Child Education

What pushed you to work on education?

Everyone needs Education as it is the Light of Life. Without Education Life is Blind. Education is vital for everyone. I was ready to give up my education owing to the family poverty after the Khmer Rouge. With tears, my mother asked me “What your future will be if you decided to stop your study?” Her sentence gave the Light to my Life until today.

Most uneducated people and the people with limitation to Education never give any value to Education for themselves and their children because they do not have any Light of Education in Life. I travel around the country and challenge to children in graveyard, slum, construction sites and poor rural communities that “Poverty Cannot Make You Poor, But Education Can. Where You Were Born and Who Gave You the Birth Cannot Predestine Your Poverty, But You Can Make Yourself Poverty Without Education.”

Even I am not a well-educated person, but I want to see my own children and the children of my people in my country with a good education. Education is a good Investment in Life. It is a Key to Success in Life.

“A Man Without Education is Like a Ship Without a Rudder.” Khmer Proverb. Bible Proverbs 4:13b GNBUK “Your education is your life—guard it well.” Sirivuth’s value is “When Heart Changes Life Changes.”

My knowledge increased through Soft and Life Skills

TangKim, the girl student, in 12th grade of Sampov Poun, said But since I took the courses of Soft and Life Skills, I have noticed my significant increase in knowledge. I can discover my strengths and weaknesses and also recognize my existing knowledge, passion and abilities. In addition, Soft and Life Skills lessons have given me and my friends a better understanding of how to live in an external social environment by interacting with people around us with honesty, valuable friendships and team work.

The good results that I have achieved are due to the great support from the donor and Bethel Mission who provided me and my friend with the opportunity to open the courses for us all. On the other hand, because there are good teachers that made the students easier to understand and students can apply the lessons in real situations.

I would like to thank all the teachers, the donor and the organization for the kind donation to our school.

Soft and Life Skills helps me to strong in spirit

Kakada, 16, the boy student in grade 12, is one of the outstanding students of 140 students in IT Literacy classes at Kampong Leav High School, said that “My classmates and I learned Time Management, Goal and Expectation, Identity and Background and SWOT lessons. All it made us know ourselves better, know our strengths and weaknesses, know our mistakes and more that we have learned.”.

He asked for more support to his school that “I would like Bethel Mission (BMO) and Investment For Life (IFL) to continue to support my school because the next generation still needs more Soft and Life Skills to use it more widely.”
Mrs. Ratana, the teacher of Soft and Life Skills, said “Kakada has changed a lot of his mindset after he learned many lessons of Soft and Life Skills.”

IT Literacy helps me with my study research

Chanthea is studying in 10th grade of Chbar Ampov High School. She said “I attend computer class at graveyard. I had never learned computer before. I only learn the theory from school. I can practice and use the computer. It is good for my research and work on assignments with the computer. I appreciate my teacher who patiently and carefully teach me and my friend with strict regulation.

My friend and I made the very special efforts to learn from typing to Ms Word, Ms Excell, Ms Power Point, Internet and creating email. I would like thank Bethel Mission and the donor who provided the computer courses for us.”

My parents appreciate with my IT, Soft and Life Skills Certificates

Youhour, 18, the boy students at Slaku High School. He, the class leader and one of the outstanding students of the near 100 students who received both certificates of IT Literacy, Soft and Life Skills, said “I am very happy that I am able to receive both certificates of computer and life skills at the same time. It is amazing for me to see the results of my studies.”.

After got home, Youhour presented his certificates to his parents and his mother, Chenda, 56, said “I am very happy that you are always doing good at study. I want to see you succeed in the future.” His father, Yuan, 58, added “You have good certificates today, but you have to keep trying to get better results.” Many students also praised Youhour for his hard work even the principal said that “Youhour is th smart student and works hard to his study. I know Youhour wants to be a good businessman that is why he needs to learn more skills.”

IT Literacy is good for me to go to university and work in the future

My name is Siev Chen. I am from IT class at grade 11 of Borset. I am very happy to receive the certificate today. I would like to thank to the donor and Bethel Mission who brought this course in my school. I had never learned about computer before, but I am excited that I could study it in my school. I can use Ms Word, Ms Excel, Ms Power Point, Email and Internet.

I love computer as it is good for me to go to university and work in the future. Now, I am able to help my friends with the computer knowledge. I am really pleased to learn and develop my skills. My friend and I were not able to learn computer if there was no support from the donor and Bethel Mission. Thank you for your kindness.

