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Progress Report: Fall 2006

	Perhaps the most fun we have when we are visiting Cambodian schools is passing out the school uniforms. It is always the same when we go to a school: We are greeted at first with wariness: what do these strange visitors want from us?

Then, as uniforms are distributed, wary silence gives way to giddy laughter. The children realize they are actually getting new clothes of their own. Observing parents break out in broad smiles. This year, we were fortunate to be able to not only distribute uniforms; we were also able to build again, twice.

The second school we have built is for the Kouy. Planned last year, it is now nearly done, needing just desks and a roof. The Kouy have to get teachers and supplies from the government. They will do this, and hope to open soon. These pictures were taken during construction this summer.

	Thanks to the generosity of donors from Resurrection Catholic Church, Rochester MN, we were able to build a third school this year. This was in a village about 60 kilometers from our first school at Poum Steung. Construction there replaced a school so old that it had no roof and could not be used during rainy season. The village of Srei Pou (Rice Field Near Large Tree) will soon have a school for all seasons.

Thanks to the generosity of donors from Resurrection Catholic Church, Rochester MN, we were able to build a third school this year. This was in a village about 60 kilometers from our first school at Poum Steung. Construction there replaced a school so old that it had no roof and could not be used during rainy season. The village of Srei Pou (Rice Field Near Large Tree) will soon have a school for all seasons.

The sewing girls again made over 1200 uniforms. To the right is our newest worker, smiling but a bit embarrassed to have her picture taken. Her mother has died, and like several of the other workers, she is the sole support of her younger siblings. She is a cheerful person and fits in well with the other girls. On the left is Buon Khit, now recovered from malaria. She saved some of her sewing wages and was able to build a hut where she and her brother now live. We helped her finish it with a donation.

The sewing girls again made over 1200 uniforms. To the right is our newest worker, smiling but a bit embarrassed to have her picture taken. Her mother has died, and like several of the other workers, she is the sole support of her younger siblings. She is a cheerful person and fits in well with the other girls. On the left is Buon Khit, now recovered from malaria. She saved some of her sewing wages and was able to build a hut where she and her brother now live. We helped her finish it with a donation.

	Next year, we plan to complete construction and dig wells at the new schools, and buy books for them and for Poum Steung. We have raised sewing wages and plan to make and give out 1,500 uniforms. Another anonymous donor has offered to help build a fourth school, this in Sarith's home village. We hope to start that as well. This project, begun to build one school, has exceeded our fondest hopes. From us, and from the farm children who will now be able to read and write, Aucun shahran (thank you very much)..

Next year, we plan to complete construction and dig wells at the new schools, and buy books for them and for Poum Steung. We have raised sewing wages and plan to make and give out 1,500 uniforms. Another anonymous donor has offered to help build a fourth school, this in Sarith's home village. We hope to start that as well. This project, begun to build one school, has exceeded our fondest hopes. From us, and from the farm children who will now be able to read and write, Aucun shahran (thank you very much)..

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