Spring 24
Finally spring is here in the southern part of this amazing big world.
It’s been another busy quarter for the Aroha Project since I came back from my break in Europe and my bonus few weeks in Aussie looking after little Finlay.
I’ve had to do double the work to make up for my downtime but it’s been such a great opportunity to initiate and plan our next focus.
My trip to Perth was very exciting. I was able to meet some of you and tell you first hand about all that’s happening here and even had the chance to hand deliver some of our newly designed tote bags to keep the monthly backpack initiative ticking along.
(And so sorry to those I didn’t catch up with the time was too short!)
Thank you to everyone who looked after me blessed me and encouraged me I can’t thank you enough.
I will make every act of kindness I have received count.
One interesting aspect of education in Cambodia is the rapid expansion of higher education over the past few decades. After the Khmer Rouge regime, which devastated the country's education system, Cambodia has made significant strides in rebuilding. Today, the country has numerous universities and technical institutes. The main issue is there's a notable disparity between urban and rural access to quality education. Many Cambodian students, particularly in rural areas, still face challenges like limited resources, poorly trained teachers, and a lack of access to modern technology, which can impact their educational outcomes.
Through the Aroha Project we hope to somehow bridge the gap at least for a few students.
As eluded to in the last newsletter we are focusing our effort on establishing a much needed education centre here in
Phnom Penh… it’s coming together so well.
We have the people in place and gathering the resources we need.
THE EDUCATION CENTRE
The Education Centre provides a place for students to come together after school to attend structured classes focusing on the main subjects they need to pass grade 12 exams.
We are thrilled to announce that thanks to the generous donations from our supporters, our students now have access to computers that will open up a world of new learning opportunities for them and future students. These computers are more than just machines — they are gateways to knowledge, creativity, and future careers.
With this new technology, our students can now enhance their skills in digital literacy, access online educational resources, and explore new subjects that were previously out of reach. This is a significant step forward in their education, helping them stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this possible. A special shout out to Swan Christian College for your generous gift of 8 laptop computers.
Your support is not just providing equipment; it’s empowering students with the tools they need to succeed and thrive.
Alongside our year 11 and 12 extra classes we also have a primary program for children from the poorer of our community to receive basic education. The children often come and just sit outside hoping to be invited in so we have decided to run a program that will include them and plan to focus on maths, english, sciences and social studies.
Thank you for partnering with me to build a brighter future for our students here.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Our scholarship students are doing really well and have been passing all their exams. Two of them will complete their courses and will have achieved their Masters degrees by the end of this year. Naturally they are praying they will receive good grades and are very thankful for the increased chances at opportunities in the future for themselves and to be able to support their families.
It’s coming to the end of the academic year in Cambodia and I’m really hopeful to offer two more scholarships this next academic year. If supporting a student in study is something you or your business feel you could do financially please let me know. A contribution of $100 ($25 a week) will pay a student through a university year giving them a hope for a more secure future. Education in Cambodia is a powerful tool for change, but many students face significant barriers, including limited resources and access to quality education.
Your contribution, no matter the size, can help provide the tools, resources, and opportunities these students need to succeed. By supporting a student, you're not just helping them gain an education — you're empowering them to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
COMMUNITY
One of our lovely grandmothers in the province had her house broken into this last month and lost her TV, fan and her mobile phone. We were able to replace them for her and I can’t tell you enough how grateful she was.
We continue to sponsor several Yay’s (grandmother’s) in the province and it’s always such a delight to meet up with them especially after long absences!
Our backpack appeal has been on hold for a few months but after the success of the “tote bags” we will prepare 60 backpacks full of school supplies to take to the province this next month.
There are a few more available from the second batch so let me know if you would like one…or 10 😂
One tote = one backpack
We took a trip out to the Kampong Speu province in August with our soccer team to play against a team in the local community there. We won 6:3. A few of the boys needed new boots and we had enough to pay the petrol costs for the students to get there.
We had such a good day and just reminded me of the small opportunities we can provide that they wouldn’t otherwise be part of as even covering travelling cost becomes such an important component of their capacity to join or not.
We play locally on a Sunday evening but only when funds are available.
Have you always wanted to own a soccer team? Now’s your chance 😂
We are looking for a sponsor for our team… would you like your business name and logo on some soccer shirts?
We can offer tax deductible giving and a photo of your team on your office wall! Win win 😂
Thank you for your partnership with the Aroha project on so many levels… strong partnerships mean we can accomplish more together. We are having significant short and long-term impact here in Cambodia. I love what I do here which I guess this increases the effectiveness of our project but I couldn’t do anything without you. Thank you for helping me help them. Thank you for giving the people here an opportunity and ability to shape their own lives and the future of Cambodia.
So in summary my main needs at the moment are:
Any contributions possible for the running of the Education Centre
Sponsor for two students for scholarships in the upcoming academic year
Football fan to sponsor our team
Donations for the daily financial needs of running our project
Life is short, love what you do.
Thank you for your love and prayers,
Arohanui, Annie.