Be honest people, know how to struggle in life and set clear goals

Mrs. Chanty, the woman teacher for the Soft and Life Skills at Sampov High School, Kandal province, said “I am new to the topic even I taught the students in grade 12 since 2007. I have never taught this subject before. I am happy to receive the training of the trainer from the project before I can teach my students.”

Within the graduation, Mrs. Chanthy told that “I am very honoured and excited that I can join and speak in the closing ceremony. I would give more advice to the graduates that you must be thoughtful, creative, communicative, good at decision-making, self-respecting and self-confident, no matter what the circumstances.”.

She encouraged the students that “Be honest people, know how to struggle in life and set clear goals. I hope that you all will use this skill as capital in their life journey to overcome the difficulties in order to have a good experiences and happy life.”

Your IT support will boost our students to learn technology in the digital era

At his office, Mr. Sam Ol, the director of the department of education, Kandal province strongly welcome for the project to support his school. He said “It is the right start for the project to support IT as this will boost our students to learn technology in the digital era.” Mr. Sam Ol thanked the donor and project team for the technical and financial help to set up the lab for the benefits of the students to study.”

Mr. Sam Ol shared that “The government is decentralized the schools to be under the management and support by the community where this will be more sustainable than depending on money from the ministry and department.” This is much aligned to the new project initiative to the caregiver engagement.

The life skill is very important for the better of the students

Meeting and fellowship at the department of education, Takeo province, Mr. Virith, the director, said that “I would like to profoundly thank the donor for such a great support to our school in Slaku high school. We do not have any NGO supported with the project.” Mr. Virith also raised his remark that “The life skill is very important for the better of the students.

I would encourage the project to promote the home garden in the school so that the students will have the ideas of growing and raising animals at home and it will be their business after graduation. This will reduce the migration to the neighbouring countries.” Mr. Virith visited the computer class at Slaku high school, Takeo and he was delighted to see the real action supported to his school.

Mr. Virith worked very close to monitor and follow up the school principal to ensure the project implemented according to the plan as agreed with the project.

I am satisfied with the project

Mr. Tharin, the director of the department of education, Kampong Speu, appreciated for the kind support from the project to one of his high schools in the project. He said “I hope the project will expand the support to other high schools within the province as it is our need for the students in the digital era.”

During the fellowship meeting, Mr. Tharin also told that “There are 25 high schools within the province, only 8 few high schools have the computers, but have never had good curriculum, monitor, follow-up and graduation like Borset supported by the project. I would insist the project to help more schools in my province. I am very positive that other high schools will be supported by the project in the coming years.”

Opening and Handing Over Ceremony

Mr. Ponlork Phal, the school principal, Borivas High School, Kampot, said during the Opening and Handing Over that “On behalf of the deputy directors, the teachers, the parents, the community and the students, we would love to profoundly thank IFL and Bethel Mission for the donation of 15 computers, 1 projector, 1 projector screen, 1 printer and instalment materials for our computer lab as it will help our students and teachers to acquire the IT Literacy.

We do hope our students will do their best to learn as it will also be helpful for them to go to university and employment. We are excited and commit to achieve the target as planned in the Agreement."

I started to love my textbook. I enjoyed reading it every day

My name is Srey On. Firstly, I am so thankful that Bethel Mission Organization has operated in graveyard and selected me as an English student. It was such a wonderful class. I really enjoy studying with my friends there.

Graveyard is one of the poorest villages in Phnom Penh. I born and grow in it. Before I did not realize the important of English language and my four macro skills were not good. For instant, during the weekly tests I always got low scores. But since I have studied English classes there for a year, my English four macro skills get better from time to time. I started to love my textbook.

I enjoyed reading it every day. In addition, I am more punctual, honest, patient, obedient and to love each other in the community. In the future, I want to be a doctor because I will have more opportunities to help people especially the poor one.

I recommend to everyone that the English language is very important that we should not skip it.

Hello, I am Lim Soumean. I am going to tell you about how I know Bethel Mission. I met teacher Sinoun and Sirivuth when they came and shared some gifts with the children in my community in 2019. The teachers also announced to all the children who wanted to study English that they would come to register. As soon as I returned home I requested my mom to study at BMO. I told my mom it was for free and however it is near our house. Related to the English class, I think English is an important subject to learn.

