Over the past few years, the school project has evolved into a regular development program for Tabitha Cambodia. As our communities go through a process of poverty alleviation, the parents of our families have demonstrated a great desire for their children to attend school. It is part of a normal, healthy process of childhood development. For Tabitha, we are becoming more aware of the need for educational opportunities for our children.
Whenever possible, Tabitha Cambodia will assist our communities in getting a sturdy, well- built school, through construction of these schools and working in conjunction with the Cambodian government who supply the land. All schools built by Tabitha will be government approved and owned schools. The Cambodian government will also supply directors, teachers and books when the school facility is completed.
During the year ended August 2011, we built 14 schools in our project areas. The impact on the children in our program is incredible. In our new areas - an average of one child per family is able to go to school, in areas where we are mid-program the average is 3 out of 5 and in our established areas all five children are able to attend school.
Tabitha Singapore is now working with local supporters to sponsor collections of classrooms in recognition of Sue Huxley, a long term volunteer and supporter of Tabitha Singapore, who lost her battle with cancer on 5 March 2010. The first of the Sue Huxley Schools officially opened on 19 March 2011 in the Sapor Province of Cambodia. To read more about Sue's contribution to Tabitha and the schools we will build in her name please click here.
For further information about donating an entire school in your Company/Family name or about the school programme generally, contact schoolbuilding@tabithasingapore.com.
School Objectives for September 2010- August 2011
Tabitha Cambodia will endeavour to build 27 schools complete with facilities, within the period September 2011 to August 2012. This will provide education for approx 15,500 students - at a cost of US$1.3million.
Tabitha Cambodia School Program September 2011 till August 2012
Province
DESCRIPTION
# Of Students
Cost in USD
Battambang
Anglouk Korn Middle
6 room school
690
$ 50,133
Anlong Thmei Primary
790
Koh Kong
Preah Ang Keo
500
Prolean Primary
Takeo
Trapaign Ko Primary
550
Svey Rieng
Kaoh Kao Primary
450
Ken Ta Siv Primary
3 room school
240
$ 26,525
Kampong Channang
Khnar Chamar Primary
1020
Kompong Thom
Por Damnak Primary
600
Angdoung Trom Primary
Prey Veng
Russey Tev Primary
Domrey Poun Secondary
Preah Sara Pech Primary
640
Pursat
Phneou Primary
Kampot
Anlong Thanang Primary
Lumpou Primary
Banteay Meanchaey
Kontrop Primary
Rohal Middle
12 room school
$ 95,189
Rumdaol Primary
Romdoul Middle
Teuk Chor Secondary
Total
15,510
$ 1,327,823
Sue volunteered with Tabitha in Singapore for many years organizing house building trips to Cambodia and assisting with the co-ordination of Tabitha's Silk Fairs. Sue was our "Special Order Guru" when it came to taking orders. She was enthusiastic and knowledgeable of Cambodia's history, culture, food and people and made an excellent tour guide for the groups she led on house building trips. In 2005 she became the Team Leader for the house-building trips for the Australian School parents and friends, and spoke at many information events at AISS to promote Tabitha and our philosophies. Sue became a valued member of Tabitha Foundation (Singapore) in January 2008 and continued to provide her insights into the lives of Cambodian families, learnt during her many years of experience in the country, at the committee level.
In August 2009, during the annual house-building trip to Cambodia, Janne Ritskes shared her vision of building schools for the communities that Tabitha works in, with Sue and her co-leader Lisa Newman. Both Sue and Lisa were inspired by the opportunity to raise funds and participate in what was then only an idea. Unfortunately Sue's condition worsened following what was to be her last trip to Cambodia, and she was unable to be hands-on with the Schools project.
As a tribute to Sue, with the blessing of Janne and with the support of her husband David and children Sarah, Nicole and Christopher, Sue's family and friends around the world raised money to build the first Sue Huxley School which officially opened on 19 March 2011. The Sue Huxley Sapor School is currently educating 100 0 children from kindergarten to year six.
Tabitha Singapore intends to continue to raise funds to commemorate Sue's memory and her significant contribution to Tabitha in Singapore and Cambodia. Funds have already been raised to start the second Sue Huxley School which we hope will be completed by the end of 2011. The Sue Huxley Sandang School will serve to educate 500 children living in and around Sandang Village in the Kompomg Thom province of Cambodia. If you would like to participate in this school (and others to follow) please click here and ensure you note "Sue Huxley Schools" in the description field.
The Huxley family is currently working on a website to keep you updated on the progress of the Sue Huxley Sandang School. A link will be provided when this project is complete but in the meantime if you would like further information please email suehuxleytabitha@gmail.com
