ROTA extends educational aid program into Cambodia

The Kingdom of Cambodia, which is one of ROTA's priority countries, suffers from a high drop-out rate in schools and there is an issue with both the affordability and quality of primary and secondary education. Enrollment levels in primary and secondary schools are significantly lower by poor families, girls and ethnic minorities.

Following a field assessment to identify suitable projects, ROTA elected to sponsor three facilities in the Kandal Province, enabling them to offer higher quality educational opportunities to a greater number of students.

The schools are situated in a rural area, where 45% of the population lives in poverty. The long-term objective of this project is to ensure that high-quality educational and vocational training are made accessible to all students, thereby producing highly skilled workers and improving the economy and overall society.

Primary education opportunities will be provided through the provision of a 3-storey building with 24 classrooms, furnished and equipped with all necessary materials and a playground. Secondary school facilities will also occupy a 3-storey building with a further 21 fully equipped classrooms. The vocational training center will house 21 workshop classrooms. Teacher and student dormitory facilities, a cafeteria, stadium, football and basketball courts will also be constructed as part of the project.

The signing was attended by representatives of the Royal Government of Cambodia and Monithapana Foundation, the NGO supervising the project locally: H.E. Dr. Aun Porn Moniroth, Managing Director General, H.E. Vongsey Vissoth, Deputy Managing Director General, H.E. Chou Vichet, Deputy Managing Director General, H.E. Kim Sopheak, Financial Director, and Mr. Chuan Samreth, Deputy Program Director.

The Vice President (Administration) of Qatar Foundation, and ROTA board member, Mr Rashid Al Naimi attended the meeting, along with Director of Reach Out To Asia, Mrs Omnia Nour, Business Development Manager Mr Armend Reka, Program Coordinator Miss Lamis Sabra, Head of Communications & Marketing Mrs Jill McCarthy, and Volunteer Program Manager Mr David Burton.

According to H.E. Dr. Aun Porn Moniroth Chairman of the Supreame National Economic Council and Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, this project will affect more than 2,700 direct beneficiaries each year. Furthermore, around 520,000 of the population from Kampong Cham and Prey Vengprovinces will also be able to benefit from this project.

"We all at ROTA, and in particular HE Sheikha Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani, our Chairperson, are looking forward to a fruitful period of interaction, which will commence with the construction and preparation of the Vihear Suork school complex," said Omnia Nour. "I truly believe that the programs and experiences of The Monithapana Foundation and Reach Out To Asia, will complement each other superbly."

During their trip, the delegation gave a brief presentation to the ROTA team about the existing facilities and status of the education system in the area in which the project will take place.