Everyone should not miss this subject. For my idea, I can say I have changed a lot before and now. Before I do not how to write in English and I thought that I could not catch up on the lesson like everybody, but a few months later, I could see that I was able to catch up on the lessons well and I got the good result. I promise to try my best to be a better student. I would like to thank Bethel Mission team and teachers for helping me and my friends to understand the English better than we were.

Finally, I recommend to everyone that the English language is very important that we should not skip it, we have to learn it when we are young and it would be helpful in the future because English is the international language that people speak all over the world and it will be connected us by using this language. Thank you!

Knowledge and skills of computer are really important in learning and employment

I am Dararaksmey, 16 years old, 10 grade in graveyard community told that “I learned this computer for two months and changed me from a non-computer person. I learned about integrating text and being able to use Microsoft word 2016 well. Not finished yet, as I am learning more with Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and internet in coming months. Of course, this computer class does not only help me, but many other students lack of professionalism and gives them the opportunity to learn and move the dreams towards.

He expressed that “At the present time, knowledge and skills of computer are really important in learning and employment. I do thank Bethel Mission so much for having the computer class in my computer so that everyone come and learn for free.

4 high schools and 2 Slum Project installed 70 computers and Certification

The four high schools and two slums were completely installed the computers with 70 computers. Those schools included Kampong Leav at Prey Veng province; school, Borset at Kampong Speu province, Slaku at Takeo province, Sampov Poun at Kandal province, Boeung Chhouk and Graveyard at Slum project, Phnom Penh. 525 students enrolled, finished and graduated in 2021, of which 160 students received 2 certificates including IT Literacy, Soft and Life Skill, at the same time, among 305 high students graduated from IT Literacy, 194 girls, 18 students from slums including 12 girls.

They learned the Introduction of Computer, Khmer-English Typing, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, email and internet and 362 students completed and graduated from Soft and Life Skills including 211 girls. They learned Time Management, Self-esteem, Goal and Expectation, Identity and background and Team Work.

Two diamonds from Bethel Mission today can change your lives

Mr. Chheng, Deputy Chairman of School Management Committee of Sampov Poun impressed to the graduates that “We are getting 2 diamonds, the first diamond is computer skills, because now those who do not know computer are blind and they cannot FIGHT within the job market, both domestic and foreign and the second diamond is soft and life skills., No matter how much you know the outside skills, there is no better way than the inside skills, so students must take two diamonds to improve their lives and move towards the goal in life.

Thank you and be grateful for the team of Bethel Mission. We will grow faster if there are organizations like Bethel and IFL. And also thank IFL again for the love to the Cambodian people.”

Soft and Life Skills brighten my future

Voeun Sokny, 18, 12 grade, read her impression to the graduation ceremony: Today, I am very happy to express my interest after studying life skills with two big points; first, the skills of general communication, if we live in a society without communication with each other, the environment around us, we will live in loneliness without happiness.

It is like the world is alone, but if we are in contact with those around us, we will get the attention, respect and love of the people around us. For example, as in a classroom, if each student is not in contact, they will not be able to have peace, knowledge and communication between classmates as a whole. Second, communication in the field of work is necessary to use close communication with each other so that the work goes smoothly quickly.

I would like to thank Bethel Mission so much for working with IFL to support my school so that many students could learn the course.”

IT Literacy gives me a better education and career

I am very delighted to attend the computer class supported by Bethel Mission and IFL to my school. It was my desire that I needed to learn computer, but I did not have any opportunity to do so. It is very important for me to acquire the computer knowledge and I can use it to respond to the social technology development, especially for my university. I love the course; it is a free training course.

Even the disturbance from the pandemics since I started in 2019, but I tried to study online and my focus on my final exam from high school, but I gave my priority to the course as it the knowledge to build up my capacity. The course did help me with ability to work after school.

I would like to thank Bethel Mission and IFL to open this course for me and my friends. I would ask Bethel Mission and IFL to add more computers and give any opportunity of scholarship to Netherlands so that we help build up our human resources in the country.” Sreyphuong, 12 grade, Prey Veng, told her impression.

The project reminds our students to well prepare for job marketplace

Mr. Vanna, the school principal, Sampov Poun high school, said during the handover ceremony that “I would like to thank Bethel Mission for helping our school with IT Literacy, Soft and Life Skills through the kind donation from IFL.

I would appreciate for the materials of 15 computers, project and screen, printer and other supplies that the project provided in the computer lab installment. The project is very important for our students to learn and acquire the new knowledge and skills and help enable them to respond to the requirement of national and international job marketplace.

