A Thousand Thanks

Break time begins and the students escape their classrooms, running for the playground as fast as they can.

“This is my home,” says Samnang Chea. “And the teachers and students are my family.”



Married with two daughters, the 59-year-old is a primary school director. His dedication helps create a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through the gate.


CREATING A ENCOURAGING PLACE 


Four buildings house nearly a thousand children ages 5 to 13, who gather in classrooms decorated with the Khmer alphabet and impromptu planted pots made from empty plastic bottles. Not every school is as beautiful as this and it is largely thanks to Mr. Samnang.



When asked to describe the school director, former pupil Dylen, 14, says, “I like him because he’s thoughtful and always asks the students what they think to encourage them to take decisions.”



EDUCATION HIS ONLY PATH


An orphan, Mr. Samnang looked after his two younger siblings from an early age and soon realised that education was the only path to a brighter future. 



Despite his tough start, Mr. Samnang worked hard to finish secondary school, with both his siblings following in his footsteps to become financially independent. His daughters have since done the same, so now he can devote all his time and energy to the school and its pupils.



World Vision works with the school and the wider community and Mr Samnang soon discovered a shared vision: that local people should work together to create a better life for everyone, especially children.



DREAMING OF THE FUTURE


The director has taken it upon himself to draft numerous project proposals and has proved very successful at raising funds and kick-starting initiatives to develop and renovate the school.



World Vision’s local project coordinator, Simly Sin, says, “If we had a thousand Mr. Samnangs, we wouldn’t need our own staff.”



Two themes particularly attract Mr Samnang’s attention: disaster risk reduction and adapting to climate change.

As the appointed ‘owner’ of the these projects, the educator works with his colleagues and students to improve awareness of both issues, campaign for change and organise events, such as a recent concert, to raise money for those who have lived through devastating natural events.



INSPIRING A GENERATION


Mr Samnang knows that World Vision’s programme will end one day, but he is confident that both he and other local people can continue their progress independently, although he acknowledges it may take some time.



“I want to see my community transform from receiving support to providing it,” he says having already taken a lead by dipping into his personal savings to help fund the new school library. 



The community activist’s principles in life are to work hard and be open to new ideas. He is keen to learn more about new technology and public administration to bring about change.



He says, “We must open our hearts to learn and work together for a better and sustainable society.”