal development.
On average, the CDC serves 200 students per term, with 8 classrooms and 7 dedicated teachers. These centers allow people of all backgrounds to develop useful skills, increase job opportunities, and break down cycles of disadvantage.
Together, our school and the CDC create a learning ecosystem where formal and non-formal education complement one another, helping children not just pass an exam but thrive in life.
Education are more than exams. It’s the foundation of a stronger future, for Cambodia, and for all of us.
Ready to support a future like this?
Support our education initiatives today at www.ausrelief.org.
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