It is also to remind our students to well prepare before they leave their high school for their further education and employment. I would also like to appeal for another support from Bethel Mission and IFL in the future.”

Computer Class does not help the students, but also the teachers

Mr. Bros, the school principal of Sla Ku high school, Takeo, told that “My school has not yet received any support for more than thirty years. I am very pleased and excited to first see my school equipped with 15 computers, 1 printer, projector and screen and 4 wall fans, lightings and many other installed materials.

I am very proud to get supported from Bethel Mission and the kind donation from IFL in Netherlands to help promote education in my school. The donation is very important to invest to the lives of the students so that they become competent to restore their lives, families and communities. All teachers and students are very happy to see the class open.

We would profoundly thank for the donation and support to our school.”

I want to be a salon store owner because I like to doing makeup

My name is Sreynoch. I am 11 years old. I live in slum. I studied at English at Bethel English Class since 2019. In the past, I was not able to study English because my parents could not afford to pay.

I and my friends were delighted to join to learn and have fun together. After that Bethel Mission opened the English Class in my community. I am excited to be able to learn English for free. I improved my English language day by day. I can speak English a little at the moment.

I would like to thank all teachers and all donors for providing good education to me and my friends for our bright future.

I want to be a teacher because I need to help develop my community

My name is Sovannika. I am 12 years old and I am in the 6th grade at a Primary School. I live with mother and younger brother in cemetery community. My father passed away more than ten years ago.

I am not hot-blooded as before and I knew how to help my friends in what they did not understand. And in the future I want to be a teacher because I see a lot of kids in my village who are illiterate and they just play around and their parents do not care about them. I want to help them with knowledge and want to see my village develop as well.

I am really thankful to my teacher Chanita who taught me everything to change my life. I would also to appreciate to Bethel Mission organization that to provide English classes free and helped business to my family and develop my community.

The computer knowledge that I learned from school helps me a lot for my work

My name is Manin. I am 17 years old. I study in grade 12 at Kampong Leav High School. I was impressed and overjoyed to learn computer at school with my friends when I was in 10th grade. It was the great opening in 2019 I remembered. I bought one computer to study at home after I learnt it at school.

I want to study at university of Health and Sciences after my high school for I want to be a doctor in the future because it is one of my favorite jobs. I want to save the people’s lives around me when they need me I will help them without any return.

I like making video clips and upload on YouTube in my free time. The computer knowledge that I learned from school helps me a lot for my work. I would like to give my profound thanks to my school and the project of IFL through Bethel Mission to support me and my friends for the computer literacy.

The computer does not have the students, but also the teachers

Mr. Bun, the school principal at Prey Veng, used the computer class to train 14 teachers at the first promotion about the google meet, Google classroom and Google Forms. He told that “We will train the teachers in small groups how to use the online technologies to teach the students and work online.” He continued that “The computer is much helpful to us.

I would again appreciate for the kind donation and support from Bethel Mission and IFL so that our school can have computers not only for the students, but also teachers.” Mr. Bun raised that “It is good that the provincial governor postponed the quarantine at our school, so we can meet the teachers and give some advice to the 12th grade students to prepare their exams in November 2021.”

English and Computer Literacy are helpful for me to find a good job in the future

Racheal, girls, 13 told that “We were not able to go to English class because we have to pay and my parents could not afford to do so. I am very happy to learn English free at Bethel Mission. I have learnt there for more than two years. Now, I can read, spell, write and speak English better that I was. I was excited to have computer class because I have never learnt computer before.

It was our first time to sit and touch computer in the computer class. There are no computer training classes or schools in the community. When asked why she wanted to learn English and Computer, Racheal said that “English and Computer Literacy are helpful for me to find a good job in the future. I can also teach the children in the community.”

Promote Education Transform Lives

Computer Class handover to Sla Ku high school, Takeo province under the chairmanship of Mr. Rithy, the director of the department of education. 
Mr. Rithy was excited to visit the class and said "I would very much appreciate for Bethel Mission who supported and made the computer class possible for the school that the government hardly to afford."

Bethel Mission cleaned up the class and painted, installed the network, electricity system, internet and equipped with 15 computers, 1 printer, 1 LCD Projector and screen, 4 fans, and 6 lamps.

Mr. Bros, the principal, expressed that "I would profoundly thank for the kind donation and support from Bethel Mission to help promote the life skill, not only for my students, but for my teachers as well."

