When Lions first visited the Kokbeng Village Volunteer Teacher School, the classroom was little more than a lean-to. Community generosity helped turn it into a safer and better-equipped place to learn.
In just over four months, Lions 4 Kids Cambodia raised AUD 11,500 from 39 donors. That generosity gave the project the means to turn concern into practical action.
On 9 June 2024, Lions Phil and Pedro returned to Cambodia with Lions friend Trevor Crawford and visited the Kokbeng Village Volunteer Teacher School. They were shocked by the conditions. The classroom was essentially a lean-to attached to the teacher’s house, with a dirt floor, holes in the roof, no fans, no lighting and no toilet facilities.
Working with local people, the team developed a practical improvement plan. A builder known as Bing was engaged to construct a toilet block and concrete pad. A septic tank and water tower were installed, the damaged roof was replaced and a concrete classroom floor followed.
The classroom was painted and fitted with improved lighting, fans and a new whiteboard. Teacher Miss Reach was assisted with a desk, storage cabinet, laptop, printer, internet dongle and data plan, laminator and teaching supplies.
The project also provided 150 polo shirts for the students and created a sign to give the school a visible identity within the wider community.
The transformation was made possible by donors in Australia, trusted local assistance in Cambodia and volunteers willing to work together. It is a strong example of what practical community service can achieve.
Kokbeng School Transformation