The school principal of Kampong Leav High School

Mr. Huon Bun, the school principal of Kampong Leav High School, Prey Veng province, acknowledged and said “On behalf of teachers and students, I would like to thank for the strong partnership that the NGO made with our school. We have never imagined to have any computer class for our school even though it is the strategy of the Ministry of Education to do so”.

One of the students in grade 11, said “I have never touched and learnt computer before, but now I can learn and search for learning materials and store documents. I feel very pleased to have the opportunity to acquire the computer skill. Without your support, I would not have a chance to learn computer today. I do hope I will use the skill for my future career after school”.

IT Literacy for High School Students

15 computers were installed for the students in Samdach Ov Samdach Mae (The King and the Queen) Basedth High School, 71 km from Phnom Penh. The school was founded by the King and the Queen in 1964.

We do hope the computer lab will be helpful for the students to acquire the knowledge of IT Literacy during their high school study.

We will continue to support more high schools in Kandal and Takeo after the assessment. This will give more opportunity to the students tor well prepare for their graduation from high schools whether to further education or employment. Mr. Mon, the school principal, appreciated for the support from Bethel Mission to his student for IT Literacy and said "The Computer Class will benefit to 974 students in grade 10, 11, and 12."

Community Computer Class

After receiving the computers, the local churches started their computer classes. There are 42 children, 30 girls in the poor communities coming to learn their IT literacy.

Sreymeas, girl, 17, in grade 11, said “I would appreciate Bethel Mission who always supports to my church so that everyone can come and learn both English and Computer.”

Currently, Bethel Mission is supporting the computer classes beyond their English in three different local churches. We do hope and pray that the children will be able to use their English and Computer skills for their future.

Mr. Singha Tith, the local church pastor said "I would like to profoundly thank Bethel Mission for the kind support of not English Classes, but also Computer Class to the children in my church." 

English Literacy

We would much appreciate for your faithful and financial support to those living in graveyard, slum, remote and poor communities. With your commitment, 394 children, 245 girls came to English classes.

Kimleang, 11, in grade 4, said “I am happy to come and learn English at Bethel Centre. I am always motivated by my teacher. I feel pleased that I usually have top score in the class among my friends.”

It must be very important to support English Literacy to the children in graveyard, slum and poor communities for their preparation to Computer Class so that they will have a good life skill to move forward to their university or employment.

Bethel Helps My Family

I am Udong, 10, in grade 4. I have 3 siblings, we go to have an English class free at Bethel Mission Organization. I received a new bicycle for my mother to her business, but I always use it for a ride when my mother stay at home.

I also received support from Bethel when I was sick that my family could not able to support. Our family lives in slum in a rent. My father is the subsistence construction worker.

My siblings and I are happy to go to Sunday School. We enjoy worship and fun activities that our teachers help us to use our talent and can save our Power$ to buy staff at the end of the month.

Power$ Gives Me Nutrition

Even though, her parents are the scavengers, Rachael, 13, girl, in grade 6 with 4 siblings, is working hard with her English and Khmer. She said “I hope I will be able to help my family when I grew up.”

With her outstanding, Rachael received good grade among her English Class students and Sunday school. Rachael got the monthly award from Bethel. Rachael told the class that “I expect my classmate will work hard to get award in the future as well.” Rachael was one of the Sunday School who received high Power$ and she could exchange for food and the materials she liked from the shop. With smile, Rachael said "With Power$ from Bethel, I can buy meat, vegetables and snack for my families and myself.

Thank Bethel for supporting me and my friends. Bethel created Power$ for the children to save their learning school and wisdom talent so that they can use in exchange with the preferred shop in order to buy stuff they need for themselves and their families.

I Love Bethel

Pisey, girl, 14, in grade 6, said "I am very excited to come and learn English at Bethel. I love Bethel because it gives me not only English, but also teaches me the good moral as well. I determine that I have to work hard for my future and help other people in my community. I would like to thank Bethel for helping with me and other students."

Pisey told that “I would like to be a school principal in the future.” Mr. Sirivuth, the founder, encouraged Pisey to work hard and he said to Pisey that “I would like to be the school principal in Bethel and you can bring many children in your generation to learn English and teach them the good moral as you are learning from Bethel.”  A few month later, Pisey was anointed to be a child leader. With smile, Pisey said “I am so moved to get the anointment and monthly support and capacity building to monitor the children for English and Sunday School.”